The National Bicycling and Walking Study: A 15-Year Status Report, put together last year by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, noted a significant increase in walking, fewer injuries and fatalities to people walking and biking, and an increased amount of federal investment in non-motorised transportation modes.

In a submission to Auckland Council on its Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012, Cycle Action Auckland said cycling across Auckland increased by 27 per cent last year and growth is expected to continue.

In parts of the region, like the former Auckland City area, cycling increased by 40 per cent.
“Aucklanders are realising that cycling offers choice and convenience,” the submission said.

“Cycle Action Auckland requests that Auckland Council appoints a Cycling Champion who will strengthen the role of cycling for transport and recreation to help speed the transformation of Auckland into one of the world’s most liveable cities.

An Auckland Council Cycling Champion with an overarching role that ensures/facilitates collaboration with Auckland Transport and NZTA will ensure that cycle growth is prioritised and cycling funding is increased to a level that will ensure that the Mayor’s vision for change happens.”

Cycle Action told the council that cycling, when embraced as a serious transport mode, is integral to creating an excellent transport system.

“This is clearly indicated by the significant investment being made by our two closest international cities, Melbourne and Sydney, which compete with Auckland for tourists, residents and business.”
The group urged the council to ‘exploit’ one of the cheapest solutions to reducing car use and speeding up business traffic movements.

Questioning how readers of the draft plan can quantify the actual value of cycling investment proposed, Cycle Action said it would be useful to understand what aspects of major roading projects will promote growth in cycle transport.

“We are encouraged that there appears to be around $5 million of cycling-related projects, however, we consider a greater level of investment is needed to boost cycling growth.

“To double the number of Auckland commuter cyclists from 1 per cent (2006 Census) to 2 per cent, a dedicated funding stream of 2 per cent of the Transport CAPEX is considered an appropriate weighting, which would come to $7.3 million in the Annual Plan.

Cycle Action specified additional reasons for a higher investment in cycling:

· cycling is an inexpensive investment in changing the city, especially compared with other transport projects;

· better cycling access is a key factor in increasing the reach and patronage of public transport and is cheap compared to park-and-ride facilities;

· off-road cycling routes, designed to appeal to commuters, provide direct congestion relief for major arterials, as well as encouraging novice riders;

· the Regional Land Transport Strategy 2010 commits the region to completing 50 per cent of the Regional Cycle Network by 2016, but only 21 per cent of the network was completed by 2010.

Cycling infrastructure and education should be regarded as high priority the group told Auckland Council:

· The Regional Cycling Network should be listed as a key transport project as contained in the Regional Land Transport Strategy. Work should prioritise filling network gaps to add continuity to cycle routes, such as on Tamaki Drive and the Northwestern Cycleway.

· Blackspots on main cycling routes, like Tamaki Drive, should be fixed urgently.

· Council must continue to engage with NZTA on the Central Motorway Junction Cycleway to provide for local cycling connections on council land. Auckland Council’s contribution is needed to complete the continuity of these strategic cycle routes e.g. to central destinations such as the universities and CBD/Waterfront/Tamaki drive.

· Harbour Bridge walkway/cycleway. The Council can follow up on the Mayor’s aspiration, in the short term, by improvements to waterfront cycling links, which will later connect to a Harbour Bridge cycleway.

· Wynyard Quarter projects should make cycling accessibility a key aspect.

· Public bike hire availability — this service should be restored before the Rugby World Cup, to offer transport choice in the CBD, to reduce car dependency for door-to-door trips and for city apartment dwellers, as well as add to ‘visitor experience’.

· Travel behaviour change projects for all Aucklanders particularly in schools, workplaces and popular destinations. This will include such initiatives as encouraging office travel plans, bicycle storage and shower facilities in workplaces and conveniently situated bike stations.

Cycle Action told the council an overarching emphasis on cycling as a serious transport mode would enhance outcomes in other areas of council expenditure.

Lifestyle and culture: Parks and open spaces to encourage residents and visitors to engage in healthy and active lifestyles. Enable cycling for recreation and as part of commuter routes. Upgrades of walkways across the region should also include provision for cycle travel.

Economic Development: Cycling has benefits for tourism, as well as reducing commuter car use and the resultant speeding up of freight and business traffic

Street environment: Provision of safe cycling access and parking for bikes in all town centres will enhance visitor experience.

Planning and policy: A rise in cycling numbers will contribute to a high-quality and sustainable environment and quality of life for Aucklanders.