Thanks to Charmaine Vaughan and the people at Bike Eastern Suburbs for this update.
If you’ve been down Merton Road lately, you’ll have noticed something new and shiny — a protected cycle lane! It’s looking fantastic, and once it officially opens, it’ll finally be possible to cycle safely into and through Glen Innes. Maybe even next week?
For those of us who’ve been following this journey, 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 back in December 2016, the lack of safe links to and from the southern end was a glaring omission. Everyone could see it — but it wasn’t in the budget.
At the time, Auckland Transport (AT) promised to build those missing links “as soon as possible.” Well, it’s taken nine years (yes, nine!), but here we are — and it’s worth celebrating.
Even better, the new Merton Road cycleway will connect directly with the protected lanes along Morrin Road and Stonefields Avenue, opening up access to Stonefields, the new Purchas Hill development, and beyond. That’s real network building — giving people choices about how they move, not just where they can drive.
The One That Got Away
Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. Just before the recent elections, the outgoing Ōrākei Local Board voted not to create a safe link further up with the Merton West Cycleway (Morrin to College Road) even after a compelling presentation on the benefits of this project by yours truly. For the record, Sarah Powrie voted in favour — thank you! Let’s hope the new board team takes a fresh look at this in 2025.
For many of us advocating for safer cycling, this was the single most frustrating decision of the year. It was such a golden opportunity to build the network out from Glen Innes and Stonefields towards St Johns and Meadowbank — and to improve access to the Colin Maiden Park sports precinct.
As anyone who’s ridden there knows, Merton Road has plenty of width for proper cycle lanes — even with 3-metre traffic lanes and parking on both sides. And its a major route connecting Meadowbank and St Johns’ Park to Glen Innes. It could have been transformational.
What these connections will mean to the community
I know many others in the community feel the same way and want to see the Links to Glen Innes cycleway network completed.
“I’ve used it a few times now, it’ll be great when they finish the connection to the Morrin Rd cycle path.
I hope the Apirana/Merton roundabout is made friendly for all cyclists — it’s these tricky bits that make all the difference to encouraging uptake.”
Roger Lacey
“This is so much safer. Cycling under the railway bridge used to be Russian roulette — hoping a lorry wouldn’t clip you!
Now I can get older and enjoy cycling safely. Just imagine if the whole road was like this — people could bike to sport instead of drive!”
Hillary Raynor
“I often cycle through or past GI, but used to struggle to find a safe route from south to north.
The new Merton Rd path brings us closer to a complete route — and I can’t wait for the Gowing Drive link.It’ll mean students from Selwyn and St Thomas’s can bike to school safely instead of being driven.”
Matt Hancock
Whether we’re commuting to work, getting to school, heading out for a weekend ride, or just wanting to run errands on our bikes, the final piece of the cycleway from Merton West Cycleway (Morrin to College Road) completes the network. It’s a project that will benefit everyone—cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and the environment—and it’s high time we saw it through to the end.
What’s next?
Auckland Transport says they’re investing in better local connections to keep up with community growth.
“Currently, there’s poor connectivity in Glen Innes — people on bikes can’t get around safely, and there are few safe crossings. Once the Links to Glen Innes project is complete, it will be easier and safer for everyone, especially our elderly and tamariki, to walk or wheel to local shops, sports matches, and public transport.”
AT is finishing the Merton East Cycleway (Apirana to Morrin) now, and next they’ll re-engage with the Ōrākei Local Board on the Merton West Cycleway (Morrin to College Road). The local board has asked AT to explore how to reduce parking loss while keeping the design safe.
AT says they’ll present updated recommendations in early 2026 — so there’s still time to speak up for a future-focused, connected cycle network through Glen Innes and beyond.
Keep the wheels turning
So — a big thank-you to everyone who’s kept pushing for safer cycling over the years. Progress might be slow, but it’s happening.
Each new section of protected path means more people can get to school, work, or sport safely and confidently — and that’s worth celebrating.
Let’s keep the momentum going, stay vocal, and keep imagining what a connected, people-friendly transport network could look like across our community.
Add your support
Write to Ōrākei Local Board members and tell them you want the Merton West Cycleway. Share how you use the area and why it matters to you. You can contact all the local board members on one email.
troy.Churton@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
amanda.lockyer@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
scott.milne@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
sarah.powrie@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
margaret.voyce@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
angus.mcphee@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
david.wong@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
You can also help raise awareness by talking to other locals about why the Merton West Cycleway is a crucial link and will support business and residents in the area. Consider posting about the issue on Facebook and tag the local board.
