Two thumbs up for newest cycleway

Auckland's newest cycleway, the Waikaraka cycleway, was officially opened by Mayor of Auckland city Dick Hubbard, along with 32 local children who rode along the cycleway this morning.

The Waikaraka cycleway is a 12km cycleway planned to link Pikes Point in Onehunga with SH20 in Wesley when completed. The first 4km between Pikes Point and Onehunga Harbour Road is complete.

"I am impressed with the quality of the new cycleway and am proud to be marking this achievement by the council and getting to see some of the enjoyment it will bring," says Mr Hubbard.

"The Waikaraka cycleway forms a key part of Auckland's cycle network and will link over 20 schools, parks and community centres in the area."

Chloe King, 8, is keen to visit the cycleway again after testing it out the new cycleway with her Onehunga Primary School mates.

"I like that there are no bumps. I am going to come back with my mum and dad to ride in the weekends," says Chloe.

Mr Hubbard signed an international walking charter on behalf of the council, at the launch of the Waikaraka cycleway, confirming the council's commitment to fostering walking.

Councillor Glenda Fryer, the council's Transport and Urban Linkages Committee deputy chairperson, says, "The cycleway forms a strategic link between the south and north-west, and is a critical step towards becoming a city with more sustainable transport choices."

"The Waikaraka cycleway will help make cycling a viable choice for people in a growing area of Auckland."

"There's no doubt cycling is growing in popularity and we must continue to encourage others to jump on bikes and leave their cars at home."

Several key walking and cycling initiatives led by Auckland City Council were discussed at the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee this week.

The initiatives included:

adopting the council's revised walking and cycling framework, which sets clear walking and cycling targets to achieve for the next ten years. supporting a bike rental proposal that will see existing bike stands used for renting bikes by summer this year.

ENDS

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