Leading by Example

Most people will agree, Auckland isn't a cycle friendly in any sense of the word. If we are to become one there are a whole lots of changes that need to be made.
The way I see it, increasing the number of people that use transport such as cycling to cover short distances within Auckland is vital to relieveing pressure off our roading networks, from motorways to aterial routes.
The reality is we need to get it right first time, it is not something we can afford to spend money on several times over. In order to do this Auckland must look at those cities around the world that successfully integrate cycling into the lifestyle and culture of the city.

CNN created a list of the top 15 cycling cities throughout the world, they all do certain things well that make them cycle friendly and consequently large numbers of the population 'get on and ride'

Amsterdam in the Netherlands is recognised by most as the friendly cycle city in the world and for good reason. They have kilometres of dedicated cycle routes, a governemnt that promotes cycling, transport laws that favour cyclists and a serious case of bike addiction... over 40% of the cities transport movements are on two wheels.

Barcelona, Spain has recently established an effective ride-share Bicycle system, allowing the population access to rental cycles en mass.

The germans are well known for effieciency and when it comes to cycling its no different, over 400,000 Berlin residents cycle to work everyday.... and the city council is still NOT satisfied with this figure so more money has been spent promoting bike use, cycle lanes and deicated specific bike routes. The city has a website that allows users to plan trips thoughout the city using these routes allowing fast safe riding.

Paris gets a nod here for its creation ofVélib', one of the world's largest public bicycle rental programs. Twenty thousand stylish three-speeds are distributed among 1,450 rental stations throughout the city, available to subscribers at variable rates (rides under 30 minutes are free).
Auckland has attempted the beginnings of such a system but in all honesty it is lacked both in volume, quality and pricing, it was overly expensive and hence has been put on hold, the company running it could no longer support it. Council needs to take over! This is essenstial to providing Aucklanders the opportunity to ride within their city.

Chicago Illinois is a great example of the changes that can be made when the local government puts its mind to creating a cycling friendly city. There are cylces only areas on most main roads and laws being passed that protect cyclists.

A litttle closer to home and a city of a similar size to Auckland is Perth Australia. The city boasts some 700km of cycle routes allowing citizens to commute all over the city easily.


Each of these cities have invested time and energy into creaitng a bicycle friendly environment, Auckland needs to follow their lead and look into adopting some of the practices used world wide, then maybe we will see an increase in bike riding commuters.