Gen Zero outraged at AT proposal to cut cycling budget

Thursday, 25 January 2018, 12:05 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Draft documents released today by Auckland Transport for discussion at their board meeting next week propose a 90% cut to capital expenditure for cycling for the 2019/2020 year and beyond.

“This would be a disaster for Tāmaki Makaurau and an abandonment of a successful program to increase the number of people on bikes, increase safety, and reduce congestion.” Says Auckland Director, Leroy Beckett.

“The proposed budget would be a complete failure for the people of Tāmaki Makaurau.”

The documents made public today propose the budget for cycling going from $64 million in 2018 to $6 million in 2019 and 2020. This is in the context of a total proposed transport spend of $4.6 billion over the next 3 years.

“This budget does not reflect an organisation that is serious about reducing congestion or emissions. It’s definitely not one that wants spend money wisely.”

“This budget doesn’t reflect an inclusive approach to designing transport networks. It ignores the increased demand from children who wish to walk, scooter or cycle safely to schools instead of being dependant on cars. It neglects the diverse population of Tāmaki Makaurau, people of all ages and abilities, who want and need alternatives to the private vehicle.”

“It does not reflect the desires of the Council or Government. Nor does it reflect the will of the people who elected them and who the Auckland Transport Board are supposed to serve.”

“The number of people on bikes has skyrocketed thanks to the small investment made over the past few years. This budget would leave a half built network, undo that growth and compromise the safety of Aucklanders.”

“Feeling unsafe is the main reason people do not bike in the city. The only way to change that is by building infrastructure that protects them. We have seen that when we build safe bike lanes and paths in Auckland, people use them. Te Ara I Whiti, Quay Street, the North Western cycleway have all been major successes. All for a fraction of the cost of roading projects.”

“Cutting the cycling budget now makes no financial or practical sense. The Auckland Transport Board should reject this plan.”

More information
Approval of the Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2018-28
https://at.govt.nz/media/1975806/item-41-approval-of-the-draft-rltp-2018.pdf

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