The success of Auckland’s Lightpath shows that Aucklanders want more cycling infrastructure and they will flock to use it if it is built, says the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
“Aucklanders have told us they want more cycling facilities, and the success of Lightpath shows that if we build them they will be used. That'll help us achieve our goal of increasing cycling journeys by 30 per cent by 2019,” says Ernst Zöllner, the NZTA’s Auckland director.
Earlier this week (30 March), Mt Eden man Nathan Spoonly made the 100,000th journey across Te Ara I Whiti – Auckland’s Lightpath – since it opened in December 2015.
“The Lightpath and Nelson Street Cycleway are a vital link in the Auckland cycle network and part of our vision of creating a world-class cycling infrastructure to make cycling a safe and efficient transport choice within the city,” says Mr Zöllner.
The Lightpath is a shared walking and cycling path from Canada Street to the Union Street/Nelson Street intersection via a bridge and the disused Nelson Street off-ramp. It is part of the Nelson Street Cycleway which continues down Nelson Street as a two-way cycle path.
Lightpath also popular with pedestrians
The path is also popular with walkers and counters are being put in to record the numbers taking a stroll along it.
Auckland Transport is currently working on phase two of the Nelson Street Cycleway, which will run from Victoria Street to Quay Street. The final route is due to be announced soon.
