Twin Coast Cycle Trail Trust | Safety, Performance and Governance Improvements

ViaStrada partnered with the Twin Coast Cycle Trail Trust and Far North District Council to deliver a comprehensive programme of trail safety, performance, governance, and future planning initiatives. This included a Safety and Network Functionality (SANF) Audit, an interactive web map of finding, a review of the Trust's Policy Manual, a Trail Warrant of Fitness (TrailWoF) and Performance Plan, and a follow-up assessment for the proposed Ōpua Forest bypass route.

In 2021, ViaStrada undertook a comprehensive safety and network functionality audit of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail between Ōpua and Horeke. The assessment identified opportunities to improve rider safety, trail usability, wayfinding, crossings, maintenance practices, and the overall visitor experience. Findings were captured in an interactive web map, enabling trail managers to visualise, prioritise, and track improvements across the network.

Alongside the audit, ViaStrada reviewed the Twin Coast Cycle Trail Trust's Policy Manual, providing recommendations to strengthen governance, health and safety systems, risk management processes, trail operations, incident reporting, contractor management, and organisational procedures to support effective long-term trail management.

In August 2021, ViaStrada collaborated with the Trust to complete a Trail Warrant of Fitness (TrailWoF) and develop a Trail Performance Plan. The assessment evaluated trail experience, visitor services, governance, trail stewardship, and organisational capability against recognised world-class trail standards. The resulting Performance Plan established short and long-term priorities to guide ongoing investment and continuous improvement, while recognising the trail's strengths in governance, innovation, and trail championing.

Then, in November 2022, ViaStrada completed a follow-up assessment of the proposed Ōpua Forest Route bypass between Ōpua and Kawakawa. The review evaluated traffic, safety, and trail conditions against the New Zealand Cycle Trail Design Guide and provided recommendations to support future route development, improve rider safety, and enhance the overall cycling experience.