Each year, Committee for Auckland and Deloitte are funded by Auckland Council to produce a report on the region’s progress compared to other cities, especially those peer cities most similar to Auckland.
The 2025 State of the City report is damning. And car-centricity is a big part of the problem.
The report explains why good transport infrastructure is so important.
“There is a strong correlation in most city benchmarks between transport infrastructure quality and access to good public services, air quality, responsible carbon emissions, and social inclusion.”
But, biking and walking infrastructure aren’t where they should be, it explains.
“Bike infrastructure is missing. Auckland rates eighth among [10] peers for the extent of its citywide cycle lane network. Only one in four residents live within a 300-metre walk of a cycle lane in Auckland compared to more than 50% of residents on average among peers.”
It’s a dramatic statistic, showing exactly what many of those around the region are experiencing.
The picture for walking is similarly dire.
“Fewer walkable places makes Auckland less healthy. Auckland’s urban layout remains the least favourable for walkability among its peers, and in the bottom third globally (ITDP). For intersection density and pedestrian friendliness, Auckland currently rates 82nd out of 84 cities globally.”
Why is Auckland creating such poor infrastructure for walking and cycling? The report doesn’t pull any punches in pointing out that a car-oriented model is the culprit.
“Over 350 cities worldwide are decarbonising transport faster. This reflects Auckland’s car-oriented model.”
And the upshot of that, of course, is time wasted in traffic.
“Auckland faces worsening congestion, now among the bottom three peer cities for hours lost annually.”
How can Auckland improve? The report has some good ideas.
“Focus on an integrated approach to mobility that improves all-mode transport reach and the range of journeys feasible to make by public transport – frequency, transfers, and multi-modal.”
Hear hear.
And if you want Auckland’s leaders to hear you, make sure you tell them that your vote the upcoming election is going to candidates who are committed to walking and cycling.
