Auckland’s road cycle deaths – reinforce the need for faster action on Auckland’s critical transport projects

The Auckland Transport survey showing many cyclists run red lights doesn’t excuse the lack of action to accelerate projects that would help protect cyclists and other road users, especially large trucks, from each other.

The cycle-truck event in Grafton Gully last week reinforces the undeniable fact that many of Auckland’s critical transport projects should have been accelerated in recent years, says Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.

“Part of Auckland being an international city is how efficiently and safely we move people, goods and services around the city.”

Over the past five years there have been too many cycle deaths, showing a need for a change of attitudes and behaviour by cyclists and other road users and reinforcing the case for faster progress to build a safe and efficient transport network – “A network that is safe for cyclists and protects other road users.”

“The Grafton Gully corridor is critical to Auckland’s commerce. For 30 years Auckland has talked of a project to separate the 4000 freight vehicles that daily head to-from the Ports of Auckland and nearby businesses from other traffic.

“An investigation to look at route options has been underway for the past three year during which time we have not only had the latest death but other incidents reinforcing the urgency of the project.”

“We can’t just keep talking about solving our core transport projects – we need action,” said Mr Barnett.

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