It’s true what they say: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. As our eyes on the street, you can help make your ride better, starting right where you are.
How to report problems on the road or on a cycleway
Contact Auckland Transport to report anything that’s getting in the way of your safe travel on the road or on the surfaces of shared paths and cycleways.
- signal failure
- glass in the bike lane
- a pothole that needs fixing
- someone or something parked in or across the bike lane
- debris on the surface of the path (including e.g. leaf litter)
- broken fences or missing signage
You can phone Auckland Transport on (09) 355 3553, tweet to @AklTransport (monitored weekdays 9-5), or let them know via this web form which also lets you attach a photo and locate the issue on a map.
If you’re a smartphone user, we recommend you install this page as a shortcut on your home screen, so you can easily report problems on the go.
No need to put yourself in a situation where things might get aggro. With motorists parking across bike lanes or entering protected cycleways, simply note the details (address, description of vehicle, license plate if you can) and make the call. They will give you a ticket number so you can get updates as needed.
Some shared pathways run through public parks, which does complicate things a bit. These paths are usually managed by Auckland Council. See their Report a Problem page here.
How to report dangerous driving
- If it’s an emergency or life-threatening, call 111.
- To urgently report erratic driving, dial *555 (free from a cellphone).
- Or you can report a bad driver using this form.
I’ve been in a crash…
If it’s serious, call for emergency services (police, and ambulance if need be). If you are unable to, have somebody nearby do so. In situations like this, police should file a report, though it is worth following up to ensure they do.
If no medical assistance is needed, you have 24 hours to go to a police station in person and report the crash yourself. Reporting any crash is your legal obligation, and helps roading authorities prioritise safety improvements for areas which show a high number of crashes.
For more information and statistics, see this old (but relevant) blog discussing the topic.
How to request pruning of greenery
All landscaping and vegetation – along cycleways, in parks, along footpaths and shared paths – comes under the purview of Auckland Council’s Parks department. This includes, for example, overgrown hedges, looming branches, or encroaching grasses.
Call Council on 09 301 0101 to log a request for pruning, maintenance, or any work needed to keep pathways clear and safe from vegetation. You can also submit a maintenance request online here.
How to take local action
If there’s something else you want to change locally to make things better for people on bikes, where to start?
Join or start a ‘Bike Burb’ – with Bike Auckland behind you and your group, this is a great way to find local bike-minded people and get active in your neighbourhood.
Speak up on projects at the local level, by keeping an eye on AT’s Have Your Say page – the tab on the left side lets you select your area. There are always small upgrades going on, and your input is always welcome and helpful. You can find tips for how to give effective feedback in this guide.
Contact your Local Board members to raise the issue, find out what’s being done, and ask how the Local Board can use their transport fund and partnerships to help fix it.
Keep the conversation going. Write a letter to the local paper or the Herald – be polite, positive, constructive, and concise. Spark discussions on Facebook or Neighbourly. Talk to local shop-owners about why bikes are great for business. Think tactically: what quick fixes could transform your street, and who do you need to ask?
We try to stay on top of the bigger projects, and sometimes write up submission guides for our audience members who might not have time to get into the nitty-gritty themselves. Check out our News section to stay in the loop!
