The NZ Transport Agency says today’s announcement that the Government’s Urban Cycleways Programme (UCP) will see another $296 million invested across 41 projects in 15 urban centres over the next three years (taking the total UCP investment to $333 million) will help to establish cycling as an integral part of New Zealand’s transport network.
Transport Agency Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield said cycling was now the fastest growing mode of transport in several New Zealand cities and towns, and making urban cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice had been established as a key priority for the agency.
“We’re delighted with the significant increase in cycling investment announced today. Getting more New Zealanders cycling will relieve congestion during peak travel times, connect people with a greater range of employment, education and social opportunities and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future for our transport network. Put simply, cycling is good for our cities, it’s good for the environment and it’s good for our health.”
Mr Dangerfield said the Transport Agency would work closely with local authorities to accelerate the delivery of cycling networks in urban areas across New Zealand.
“We’re also working to improve safety, and perceptions of safety, for cyclists. This includes safer networks in all main urban centres, improving attitudes towards cycling, and building mutual respect between cyclists and other road users. The recommendations from the recent New Zealand Cycling Safety Panel report are at the core of this work programme.
The Urban Cycleways Programme is designed to take full advantage of all available funding sources, including the National Land Transport Fund and local government funding, to enable high-quality projects to get underway much sooner than may otherwise have been the case.
The total investment in cycling in New Zealand over the next three years is anticipated to be between $380 million to $400 million, delivering over 250km of new urban cycleways and greater network connectivity.
For further information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/UCP(external link).
