In the past year, an extra 45,000 Aucklanders have taken to two wheels, according to Auckland Transport (AT).

AT’s annual Walking and Cycling Survey, published on 30 August, reveals that 353,000 Aucklanders cycle, up from 308,000 a year ago.

Cycling and Walking manager Kathryn King says the positivity about cycling in Auckland is also reflected in AT's cycle counts.

"We are seeing continual growth in cycle trips across the region, with the biggest increase in the city centre.”

"It's great to see an increase in the number of people cycling to places like schools, local shops, work and to public transport interchanges.”

Improved cycleways get people onto their bikes

New, protected cycling infrastructure such as the pink Lightpath is making cyclists feel safer, leading to an overall positive perception of cycling in Auckland to rise from 22 per cent to 39 per cent.

More than 34,000 people cycle to work, but the study reveals that there are a further 144,000 who could cycle to work but are not.

Kathryn King says that one of the main ways to get people cycling is good quality, connected cycleways.

"As we work with the government on the three-year programme of cycleway improvements, we expect the number of cycle trips in Auckland to continue growing."

"Building a network of connected cycleways to and around the city centre, as well to key public transport interchanges, is a key component of our strategy to improve the transport network.”​

The survey also reveals the number of people walking has increased by more than 11,000.