A network of cycling routes between Pt Chevalier and the city fringe (bounded by the north-western motorway and the Waitemata Harbour), is being planned by Auckland Transport. The aim: to provide cyclists with safer and more convenient connections into the city centre and neighbouring suburbs.
In September 2016 Auckland Transport reported on the public feedback on the Pt Chev to city fringe section of the cycleway, and its decisions following that feedback. The report is available online on AT’s website .
AT is still working on design improvements, and will be consulting further on the revised design. It has not yet announced the timing of this consultation. It has given the end of 2018 as its completion date for the present proposals (phase one). We will continue to monitor this.
The proposed routes circle rather than enter the St Mary’s Bay area. However, in April 2016 the St Mary’s Bay Association (SMBA) noted in its submission that while it supports the cycle network in principle it requests the opportunity to “have a say” on the detail of the routes selected following submissions. And in particular, the SMBA has asked for consultation, and time to consult with members, before any decision is made to extend dedicated cycling routes into the St Mary’s Bay residential area.
In general, the St Mary’s Bay Association supports the proposal to:
- Implement high quality cycle lanes on busy roads, ideally physically separated from general traffic.
- Reduce traffic speeds and volumes on quieter roads to make it safer and more attractive to walk and cycle.
- Keep as much on-street parking as possible, but in some locations remove parking to make streets safer.
- Make it easy to cycle as part of the everyday transport mix and providing routes that encourage new cyclists.
The SMBA sees this as an opportunity to deter commuters “rat running” through residential streets with various traffic calming measures, and to make our streets safer and more enjoyable for local walkers and drivers, as well as cyclists.
This is part of a wider government initiative to get New Zealanders on bicycles. The goverment has committed a total of $333 million nationally to expand and improve cycleways. Auckland has been allocated 30% of these funds and all current projects are expected to be completed by 2018. Where appropriate, cycleways will connect with bus and train stations.
The bright pink cycleway, on a previously disused part of the Southern motorway which enters/exits at the top of Nelson St and connects to the Nelson St cycleway is perhaps the most visible signal that the government, local bodies and the New Zealand Transport Agency are serious about improving cycling amenities. All are contributing funds.
In central Auckland a system of separated cycleways and cyclist-safe intersections will connect key parts of the central city, including Quay St and the waterfront, Karangahape Road and Upper Queen St. These will also link with a number of east-west connections.