Auckland cyclist numbers increasing
‘‘We are seeing continual growth in cycle trips across the region with the biggest increase in the city centre.’’
An extra 45,000 Aucklanders have taken to two wheels in the last year.
Auckland Transport’s annual Walking and Cycling Survey published on August 30 reveals that 353,000 people are using bikes, up from 308,000 in 2015.
AT’s cycling and walking manager Kathryn King says the positivity is reflected in the cycle counts. ’’We are seeing continual growth in cycle trips across the region with the biggest increase in the city centre.
‘‘It’s great to see an increase in the number of people cycling to places like schools, local shops, work and to public transport interchanges.’’
According to Bike Auckland, many people cycle just for fitness and it is the main reason people currently ride, while many also do it for other reasons such as going to shops or commuting.
The AT survey results show non-exercise, recreational trips have increased indicating that more people are using bikes for everyday activities.
According to King, the new protected cycling infrastructure such as Auckland’s inner city pink Lightpath is making cyclists feel safer, leading to an overall positive perception of cycling in Auckland.
More than 34,000 people cycle to work but the study reveals that there are a further 144,000 who could cycle to work.
King says that one of the main ways to get people cycling is good quality, connected cycleways.
‘‘As we work with the Govern- ment on the three-year programme of cycleway improvements, we expect the number of cycle trips in Auckland to continue growing.
‘‘Building a network of connected cycleways to and around the city centre as well to key public transport interchanges, is a key component of our strategy to improve the transport network,’’ Kings says.
The survey also reveals the number of people walking has increased by more than 11,000.
AT is working with project partners Auckland Council and the Government (through the NZ Transport Agency and the Urban Cycleways Programme) on a $200 million programme of cycle improvements from 2015 to 2018.
Go to at.govt.nz to view the full survey.