Collaboration on key cycleway makes cycling safer.
NZ Transport Agency staff Kevin Fleckney and Graham O’Connell on the new route.
The latest section of Auckland’s expanding cycling and walking network – the Upper Queen Street, Grafton Gully and Beach Road link - was opened on Saturday 6 September, extending Auckland’s longest and best used cycle and pathway almost to the centre of the city’s CBD.
The NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have collaborated on the link’s three sections - the Council is 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 for those who walk and ride; and a 630metre-long cycleway separated from traffic has been developed by Auckland Transport along Beach Road.
The combined 2.7km cycleway will provide improved connectivity between the western suburbs and central city and part of a network that will eventually provide nearly 1000 kms of cycling routes across the city.
This project also reflects the response from the three agencies which recognise the shift in commuters wanting more travel choices to get around. Using alternative modes of transport, away from the traditional car, will also help take pressure off local roads and state highways.
“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,” says the Transport Agency’s Regional Director for Auckland, Ernst Zollner.
Already a large number of trips are taken along the Northwestern cycleway and with the new links, even more people will be encouraged to hop on their bikes to beat congestion on the city’s highways and roads.
Auckland Transport says the Beach Road cycleway is also part of the Auckland Transport’s Harbour Edge initiative, which seeks to better connect people with the sea and further develop the council’s objective to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city.
“We’ve already had very positive feedback from people, with many saying it will deliver much-needed safety improvements, attract more cyclists to the area, and be a catalyst for other cycling projects in the city” says AT’s Chief Operating Officer Greg Edmonds.
Cyclists and pedestrians on the lower section of the new Grafton Gully Cycleway.
