Media release

27 February 2007

MAXX Bike and Ride broadens choice for Auckland’s cyclists

Thirty new MAXX Bike and Ride lockers at at Manurewa, New Lynn, Glen Innes and Papatoetoe, and a new MAXX Southern Cycle Map, will help Auckland’s cyclists to get around more easily during Bikewise week and beyond.

The new bike resources are provided by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) in partnership with local councils.

Anna Percy, Manager Sustainable Transport ARTA says, “Cycling is a quick and easy way to get around town, and now it will be easier to combine cycling with a bus or train trip. It’s all part of ARTA’s work to provide better transport choices for Aucklanders.

“We hope that by providing lockers and producing MAXX cycle maps we’ll boost the number of Aucklanders cycling“

“The Southern Cycle Map has been created by and for cyclists – it even includes markers where there are hills! It will help people plan the best way to cycle to get around Manukau including Auckland Airport, East Tamaki, Mangere, Manurewa, Papatoetoe and Weymouth,” says Ms Percy.

The 30 new MAXX Bike and Ride lockers are in addition to 16 lockers already in place at the Albany and Constellation Busway Stations on the North Shore.

ENDS

About the new cycle map:
The Southern Cycle Map is a new product in the region. If it is popular, ARTA will produce further maps covering remaining areas of the region. The routes in the map have been cycled by everyday cyclists, who have graded roads according to how amenable they are for cyclists. Dedicated cycle infrastructure (e.g. cycle lanes, bus / bike lanes and off-road routes) are also marked on the map, giving any current or potential future cyclists a wealth of information with which to plan their route for most journeys.

The map has been produced by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, working in cooperation with Cycle Action Auckland, Manukau City Council, Auckland City Council, Papakura District Council, and Terralink (the mapping company for Wises Maps).

About Auckland’s MAXX bike and ride lockers
Auckland’s 46 free public cycle lockers, ‘MAXX bike and rides’ are located near to bus and train stations to encourage cycling as part of Aucklander’s journey around the region – whether to or from the train or bus. Cyclists will just need a $2 dollar (refundable) coin to use the lockers to be able to store their bike and gear safely in the lockers.

Part of a push to better integrate public transport and cycling, providing quality facilities for cyclists such as cycle lockers increases Aucklanders’ choice of transport to get around.

Where the MAXX bike and ride lockers are

There are 16 existing lockers at the two Northern Busway Stations (eight at Albany Park and Ride, and eight at Constellation Park and Ride) and a further 30 are being introduced at four locations:
- Glen Innes train station – eight lockers, in the Park and Ride car park off Apirana Avenue, adjacent to the pedestrian entrance to the train station
- Manurewa train station – six lockers, near the bus stops, adjacent to the northern side of the pedestrian over bridge
- New Lynn bus interchange – eight lockers, near the Stagecoach Kiosk (replacing existing wooden lockers)
- Papatoetoe train station – eight lockers, in the Park and Ride car park, off Station Road, adjacent to the pedestrian entrance to the train station.

Background to the MAXX bike and ride lockers

The additional 30 bike lockers are being introduced as a joint initiative between the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), Auckland City, Manukau City and Waitakere City Council. The lockers have been funded by the Auckland Regional Council and Land Transport New Zealand to investigate the use of quality cycling facilities when combine with public transport centres in Auckland.

The total cost of the cycle locker project is $150,000. and use of the lockers will monitored to review the value for money in terms of boosting the number of people cycling and using public transport. If successful, ARTA will work to support the introduction of more lockers in the future.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority and local councils are due to produce a Regional Cycle Parking Plan, to give guidance on to standardising the facilities provided to cyclists.

About future planning of cycling and cycling facilities in Auckland

Auckland’s local councils are responsible for planning, part-funding, designing, constructing and maintaining infrastructure for cyclists, as well as looking after the local roads.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) is responsible for leading implementation of the Regional Land Transport Strategy, which outlines the way forward for transport in the Auckland region over the next ten years. This strategy includes cycling and walking goals, and requires all councils in the region to work together to develop a Regional Cycle Network which will make it easier for more people to choose to cycle. ARTA is also responsible for developing School and Workplace Travel Plans across the region.

ENDS

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