MEDIA STATEMENT

TRANSIT NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL OFFICE

7 May 2008
Transit Board encouraged by dialogue with Cycle Action Auckland

The Board of Transit New Zealand welcomed the opportunity to meet with Cycle Action Auckland today as part of their on-going discussions on the viability of giving wider access to people wanting to use the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Representatives of the Cancer Society, Walk Auckland and Living Streets Aotearoa also joined Cycle Action Auckland Chairperson, Bevan Woodward, to advocate for cycling and walking facilities across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Transit Acting Chair Bryan Jackson said the Board supported Cycle Action Auckland’s vision to promote cycling as a transport mode, and had asked Transit chief executive Rick van Barneveld to continue to work with Cycle Action Auckland on promoting cycling options.

“We very much appreciated the effort that these representatives made to meet with us today. The Board remains committed to exploring the various options and finding a workable outcome will only be achieved with close collaboration with interested groups such as Cycle Action Auckland.”

Transit is currently working with local authorities to investigate all cross-harbour alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians.

The study is looking at a number of issues: whether the bridge is the best option for cycling and walking access across the Waitemata Harbour, as well as what can be provided, when, and security and safety for cyclists and pedestrians on a section of State Highway 1 that carries high volumes of traffic at high speeds.

As with previous investigations, Transit's will be seeking endorsement from its regional partners - the Auckland Regional Council, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and the North Shore and Auckland city councils - for any preferred option identified by the investigation.

The study is expected to be completed in July.

ENDS

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