Following a report from a local about being sworn at by a speeding cyclist on Albert Town’s Outlet Track, a community board member is hoping for changes in the track’s management.

An Albert Town resident posted on a local social media site that she was walking the track on December 13, when a mountain biking came racing along between her and another walker with a dog.

“Never slowed from his crazy pace and when asked to "slow down" yelled something that started with f---,” she said.

She said both walkers were well to the side of the track, and reminded people “that these tracks are for everyone to enjoy”.

Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris responded that he would like to help walkers send a submission to the Department of Conservation (DOC, which manages the track) asking them to come up with a solution.

He said it could be “along the lines of ‘Cyclists must dismount’ and designate the track as ‘Walkers only’”. 

The track, which runs between Albert Town and the Clutha/Mata-Au River’s outlet from Lake Wānaka, is signposted for cyclists to give way to walkers and keep their speed down.

Chris told the Wānaka App he used to walk the Outlet Track regularly “but stopped when cyclists became too numerous”.

“Given the beautiful nature of this area I don’t believe any cyclist should be going at speed and could walk their bikes for the part of the track from the Outlet through to the Albert Town end. 

“If the cyclists wish to go at speed there are many other options,” he said.

Chris said he will be led by any motivated users to see if he “can help facilitate future discussions”. 

Department of Conservation Otago operations manager Charlie Sklenar told the Wānaka App the Outlet Track is a shared use track and “bikers, hikers and dog walkers are all welcome”.  

“All users need to be mindful and respectful for everyone’s enjoyment and safety. All dogs need to be under control and bikers should follow the mountain bikers’ code - respect the rules, respect others and respect the track,” she said.

She said DOC works closely with community groups, like the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, to manage and maintain tracks on public conservation land for the community and visitors.

“We have allocated resources to improve and widen the track in priority places. 

“As this will require closing the track for a number of days, this will be completed in late summer when usage drops.”

Bike Wānaka president Ewan Mackie said he believes the vast majority of cyclists are “friendly, gracious and do indeed give way to walkers on the Outlet Track”. 

“But it is a sad reality that there is a very small minority who are either unfamiliar or simply disrespectful of these guidelines,” he said. 

“The pressure on the Outlet Track in terms of the sheer numbers of bikers and walkers on a single track is a symptom of the overall lack of public recreational tracks in the Wānaka area. 

“Bike Wānaka very much looks forward to the creation of biking and walking trails in the new Mt Iron Recreation Reserve and will continue to explore other opportunities for new tracks in our area. An expanded network of tracks will help alleviate pressure, and occasional conflict, overall.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App