23 November 2004

Auckland City wins cycle friendly award

Auckland City won the Best Cycle Facility award last night at the annual Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) awards. The national award, presented by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Pete Hodgson, was for the council’s Waterview cycle and pedestrian overbridge project.

Auckland City senior transport planner, Coralie McDonald, says the council is pleased to be recognised for this project.

“In the past, cycle facility standards were compromised due to competing interests. This is an important award as this project represents the type of facility Auckland City would like to build in the future.”

Ms McDonald says the project meets three key criteria for cycle facilities – safe, direct and pleasant.

“The project which was completed in February this year, forms part of the north-western cycleway and provides safer access to the Unitec campus. Cyclists no longer have to face the scary prospect of crossing heavy traffic and now have more direct access to the CBD by bike.

“The cycle facility also represents Auckland City’s commitment to listening to the needs of cyclists. When cyclists told us the surface was slippery on the bridge Auckland City responded by providing an anti-slip treatment for the cycleway,” says Ms McDonald.

The event, held at Parliament Buildings last night, celebrates innovation in cycle promotion and cycle friendly environments for cyclists of all levels. CAN organises the event where there are four categories: best cycle facility best cycling promotion cycle friendly commitment by a business cycle friendly commitment by a public organisation.

ENDS

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