MEDIA RELEASE
18 May 2005

More Aucklanders make the move to get on their bikes

The number of cyclists taking to Auckland’s streets has increased by 20 per cent over the past year, peak hour travel research shows.

“Auckland City is pleased with the increase in people choosing to cycle. After all the more people on bikes the fewer people in cars on the road,” says Coralie McDonald, Auckland City Council’s senior transport planner.

“We are committed to investing in initiatives that make cycling a more attractive alternative travel option.

“One of the biggest challenges of making cycling a more viable option is changing motorists’ behaviour. We need motorists to give cyclists room when passing – they’re one less car on the road after all,” says Ms McDonald.

Auckland City is continuing to develop cycleways in the city, focusing on routes from the outer suburbs into the CBD, such as the north-western cycleway.

The council is heavily involved in developing travel plans, a programme of engineering, education and encouraging alternative transport options, one of which is cycling.

“Because around 40 per cent of car trips during peak traffic hours are attributed to an educational destination, getting students on bikes or walking is a priority of travel plans,” says Ms McDonald.

Annual research conducted by the council, counts the number of cyclists during peak traffic times (7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm) at 11 sites around the city.

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