DAVID WALKER/FAIRFAX NZ The Uni-Cycle route from west Christchurch into the city has been recognised as one of the most innovative cycling projects in the country.

A cycle route linking the University of Canterbury with central Christchurch has been recognised as one of New Zealand's most innovative cycling projects at a national awards.

The 5.6km Uni-Cycle path was named supreme winner at the Bike to the Future Awards in Palmerston North this week.

It also rode off with an award for built excellence, and was described by judges as an "exemplar project".

Christchurch also won the revolutionary award for for Biketober Christchurch 2017, a month-long celebration of cycling aimed at getting more people on bikes.

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The Uni-Cycle path opened in September 2017. It passes a number of schools on its route through Hagley Park, Riccarton Bush and the Ilam Fields, offering cyclists a safer journey into the city.

In February it was reported more than 1250 cyclists were using the more-than $9 million route every day at North Hagley Park.

FAIRFAX NZ The Uni-Cycle route has been a hit with cyclists since it opened last September, with more than 1250 using it at North Hagley Park every day.

Cr Sara Templeton, who was at the awards, said it was "very clear from talking to transport professionals and advocates that people really look to Christchurch for leadership in this space, which is really good.

"While other places might be doing one or two really cool individual things, the fact that we are doing this network and getting it done to such a high standard is the envy of the rest of the country."

Cr Pauline Cotter said the council's cycleway programme was "incredibly visionary" that had earned respect for the city: "Christchurch is winning here."

Christchurch was last year named New Zealand's top cycling "town".

IAIN MCGREGOR/STUFF A section of the Rapanui Shag Rock cycleway through the middle of Linwood Ave is now complete.

The second section of the Rapanui to Shag Rock cycleway running through the middle of Linwood Avenue opened in July.

Another Biketober event will take place this year, with a bike expo, rides to help improve confidence, and workshops on cycling maintenance.

Cotter said: "With impressive biking numbers continuing through the winter and more cycleways, bike events and promotion in the pipeline, there is plenty more to encourage people to give cycling a go."