German Cycle Autobahn

Recently the first 5 kilometres of a 100-kilometre cycleway autobahn was completed in Germany. The cycleway will connect ten western cities including Duisburg, Bochum and Hamm.

There are around two million people living in the area and it has been estimated that the cycleway will result in 50,000 fewer cars on the road each day. The completed tracks are four meters (13 feet wide) and will include bridges and overpasses to ensure a safer ride. It is intended that in the long term that the whole country be served by a cycling network. It is envisaged that the autobahn will be used along its whole length for locals to use as a commuter link. The funding for all of the 100 kilometres has yet to be confirmed.

The new cycleways in Auckland compare favourably with developments in Germany with the north western cycleway being of a similar standard as in Germany. As a frequent user of the cycleway during the week I have noted a steady increase in cyclists coming into the city from the west in the morning.This trend will reduce the number of vehicles on the roads as more cyclists ride rather than drive into work. The dramatic increase in the use of electric bikes is also likely to result in a wider range of cyclists using the cycleways.