New Albany Highway cycleway empty

A new dedicated cycle path, installed as part of one of Auckland Transport’s biggest roading projects on the North Shore, is ‘‘underutilised’’ an Auckland ward councillor says.

The Albany Highway cycle path was one of eight cycle paths introduced by Auckland Transport (AT) in 2016 to expand Auckland’s cycling network.

Albany ward councillor Wayne Walker said the underused 3.8km on and off-road cycle path, that was part of the $38 million Albany Highway North upgrade, has the potential to attract more cyclists, if better links to surrounding areas are put in place.

In a scheme to increase user numbers, Walker wants to work with Massey University to encourage more of the 7500 students to use bikes to increase mobility around the Albany campus.

The campus is split across three precincts in the area and is bordered by the Albany Highway cycle path.

Walker said there is an opportunity for the Massey University staff and students to be leaders in the community in using public transport and other forms of alternative transport, especially e-bikes.

Bike Albany member Nicholas Carman said the Albany area has lots of potential to be cyclefriendly, but it ‘‘needs some love and organised planning’’.

The Albany Highway cycleway ‘‘doesn’t connect with anywhere’’, Carman said.

‘‘It’s a pleasant ride but it doesn’t take me anywhere I want to go yet. I would love to see a cycleway all the way along to Northcote, so I can catch the ferry, or to Greenhithe to connect with the Northwestern cycleway.’’

A lack of cycle lanes on key arterial routes, like Oteha Valley Rd, safety issues on the narrow Gills Rd and the limited off-road cycling options in Albany Village are among the major issues Bike Albany has identified in a plan they are putting together to present to the Upper Harbour Local Board.

Carman said he is realistic ‘‘that it takes a long time to make positive changes’’.

He would like to see the local board focus on shared paths and green paths through Massey University grounds to Rosedale Rd and in Hooton Reserve and Kell Park.

Bike Albany also suggest reducing the 60kmh speed limit on Oteha Valley Rd.

Kilometres of new cycleway in Albany is abandoned by cyclists.