16 February 2011

Mayor announces more cycling initiatives

The Mayor has confirmed four new cycling initiatives as part this morning's Go By Bike Breakfast in Auckland.

The annual event is part of New Zealand Bike Wise Month and is the biggest event of its type in the super city.

The Mayor biked the 1.5km to the event from the Town Hall with fellow councillor and Auckland Ambassador Sir John Walker.

The first initiative announced by Len Brown this morning is the provision of Public Hire Bikes in the inner city. Auckland Transport called for expressions of interest, which it is now considering.

The second initiative is an investigation into increased cycling safety in the inner city. Auckland Transport is considering a series of recommendations from Cycling Action Auckland. The Mayor expects that measures resulting from this will be announced before RWC 2011.

The third initiative is the proposed provision of bike racks on buses in Auckland. The Mayor has asked council officers to investigate opportunities in this area.

The fourth is the investigation of a walking and cycling link on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. This matter is currently with the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The Mayor has already stated his support for cycling as a real alternative to the private car.

"Cycling is cheap, easy and a great way to keep in shape," says Len Brown. "It cuts congestion and pollution by getting Aucklanders out of their cars and into cycle lanes."

Transport Committee Chair Mike Lee has welcomed the initiatives.

"A significant percentage of vehicle journeys are less than five kilometres in length," says Mr Lee. "That's an easy bike ride, even for beginners, and in many parts of Auckland the journey can as fast if not faster than by car."

Other cycle initiatives underway or about to be completed include:

* Ian McKinnon Drive cycleway due to be completed in June, running between to Dominion Road to Upper Queen Street

* Share the Road, a continued education campaign aimed at both cyclists and drivers

* Tamaki Drive cycle improvements following the tragic cycle death last year

* Auckland Transport now has a Cycle Skills Training team, to teach adults and children cycle and road safety skills, related to School Travel Plans

* For the rest of the month, train passengers can take their bike on the train at no charge. Bikes are usually charged extra.

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