More Aucklanders choosing active transport, research shows

38 per cent of Aucklanders are riding bikes in 2018, according to Auckland Transport’s latest Active Modes Research. That is up three percentage points on last year, with 518,000 Aucklanders now riding regularly or occasionally. The research, which is done annually by TRA on behalf of Auckland Transport, continues to show cycling’s growth in Auckland.

“52,000 people started bike riding this year, compared to 46,500 last year,” says Kathryn King, AT’s Manager Walking, Cycling and Road Safety.

“We are seeing a lot of growth in areas where people have access to safe cycling infrastructure, especially around central and west Auckland.

“We are really pleased to see that the investment in infrastructure is translating into more people riding bikes, with half a million Aucklanders taking to two wheels.”

More people are riding bikes to and from work, with 19 per cent of Auckland bike riders regularly commuting. As well as work, many other key trips are being made by bike. During these trips, 69 per cent of people are stopping at local shops and cafes en route to their destination.

“The numbers are showing us that travelling by bike is becoming an increasingly important way for people to get around Auckland,” Miss King says.

“People are going about their daily lives on bikes, travelling to work, school, and supporting local businesses. And whether you choose to ride a bike or not, 65 per cent of Aucklanders believe cycle lanes are good for the community.”

Planning Committee chair, Councillor Chris Darby, notes that cycling popularity is being matched with increased investment.

“More and more people are choosing to travel by bike. We’re responding to this by increasing our investment into ways to make this easy and safe.”

“Aucklanders have told us that they want more cycling options. Over the next decade, we’ll invest around $900 million into cycling infrastructure, so that even more people are able to travel by bike.”

Walking remains stable, with 1 million Aucklanders walking for 10 minutes at least twice a week or more.
“35 per cent of people walking are going to public transport, and 48 per cent walk short journeys to local shops,” Miss King says.

The 2018 Active Modes research is available here: http://at.govt.nz/cyclingreports
Watch a video of this year’s cycling statistics here.

Active Modes by the numbers:
38 per cent of Aucklanders are riding bikes in 2018, up three points on 2017.
68 per cent of Aucklanders are walking 10 minutes or more at least twice a week, the same as 2017.
Aucklanders are using their cars less often, with 66 per cent using their cars once a week or more, down three points on 2017.

Cycling:
33 per cent of all Aucklanders that don’t already own an ebike are considering buying one in the next year.
69 per cent of bike riders are stopping to visit shops, cafes and run errands on their way to their destination.
People are riding bikes more frequently in west and central Auckland, where infrastructure has improved.

Walking:
68 per cent of Aucklanders are walking for 10 minutes or more, at least twice a week, to public transport, the shops or to run errands.
Most Aucklanders that take public transport will walk up to 20 minutes to get to a bus, train or ferry – 63 per cent of these trips are less than 15 minutes.
74 per cent of those walking are motivated by keeping active.

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