28 October 2015

Aucklanders get on their bikes

The number of people cycling in Auckland is up 7% according to research released today by Auckland Transport. An independent survey conducted earlier in the year, looked at the walking and cycling habits of more than 1600 people living in Auckland and compared the findings with last year.

It found that the number of people who said that they did any cycling at all went from 20% to 27%. The number of people cycling at least once a week was also up to 11% compared with 6%, 12 months ago.

While the reason for cycling is still exercise or fitness (68%) or recreation (48%), there was a steady growth in those saying cycling to work was the reason they get on a bike (up to 16% from 12%).

The survey also gathered information about where people lived and found that those living directly east and west of the city have the highest proportion of people cycling. This is makes sense as it is where the current cycle infrastructure is in place says Kathryn King, Auckland Transport’s Walking and Cycling manager.

“This research has given us a rich source of real data in order to plan ahead for the future cycle improvements. Putting in protected cycle facilities in the right parts of the city will make people feel and be safer when riding around the city. To maximise the investment which has come from local and central government, we plan to improve the network for cycling into and around the city centre as well connections to public transport interchanges. It’s an exciting time for Auckland. When we look back in three years we will reflect on having transformed the city into a cycle friendly place where riding a bike is a normal part of life for people living in Auckland.”

Using the data from the survey and information from the most recent Census, it was clear people wanted to cycle more often says Kathryn King.

People living in the inner city and the corridor running north-south from the city have the highest potential for growth in cycling. “To get these people cycling, overcoming perception of safety was the greatest barrier.”

Auckland Transport, NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council are delivering a $200 million programme of cycle projects over the next three years. Central Government has made a significant contribution to funding through the Urban Cycleways Programme.

Research headlines
27% cycling at all
11% cycling at least once a week
6% cycling more than twice a week
65% of those who cycle said they do it for fitness or exercise (the most popular reason)
35-44 years of age is the age bracket with the greatest number of people cycling more than twice a week.

ends

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