Completion of the State Highway 88 harbourside cycling and walking track between Dunedin and Port Chalmers is a priority for two thirds of submitters to the draft regional land transport programme for 2012-15.
Of 91 submissions received, 60 supported the combined cycleway and walkway being completed as soon as possible.
Many cited safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians who were forced to use SH88 with its heavy traffic, including both container and logging trucks.
Anecdotal evidence showed increasing numbers of people, including tourists, attempting to cycle or walk along the route.
About 15 submissions were explained in detail by those who chose to appear before the Otago regional transport committee in Dunedin yesterday.
Committee member Jim Harland said he had heard cycling referred to as the "new golf".
Chalmers community board chairwoman Jan Tucker told committee members the board appreciated all the support to date for development of the cycling and pedestrian track.
Because of increasing traffic, including heavy logging trucks, residents could not safely cycle or walk between Port Chalmers and the city, she said.
Numerous cruise ship passengers and crew members travelled with bicycles and wanted to be able to cycle from Port Chalmers into Dunedin and back, Mrs Tucker said.
Otago Peninsula continued to be recognised internationally as a prime cycling route and cycling tourism in general seemed on the rise, she said.
"It's difficult to explain to overseas people that it's not particularly safe for them to bike on the highway. Some turn back, some keep going, but it's of concern to me that we are getting more cyclists from overseas coming and I see an increase in that," Mrs Tucker said.
"I would like to see it [the cycleway and walkway] finished before I have to walk it in a Zimmer frame. If we can't get our trucks off the road, let's get our pedestrians and cyclists off the highway," she said.
The committee will finalise the draft plan, for consideration by the Otago Regional Council.
