Report backs Auckland Harbour Bridge cycle lane

An independent engineering report commissioned by Bike Auckland confirms that one lane of the Auckland Harbour Bridge can be safely allocated to pedestrians and cyclists (including e-bike riders) without significantly impacting traffic flows.

The report authored by Richard Young of SmartSense Ltd, a chartered civil engineer with more than 35 years’ experience in infrastructure design, construction and maintenance, concludes the bridge can support current peak traffic demand with one of its eight lanes repurposed for active modes.

The report, which uses Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) figures going back to 2013, also proposes a practical design for a four-metre-wide lane for biking and walking.

EVs and Beyond reported on bike riders’ frustrations in 2021.

The design includes a free-standing crash barrier which is approved by NZTA and an unobtrusive anti-climb system used on comparable bridges overseas.

The report also says the Auckland Harbour Bridge is no steeper or longer than many shared paths already provided by the NZTA, some built as recently as 2022.

Weather conditions would be suitable for 98% of the year, meaning an active mobility lane would be affected by adverse weather conditions at roughly the same rate as other bridge traffic, around three to seven days a year.

While lateral movement has been identified as an issue when two adjacent clip-on lanes are used in mass pedestrian events, this is not a concern with the proposed design, says Bike Auckland.

The SmartSense proposal only uses a single lane, and predicts pedestrian numbers are well below the level identified by the NZTA as triggering the effect.

“The SmartSense report shows that a walking and cycling lane over the Auckland Harbour Bridge is safe and viable,” says Bike Auckland chair Karen Hormann.

“An active mobility lane could be rapidly delivered at a cost of only $30 million, and up and running within eight month,” she explains.

“This is the fastest, fairest and most affordable way to bridge the gap between the North Shore and the rest of the city – it’s time to get on with it.”

Click here for the SmartSense report.