Auckland Transport media release

2 December 2013

A new Mount Roskill connection proposed for the Auckland Cycle Network

A new cycleway that will improve safety for school children, as well as recreational and commuting cyclists, is proposed for Mount Roskill.

The Mount Roskill Safe Routes project will provide a connection between War Memorial Park, Keith Hay Park and Waikowhai Park. It’s part of the Auckland Cycle Network, which aims to create a well-connected cycle friendly city.

Auckland Transport is holding an open day at Dominion Road School this Saturday 7 December between 11am and 3pm so the public can view and comment on the initial design for the cycle route.

This is the first stage of consultation, and feedback received will help with the detailed design stage. The project is due to get underway early next year. Also at the open day will be the Dominion Road Upgrade project team, providing an update on the parallel cycle routes being be created as part of that project.

The Mount Roskill Safe Routes project will include new infrastructure and changes to the road layout, particularly at intersections. Various options will be considered including shared paths, cycle lanes, safer arrangements for cyclists crossing intersections and other minor treatments in the road corridor.

Auckland Transport’s Manager of Community Transport, Matthew Rednall, says the aim is to encourage more Aucklanders to get on their bikes. “By providing safe and connected cycle networks, we hope to build the confidence of young or inexperienced cyclists as well as increasing the commuting choices for those travelling to school or work.”

The Mount Roskill Safe Routes project will connect with existing and planned cycle routes on SH20 and roads parallel to Dominion Road to provide future connections between Mount Roskill and Newton. Eventually it will provide a continuous and connected cycle route between Mount Roskill and the CBD, once the SH20 cycleway connects with the SH16 cycleway through the Waterview development.

The project complements and supports the Greenways Network initiative by the Puketapapa Local Board which aims to create continuous connections linking communities to its local open spaces, community facilities and places of interest.

Local Board Chair Julie Fairey says the board is very supportive of the proposal which will build on the existing SH20 cycleway, parks, and coastal walkways in the area. “Opening up a cycle network connecting through local parks will encourage cyclists of all ages to explore their community. We want to acknowledge the advocacy of inaugural Board Chair Richard Barter in getting the Greenways project started and to this point.”

A greenway is a corridor of attractive and safe routes for cyclists and walkers through parks.

The Mount Roskill Safe Routes initial scheme design can also be viewed and commented on at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/saferoutes

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