Cycling
Too far to walk? No buses or trains to where you want to go? Why not cycle! You'll get a huge boost to your daily exercise levels, helping you to look and feel great, as well as avoiding traffic congestion and saving money on petrol. For a range of tips and resources about cycling and safety visit www.travelwise.org.nz.
Cycling can be safe, but cyclists are vulnerable to crashes with motor vehicles and there is a joint responsibility for motorists to be aware of cyclists on the road, especially at intersections and roading environments with limited road margins. Cyclists have a responsibility to obey the road rules and to ensure they cycle safely and are visible (i.e. use of visibility gear, lights, cycle helmets, etc).
As the number of cyclists on the Auckland Region's road increase along with improved cycling infrastructure, the 'Share the Road' concept is becoming more important to promote to improve cyclists' and motorists' behaviour.
‘Maxx Online Cycle Planner’ (click here)
‘Maxx Online Cycle Planner’ are a great way to plan your cycle route on-line using the latest information. You can locate useful facilities such as cycle shops and link your journey to public transport services. ‘Maxx Online Cycle Planner’ are updated using feedback from Auckland cyclists, local councils and the Ministry of Transport.
Cycle Maps
Cycle Maps covering the North Shore, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern Auckland are now available and can be viewed here. As the maps have been designed to become part of a cyclists 'kit' we recommend that you view the files and then order a hard copy to be posted out to you.
North Shore 1.8mb
Central 2.6mb
Eastern 1.8mb
Western 1.6mb
Southern 1.2mb
Each of the roads on the maps have been ridden by a team of experienced cyclists and graded in terms of safety and whether it is a quiet or busy route. The maps show points of interest including: cycle lockers, cycle shops, public toilets, gradients, one way streets and other landmarks.
Bikes on public transport
On the bus
Bikes cannot be taken on any bus services with the exception of fold up bikes.
On the train
A bicycle ticket must be purchased for $1 if you wish to take a bike on the train. This is dependent on space and at the discretion of on-board staff. Avoid travelling at peak times when space is limited.
On the ferries
Bikes can be carried on most ferries except the West Harbour ferries. However please check with your ferry operator to confirm as some vessels have limited space.
Bike Lockers
Bike lockers are available at the following locations so you can leave your bike and gear, safe and secure.
- Northern Busway stations have both bike racks and lockers (except for Sunnynook which only has bike racks) - these lockers require a $2 coin (refundable) to operate.
- Glen Innes Train Station and New Lynn Transport Centre - lockers can be used for a maximum of 48 hours and require a personal padlock to secure.
- Manurewa Interchange and Papatoetoe Train Station - lockers can be leased for a 2 month period. A $50 refundable deposit is payable.
Project Twin Streams Cycleways
Why not give cycling a go and try out the Project Twin Streams Cycleways in Waitakere. There are a range of easy routes that run alongside the Opanuku, Oratia and Waikumete streams, where you can not only exercise but enjoy tiled artwork, community art installations, information panels and see examples of sustainable technologies like permeable paving and solar lighting and also connect with the streams.
Download a copy of the cycleways fun map or visit Project Twin Streams for more information.
