By Dylan Harpour, Bike Valet Programme Manager
Photo credit: Matt Crawford/Auckland Transport.
Imagine the world’s most bikeable harbour city, where every person from school kids in Māngere to commuters in Albany feels safe, empowered, and inspired to ride a bike.
A region where cycling isn’t just possible, it’s joyful, fast, and part of the everyday rhythm of life.
I’m dreaming of a fully connected, and separated cycle network. A seamless, city-wide grid of protected bike lanes that link every suburb, town centre, school, and transit hub from the Waitākere Ranges to the Eastern Bays. No more disconnected trails. No more “bike lanes that end in traffic.” Just safe, direct infrastructure designed for all ages and abilities.
I’m dreaming of people-first streets. Whole city centres and key neighbourhoods transformed into car-light zones, with wide pedestrian spaces, thriving local businesses, greenery, and bikes gliding past. A reimagined Queen Street becomes an artistic boulevard, buzzing with energy, art, and slow-moving traffic that prioritises people over cars.
Imagine complete transit integration, every train, ferry, and bus supports bikes with dedicated storage, intuitive links, and secure bike parking at every station. No one has to choose between cycling and public transport; they complement each other effortlessly and bring back generational cycling.
Cycling becomes second nature for young Aucklanders. Every school has safe bike routes, end-of-trip facilities, and free bike education programmes. It becomes normal to see 7-year-olds riding confidently to school, and 70-year-olds pedalling to the markets.
Auckland becomes a clean, green, climate resilient city. Fewer cars. Cleaner air. Quieter streets. Greener spaces. Auckland leads the world in climate-friendly urban mobility. With reduced emissions, fewer traffic deaths, and improved mental and physical health outcomes, the city thrives.
There will be a thriving cycle economy. Bike shops, tourism, logistics, and mobile services (like mine!) can flourish. Local councils and businesses invest heavily in cycling as a serious economic driver, not just a nice-to-have.
Equity is at the core. Cycling is no longer a privilege. Access is universal across income levels, genders, and communities. Investment prioritises underserved areas and marginalised voices, ensuring everyone benefits from a more accessible, connected Auckland.
If you would like to support Dylan’s dream to become a reality, join us. We speak up for you – and the more of us there are, the stronger our voice!
