Auckland's Grafton cycleway officially opened

PM John Key and Auckland Mayor Len Brown at the opening of the Grafton Gully cycle trail. Photo / Michael Craig

The latest section of Auckland's expanding cycling and walking network was officially opened today by Prime Minister John Key.

Mr Key was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by Auckland Mayor Len Brown, elders from Ngati Whatua o Orakei and Cycle Action Auckland.

Mr Brown said the link to better connect the existing Northwestern cycleway with central Auckland and the waterfront was "a huge advance for cyclists" in Auckland.

"I look forward to further progress towards developing a great cycling city with other projects such as the West haven Promenade and the Northolt Cycle Route that will integrate cycling with other modes of transport across Auckland."

The NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport collaborated on the link's three sections to give people better access.

The Council was responsible for a shared pathway for cyclists and walkers on Upper Queen Street, the Transport Agency constructed the 1.9 kilometre-long Grafton Gully section, and a 630 metre-long protected cycleway separated from traffic along Beach Road was developed by Auckland Transport.

"Working together as one, we can construct world class cycling infrastructure for Auckland that is safe and efficient, increases the popularity of cycling, and helps take the pressure off congestion," NZTA's regional director for Auckland Ernst Zollner said.

The combined 2.7 kilometre-long link was the latest section of a network that would eventually provide nearly 1000km of cycling routes across the city.

Auckland Transport chairman Lester Levy said the Beach Road cycleway was a vital part of that network.

"It's the last essential link for cyclists travelling west to the Waitemata Harbour.

Improvements to Beach Road also address safety concerns for people on bikes travelling along a very busy inner city road."

Cycle Action Auckland spokeswoman Barbara Cuthbert said the city's residents were calling for safe, connected cycleways to deliver real transport choice.

"Cycle Action congratulates Auckland Council, the Transport Agency and Auckland Transport for the collaboration that has closed such a major gap in the cycling network and brought this ground breaking project to life."

The total cost of all three projects was almost $19.5m - Transport Agency $15.4m, Auckland Transport $3.15m, Auckland Council $900,000.