Sometimes the best news comes after the headlines fade away. While media attention moved elsewhere, something remarkable has been happening on Point Chevalier and Meola Roads – substantial numbers of people are using the infrastructure we fought so hard for.
The numbers from Auckland Transport’s new cycle counter tell the story: 500 trips per day in March alone. 25,000 trips in March that didn’t add another car to our roads. Kids safely biking to school and families enjoying their neighbourhood by bike. Commuters choosing bikes over congestion. Thanks to Matt Lowrie and Greater Auckland for their excellent reporting on the numbers.
Auckland Transport set themselves a goal of 700 movements per day in four years. They are close to reaching their goal even before the path officially opens. The opening happens this Saturday and is sure to be a fun affair. All are welcome – see you there if you can make it.
This is what success looks like when we build proper infrastructure. No fanfare needed – just people getting on with their lives, moving around their city the way they want to.
As we celebrate these wins, we must acknowledge Adrian Lord, former Head of Cycling at Auckland Transport, who is returning to the UK. Adrian has been our champion inside AT, consistently urging the organisation to act with resolve and integrity, to honour the consultation processes that underpin transport planning in our communities. We salute his tireless efforts on behalf of everyone who rides or wants to ride bikes in Tāmaki Makaurau, while also recognising the personal cost of standing firm against reactive and financially costly last-minute changes to projects. Projects we all believed were signed off and moving forward.
Are you interested in trying out the new cycle paths? Check out our article with recommendations for safe and picturesque routes through the inner west and beyond.
Join Bike Pt Chev this Saturday for Party on the Path (11am-3pm) to celebrate not just new bike lanes, but proof that when we build it right, Aucklanders will ride. More about this in Events.
