Cycleways in the USA

In the United States, there is also a trend to build car- free roads, lanes and bike paths as in Europe.
This link includes examples of car - free roads across the USA.
http://www.bicycling.com/rides/travel/10-best-car-free-bike-paths-in-the-usa  

The New Zealand cycle trail network provides similar off-road cycling experiences that are providing good opportunities for cyclists of all abilities to see New Zealand on a bike. The cycle trail networks are mostly geared for people to visit on day trips rather than as part of a cycle tour of New Zealand but they can be incorporated into a cycle tour with the proviso that not all of the cycle trails are suitable for touring bikes with full loads.

The great news is that every year significant progress is being made to make New Zealand more cyclist friendly and that this is part of a worldwide trend.

Cyclist Friendly - Bike pump & Repair tools - North Western Cycleway

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.

Cycleways Auckland - Progress Report 2015

2015 has shown significant progress in the development of the network of cycleways in the Auckland Region. The Auckland Council and all the other agencies including Auckland Transport and the Government are to be congratulated on their commitment and vision in investing in the network of cycleways in the region

New tunnel under Te Atatu Road - North Western Cycleway - Dec 2015

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There is always resistance to change and there have been letters to the Herald that have suggested that the cycleways are an extravagance that we cannot afford and that they are only used by a few cyclists who do not contribute to the cost of the roading network. While the car has been the dominant form of transport in Auckland over the past fifty years it is evident that the cities congestion problems will not be solved by just  building more motorways. The solutions most overseas cities are adopting include improved public transport, cycleways and walkways and traffic bypasses.


The suggestion that only a few people use the cycleways is true at this time mainly because of the public perception  that cycling on roads is unsafe in Auckland. I have been cycling in Auckland for the past twenty years and I feel that riding on the roads is now getting safer as drivers become more aware of cyclists and also because the number of dedicated cycleways has grown. Having ridden in Paris recently, I know that the drivers still have some way to go order for Auckland to be compared with Paris or Amsterdam as a friendly place to cycle in.


My strategy for riding in Auckland has been to use dedicated cycleways where ever possible and never to ride on double lane roads.The number of cyclists as in other cities will increase significantly as the dedicated cycleway network is expanded and linked.
Those who think Auckland is too hilly for cycling probably are unaware of the fantastic electric bikes that are now available.

Cycling in Paris

From my experience the number of people who cycle in along the North western cycleway into the city each day is growing every week as the cycleway gets easier to use and every bike means one less car on the road which is a win for both users. Riding a bike also has other benefits which include improved fitness and enjoyment of Auckland's fantastic city environment. These benefits replace the frustrations of motorway blockages and parking problems.

One parent who sees the potential of the cycleway network recently commented in the Herald.


'My 9 year old son says the pink cycleway is awesome. Tip for school holidays: follow the bike signs from Britomart up Grafton Gully and down Nelson St - all safe dedicated bike lanes. Well done Auckland.'

This sums it up that the investment in the cycleways is an investment in the future. The cost of the cycleways and walkways is not high when compared to the costs for new motorways. The proposal for an Eastern motorway for Auckland has been estimated to cost between 2.8 billion to 3.2 billion dollars.

Projects  2015
North Western Cycleway
There has been significant progress on this cycleway that runs alongside the north western motorway for most of its length and in December, the cycleway underpass under Te Atatu road was opened.

 Nelson Street Cycleway
 This cycleway is an important addition to the cycleway network which will become better used when some of other connections still to be built are completed.