Shared paths for everyone to enjoy

Shared paths are a wonderful way to get your destination or simply enjoy the crisp winter air. They are paths for all users, on all kinds of mobility including people walking or on bikes, pushchairs, scooters, and more. It’s important to look out for others and pass with care.

When you’re out and about on a shared path, keep left unless it’s not practical to do so. If you’re on wheels, ring your bell to let others know you are there. Pass on the right, and if you can, allow a good-sized gap, but avoid passing on blind corners. Remember to ride, scoot, or stroll in control, be mindful of others, and enjoy using the path.

Queen Street changes and Access for Everyone

During Alert Level 3, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council made changes on Queen Street to increase space for people walking, riding bikes and using public transport in the city centre.

The temporary COVID-19 works installed at the northern end of Queen Street will undergo some refinement over the next week. Changes include replacing a portion of the plastic sticks on the northern end of Queen Street between Shortland Street and Customs Street with concrete safety separators (pre-cast traffic islands) and painting expanded pedestrian areas.

Later this month, the ‘Access for Everyone’ pilot for the Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley will begin. The pilot will test new ways to layout Queen Street while prioritising space for pedestrians and active mobility and discouraging non-essential car traffic.

This year’s round of the Auckland Transport Community Bike Fund is now open. The fund helps support communities and groups to deliver activities, events, and projects that encourage more people to ride bikes. The fund is open to community groups who can encourage and support cycling within their community, whether the group has a cycling focus or not. 

The recent COVID-19 lockdown has accelerated enthusiasm for cycling, with many people brushing off their bike and pedalling for the first time in ages. This fund will help communities to build on and maintain this cycling culture.

Groups can apply for funds between $300 to $5000, with the round closing on 23 August 2020.

We encourage any group who is interested in applying to contact us for an informal chat before submitting their application.

For further details, and to apply visit our website.  

Bridges on Waterview Shared Path

We’ve added new surfacing to make the two bridges on the Waterview Shared Path (near Unitec) less slippery for people walking and on bikes.

A local manufacturer created a high friction surface to prevent surface icing. A ripple in the surface is intended to slow riders down, improve grip, and help with expanding materials at different temperatures. The result – a more enjoyable experience for all!

If you come across a hazard while out cycling or walking, remember to report the problem. Keep letting us know and we can find solutions.

The 2020 Travelwise Choices Awards

Nominations now open!

Are you a champion of better transport choices? Does your community group promote sustainable transport?  Is your business going the extra mile to create better journeys?  Nominations are now open for the 2020 Travelwise Choices Awards.  Ensure that your business, community group, or leader in this space gets the recognition they deserve by nominating before 20 August.

Ask Allen

Where can I learn how to fix my bike?

If you would like to find out about fixing punctures, adjusting brakes, and other minor repairs for your bike then there are several places you can learn. Come along to one of our Adult Bike Skills Maintenance courses held in various locations around the city, or there are maintenance courses running at Roskill Bike Kitchen which are followed by their monthly Bike Fix days (4^th Saturday of the month).

You can also check in with your local bike shop to see if they are offering any maintenance courses.

Registrations are required for our Adult Bike Skills courses and the Roskill Bike Kitchen maintenance courses, so to find out more, and register, visit our website.

Kerbside Kōrero

What are some tips for walking during Winter?

Now that winter is well upon us, walking for your commute will no doubt bring unpredictable weather and lower temperatures. Don’t let that put a damper on your walking. Research has shown there is a clear link between exercise and mood.  Even a small amount, like a 30-minute walk, can boost your outlook.

Here are a few tips for when you’re out and about:

• Wear layers so that you can easily add or remove them as the weather changes.
• Wear shoes with good traction for wet and slippery surfaces.
• Have an umbrella or a rain poncho on hand for wet weather.
• When walking home at dusk or after dusk, beware of trip hazards that are harder to see when it’s dark.

Too tired to walk home or it’s pouring down? Keep your AT HOP card topped up so you can catch the closest bus or train. Remember to put your umbrella on the floor, not on the seat. Use the AT Mobile App to top up online or find a nearby top-up location.