Cycle Action Auckland is celebrating a resounding success for the region’s cyclists as a result of yesterday’s draft decision from the Waterview Board of Inquiry.
The Waterview project will close a vital gap in the region’s most popular cycle routes by connecting the north-western cycleway on SH 16 with new off–road cycleways beginning at the Manukau Harbour bridge and extending along Mt Roskill’s SH 20.
This includes a new cycleway above the Waterview motorway Tunnel.
“Cycle Action applauds the superb collaborative work from the Waterview and Owairaka communities that contributed to this decision. Their dedication over so many years has been formidable. We were impressed that the residents gave overwhelming support to ensuring the project delivered a full cycleway connection to supplement the new motorway.” says Barb Cuthbert, Spokesperson for Cycle Action.
“We are also very grateful that the Board of Inquiry ensured that a full range of views were able to be heard throughout the formal and informal stages of the process. There is no doubt that this Board has set an important example on how local communities and other public bodies can engage with confidence in the new fast track hearings for projects of national importance.”
“Auckland is experiencing a major renaissance of everyday cycling for transport. The Board’s decision means an end to the use of heavily trafficked local arterial roads which are very unfriendly to cycling, and other barriers that have to be overcome by long detour. The new cycleways are a legitimate new transport link, and a key part of making Waterview a really multi-modal project” explains Ms Cuthbert. “We now look to NZTA, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to give priority to collaborating on the delivery of this vital cycling link ahead of the 5 year disruption period for this project.”
