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
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In a mixed bag of success and disappointment, Auckland Transport will still build a cycleway but it will now be bidirectional to make space for an extra general traffic lane. - 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
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Charmaine updates the community on what the Ōrākei Local Board have specifically voted for or against, and invites you to write in!
