AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE
27 February 2006
Auckland City shows its cycle friendly side
A number of cycle events on around the city this week mean there has never been a better time to jump on your bike.
Auckland City is throwing itself behind national Bike Wise week, with a range of entertaining events like the Bike to
Work Breakfast on Wednesday, the Kids Bike Ride at Western Springs on Thursday and a "Cyclists - Auckland Needs You"
campaign.
Transport and Urban Linkages Committee chairperson, Councillor Richard Simpson, says it is vital that the council does
its bit to encourage Aucklanders to consider cycling to get from A to B.
"The council is committed to improving and developing cycling facilities that make cycling around the city more
accessible and safe," says Mr Simpson.
"We have an increasing number of dedicated cycle lanes, secure cycle parking facilities, enhanced street lighting, and
safer cycle access to train stations."
Current projects around the city include:
* developing a $3 million cycleway linking Pikes Point in Onehunga to Richardson Road in Mt Roskill
* introducing new cycle advance bays at key intersections, including those around Newmarket this month
* advancing designs for cycle and walking infrastructure in Ellerslie, Newmarket and Mt Albert (a $2 million project)
* working with schools, businesses and tertiary institutions to provide information on alternatives to daily car use
* introducing cycle-friendly improvements on New North Road in March
Designed as a fun, educational event, Auckland City's free Bike to Work Breakfast on Wednesday in Aotea Square from
6.30am to 9am is expected to attract hundreds of cyclists from across the city.
For youngsters, the Kids Bike Ride at Western Springs on Thursday evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm promotes cycle
safety, with supervised rides, entertainment and prizes.
The bi-annual cycle campaign, which starts today, promotes cycling as an alternative travel option, while encouraging
other road users to respect cyclists on Auckland city roads.
The campaign was also named as a finalist in the 'Best Cycling Promotion' in last year's annual Cycle Advocates' Network
(CAN) awards.
ENDS