Final piece to Auckland's inner city cycle loop announced

A cyclist uses the Nelson St cycleway. Photo / Supplied

Auckland's cyclists will soon enjoy "protected" cycle lanes along some of the city's busiest streets.

Today, Auckland Transport announced the second phase of the city cycle loop, which will connect the Nelson St Cycleway to Quay St via Market Place, Customs St West and Lower Hobson St.

"This will be huge for Auckland," Auckland Transport cycling, walking and safety manager Kathryn King said.

"This creates a cycle spine on the west side of the city making it even easier to cycle to workplaces throughout this part of the city including the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter."

The first phase of Auckland's Nelson St Cycleway opened in December 2015. Photo / Dean Purcell

Phase two of the project will introduce protected, on-road cycle lanes on both sides of Nelson St and Market Place, from Victoria St to Pakenham St East.

Construction will begin in April for a scheduled completion in July.

Further plans for the remaining section of Market Pl, Customs St West and Lower Hobson will be announced early this year.

The cycle loop currently includes bike paths on Quay St, Beach Rd, Grafton Gully and the pink Lightpath, and is part of a $200m urban cycleways upgrade.

Auckland's inner city cycle loop. Graphic / Supplied