Currently we are have an urgent situation that could see 20kms of unique MTB Trail right here in Urban Auckland being lost forever - and we need your support to stop that.

The trails are located in Albany Auckland and are called the Royal Albany Trails (affectionally referred to as the RAT).  For those that don't know about the RAT, it's a unique piece of bush with 20kms of established mountain bike single track hidden within the urban landscape of Auckland on the North Shore - see this video for a snapshot of what the trails are like - https://youtu.be/6TVnTM_lp9I

18 months ago the landowners Massey University unceremoniously lock us out after 10 years of unimpeded access - without any real tangible or justifiable reasons following some initial discussions over health and safety on private land - these H&S concerns have since been dismissed as not being pertinent in a recent court ruling (in a completely unrelated case).

Basically we all need to act swiftly to save this resource before it becomes overgrown and lost to the riders of Auckland forever.

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WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT:

We are wanting to open up dialog with the stake holder to find a mutually beneficial solution that would see the trails reopening to the public again.

A taskforce is being created to approach all the stakeholders to negotiate the reopening of the trails, and while we know it will be a battle and a challenge to do this we are prepared to fight for a fair outcome that is mutually beneficial for all parties. The fact is Auckland city needs more of those urban resources not less.

We have set up this Petition to garner community support to show the stake holders we are serious about getting the resource reinstated - and hope that if you are reading this you will support us in proving to them that this is a much needed community asset worth saving.

We have also started up a new facebook group that is focused on fighting to get the Royal Albany Trails (the RAT) reopened to the public again.  This is to help grow support and to provide the public with real informed information surrounding the situation and the progress we are making on changing it.

Our FB GROUP IS CALLED - "Royal Albany Trails REBOOT"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/887371858272346/

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WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO.

We need your support to influent the stakeholders to be more community minded. Basically we need a show of strength in numbers.

1. Please take the time to follow our facebook page
2. and also sign this petition to support our campaign.

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NOT A RIDER?
YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Even if you don't think you would ever ride these trails yourself we still ask that you actively show your support for the campaign by following us or signing the petition because these resources are about the wider community not just the individual, or cyclists - eg they are there for the enjoyment of your partners, your children, your grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc etc.... right now and into the future... therefore are very important to protect.

We also ask that you spread the word to as many of your friends, family and work colleagues as you can so that we can build a very broad and diverse supporter base that really represents the wider community.

Once the RAT is gone it is unlikely we'll have such a large sized riding asset within the city limits ever again - please act now.

thank you for your invaluable support!

www.savetherat.co.nz

#savetherat    #royalalbanytrails

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