The Tamaki Drive cycleway has just turned 42. The milestone is significant because it is a reminder that cycling has been part of Auckland's urban landscape for decades, yet its acceptance as part of the transport mix still faces bumps and impediments.
Hundreds of cyclists turned up when the harbourside cycleway opened on a sunny Saturday in March 1976. The budget for the route from the city to St Heliers was $1000, which included white paint for a separation strip.
Budgets for contemporary projects, such as along Karangahape Rd, run to millions of dollars and take forever to get signed off. The evidence is clear that cycling will become more, not less, widespread, and the benefits to the city will mount. The problem cycleways have getting into gear lies with their planning.
The use of cycles is rising steadily. Last year, counters laid across the city recorded 3.67 million cycle trips, up 6.2 per cent on 2016. Since July last year, 5.2km of new cycleways have been added to the network. Auckland Transport aims to complete 10km by June.
Growth is certain to increase as the cost of electric bikes fall and bike-sharing expands. Another jump is likely to occur after 2020 when the New Zealand Transport Agency anticipates the $40 million Skypath attached to the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be completed.
