Media Release: Embargoed until: Friday, 27 November, 2009

Pathway on the Bridge at no cost to Transport Agency

Months of technical work and investigation have revealed a potential solution to enable walking and cycling access on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

GetAcross spokesman Bevan Woodward says, “Having talked to the Transport Agency and received independent expert advice, we have identified a safe and robust technical solution. It’s a shared pathway on the city-side clip-on of the Bridge.

It will be funded by tolling walkers and cyclists $1 each way, along with a small initial investment from the National Cycleway fund. There would be no cost to the Transport Agency to construct or operate it.”

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To check that Aucklanders are willing to pay to use the pathway, GetAcross surveyed its 11,000 supporters. The response was an overwhelming 95.5% in favour.

Heart of the City’s CEO Alex Swney says, “The pathway would be a tourist attraction that would encourage visitors to stay longer in Auckland. This will have massive economic benefits for the region. The fact that it’s self-funded makes it a no brainer!”

Bevan Woodward says, “We’ve had strong interest from potential investors who wish to be involved. The Transport Agency’s Tommy Parker has indicated that when a reliable potential funder is found then they would consider the proposal further. Their response to date has been positive and we are grateful for their on-going assistance.”

Walk Auckland’s Andy Smith says, “This is an iconic project whose time has come. It’s exciting to think we’ve got both a technical and a funding solution. We don’t see any reason why the pathway can’t proceed. Let’s get it done in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.”

Auckland band The Electric Era is releasing a music video in support of the pathway entitled “Let us cycle on the Harbour Bridge”, a media release has been issued.

GetAcross Proposal for Tolling (pdf)

ENDS

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