After years of determined advocacy, a missing link in Auckland’s eastern cycling network is finally being delivered. Auckland Transport (AT) has confirmed it will proceed with the Merton Road West cycle lanes (read their update). It’s a decision that reflects the clear support of the wider community, even in the face of opposition from the majority of the Ōrākei Local Board.
Special credit goes to Bike Eastern Suburbs, whose tireless efforts kept this project on the agenda and ensured local voices were heard.
The new unidirectional cycle lanes, running between College Road and Morrin Road, will create a safe, direct route connecting St Johns Park and St Johns to Glen Innes. For many locals, this isn’t just a transport upgrade, it’s freedom. Young people heading to cricket, tennis, football, netball, or the swimming school will finally have a safe way to get around independently, without relying on cars or lifts.
This link has long been part of AT’s plans, completing the otherwise-finished Links to Glen Innes project. Its progress stalled last year when the outgoing Ōrākei Local Board sent the design back over concerns about parking loss. Now, with construction set to begin in the coming months, the focus can return to what matters: safer streets, healthier travel choices, and a connected network that serves the whole community.
Today’s decision is a milestone, and a reminder that persistent, community‑driven advocacy really can shape a better city.
More recent articles on East Auckland
- A win for the east: Merton Road West cycle lanes are finally going ahead
After years of determined advocacy, a missing link in Auckland’s cycle network is finally being delivered. Auckland Transport will proceed with the Merton Road West cycle lanes. - Please remind Ōrākei Local Board that the eastern suburbs need cycling connections
Write to the Ōrākei Local Board and share why a fit-for-purpose cycleway on Merton Road West matters. - Oppose MP Simeon Brown’s request for a last-minute removal of a cycleway from Pakuranga
The Reeves Road Flyover was built to improve bus reliability, walking and cycling safety, and long-term traffic flow across Pakuranga — not just to add space for cars. We’re concerned by calls to remove the planned cycle lane or safety features. - Safer Cycling to Glen Innes — Finally!
If you’ve been down Merton Road lately, you’ll have noticed something new and shiny — a protected cycle lane! This has been a long time coming. When Stage 1 of the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path (Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai) opened in 2016, the lack of safe links to and from the southern end was a glaring omission. It’s worth celebrating. - Trail of Dreams: the long journey to bring the first mountain bike park to Auckland’s central suburbs
Thanks to the tireless drive of one keen mountain biker and her hard-working community, central east Auckland will be home to an incredible bike park one day soon. - Catch of the Day: Make Your Bike into a Fish
Around the world, a curious and delightful trend has been making waves: people transforming their bicycles into fish. Fish bikes are a reminder that cycling can be playful, personal, and even a little surreal. - Ōrākei Local Board vote on Links to Glen Innes Cycleway
Charmaine updates the community on what the Ōrākei Local Board have specifically voted for or against, and invites you to write in! - Links to Glen Innes Cycleways: A Local’s Call for Completion
Charmaine from Bike Eastern Suburbs shares her anticipation as a local for the network of protected cycleways that will be provided by the Links to Glen Innes Cycleways project. She encourages Auckland Transport to “get on with it”, so we can get riding for our A to B! - Trailblazer recognised for pioneering work to clean up East Auckland cyclepaths
Roger Lacey, a volunteer at community group Bike Eastern Suburbs, has been recognised with the annual Trailblazer Award from Bike Auckland. - Join us for the celebration of stage 2 of Glen Innes to Tāmaki Path
8 min read. Imagine if someone announced a new 7km off-road cycleway connecting well- established residential parts of Auckland with wide smooth paths, spectacular city and harbour views, high-flying bridges revealing historic pathways passing bush, streams and estuaries, and linking to train stations. Would we be ecstatic and bursting with anticipation? You bet! That’s how… Read more: Join us for the celebration of stage 2 of Glen Innes to Tāmaki Path
