Dare to imagine a place where cyclists of all abilities glide along a protected path. This is the Upper Harbour Shared Path. It is more than just a route. It’s a vision of a safer, healthier Auckland.
The Upper Harbour Shared Path forms a vital connection. It links Hobsonville Point to Unsworth Heights. This path is part of a growing network of safe bike routes across the North Shore. The Upper Harbour Shared Path empowers people to choose cycling. More people on bikes create a happier Tāmaki Makaurau.
To the west of Upper Harbour Drive lies the Greenhithe Bridge Shared Path. It offers a safe passage to Hobsonville Point. From there, one can cruise onto the North Western cycleway. It leads all the way into the city. To the east, cyclists can head north on Albany Highway. They can connect to the Northern Corridor shared path alongside State Highway 18. This reaches Constellation Station. This path will eventually extend south to Akoranga.
The Upper Harbour Shared Path has seen many changes. Initially, there were only painted cycle lanes. Separators were added later to protect cyclists. The original concrete separators are now replaced with rubber ones. Auckland Transport decided to redesign the route further with community input. The aim is to provide better protection. This makes cycling accessible to more people. Parents with children, new riders, elderly cyclists, and kids cycling to school can all benefit.
The new design proposed by Auckland Transport includes a two-way cycleway. It will be on the eastern side of Upper Harbour Drive. This is similar to Nelson Street in the city centre. The bike lane is protected. This means physical separation from motor traffic. It creates a safe zone, preventing vehicles from entering the cycleway.
The preferred separator material is pre-cast concrete. It is tall and resilient. This offers better protection. The design includes raised shared pedestrian and cycle crossings. These crossings enhance safety. Auckland Transport should monitor operating speeds after installation. Further traffic calming measures may be needed.
Auckland Transport considered lowering the speed limit on Upper Harbour Drive to 50 km/h. The road was previously a state highway. Speed calming measures are essential. They ensure people adhere to the speed limit. At either end of Upper Harbour Drive, there are dangerous intersections. Improvements are crucial for safety. Bike Auckland supports safe connections to encourage Auckland Transport to deliver this infrastructure quickly.
At the Albany Highway end, there is separated cycle infrastructure. However, there is no safe cycle connection between these points. Auckland Transport is working on a solution. They should prioritize this connection. The same applies to the western end. Auckland Transport should ensure a connection through the roundabout. This leads onto Tauhinu Road and the Greenhithe Bridge shared path.
Short-term changes addressed concerns raised by the community. Concrete separators were replaced with rubber ones. This improved manoeuvring space for larger vehicles. Moveable cones were replaced with fixed devices. Auckland Transport remains committed to working with the community. They aim to implement a permanent solution. This enables everyone to travel along Upper Harbour Drive safely.
So, as you traverse the Upper Harbour Shared Path, remember its evolution. This path represents a commitment to safety, connectivity, and a greener future for Auckland.