Auckland Transport media release

5 September 2017

Consultation open on last stage of central city cycle loop

Aucklanders are being asked for their feedback on a design for the final section of the central city cycle loop. The proposed route takes riders through Market Place, Customs Street West and the western side of Lower Hobson Street, linking the Nelson Street cycleway to the Quay Street cycleway.

Auckland Transport’s Manager for Walking, Cycling and Road Safety Kathryn King says she is excited that Auckland is now so close to having a fully separated central city cycling loop.

“When we started our current three-year cycleway building programme two years ago, we had big plans to transform Auckland into a city for bikes. Consulting on the final section of the central city cycle loop tells me that our plans have come together and we are making great progress.”

“We know from overseas examples that cities where cycling has taken off have a solid network of connected routes to take people to and from the city for work and study. Completing this loop around the city is hugely significant and will mean we continue to see big increases in the number of people using a bike to get where they need to go. Last year we welcomed more than 45,000 new riders to Auckland and across Upper Queen Street, 9.4 percent of traffic movements were bikes. As our network grows, so will the numbers of people seeing the benefits of traveling in an active way, avoiding traffic and keeping fit.”

Work is already underway on other parts of the central city cycle loop between Nelson Street from Victoria Street to Pakenham Street East on Market Place and Pitt Street from Beresford Square to the motorway on-ramp at Hobson Street.

NZ Transport Agency’s Acting Director of Regional Relationships Pete Clark says, “It is a huge achievement that the Auckland central city cycle loop is now approaching completion.

“This section is being made possible by the Urban Cycleways Fund, which has brought together $200 million of central and local government funding over three years, providing a safer and more connected cycling network throughout the city centre, and key links in the inner suburbs.”

Chair of Bike Auckland Barb Cuthbert says, “Bike Auckland is keen to see this last section of the link to the waterfront completed. Protected, dedicated cycle facilities suitable for all types of people on bikes will allow more people to ride to work or play in the area - and this connection finally extends the promise of the Lightpath all the way to the harbour.”

In the planning stages, AT evaluated a number of routes for this final section of the city loop including Sturdee Street and the eastern side of Lower Hobson Street. On balance, the route that is now out for consultation has the width to accommodate the cycleway and provides the most direct route for people on bikes. AT has been working with local businesses and delivery companies to understand the changes that will need to be made to accommodate the cycleway through this area of town.

Current designs propose that on Customs Street West and Lower Hobson Street delivery people will need to cross the space allocated for cyclists and painted and/ or textured surfaces will be used to delineate walking and cycling areas and alert people to the presence of bikes.

During consultation, AT will be asking for feedback on the design of the cycleway and four potential loading zone configurations for the eastern side of Hobson Street.

To make a submission go to: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/nelson-street-cycleway/

ENDS

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