[James 1077]

Hi all

I'm moving to Auckland with my family on 13th March and, having looked around, read books, spoken to relatives etc we have decided we want to live around Mission Bay.

I'm also thinking of cycling to work in the CBD each day to save on public transport costs (and to get rid of my far too big beer gut!) - can anyone let me know if this is a sensible idea? Or is it far too dangerous a thing to even be contemplating and should I be sectioned the minute I arrive at the airport? :)

Thanks

James

[DMcG]

There aren't many safe places to cycle in Auckland - mainly due to stupid driving. But you're in luck - there's a footpath/shared cycle path all the way along the waterfront to near Britomart Station :D

You can download the maps from Maxx here (http://www.maxx.co.nz/cycle-maps.html). The bit you want is on page 2 of the North and West map. You can also get paper versions of these free from most Information offices.

Dougie

[dharder]

...we want to live around Mission Bay.

I'm also thinking of cycling to work in the CBD each day to save on public transport costs (and to get rid of my far too big beer gut!) - can anyone let me know if this is a sensible idea?

Absolutely fine, beautiful trip too. From Mission Bay into town, you have an excellent cycling route along the Tamaki Drive that takes you all the way (pretty much) into the CBD. We've done the trip with the kids on bikes, and half of them are under 5, so totally doable.

As far as I can tell, though, that is the only path of that quality and length, and in general, cycling here is a bit of a nightmare.

But Mission Bay into town is good, and even faster than the bus, I should think.

Daniela

[KerryS]

Mission Bay to the CBD is a great ride, but it can get crowded, because, as others said - it is one of the only decent cycle paths in Auckland.
It's also shared use, so lots of runners, walkers and skaters too.
I often head down here for a run in the morning, as it's a nice level route, so no nasty hills rising out of nowhere!

There's quite a lot of info about cycling in Auckland on the council website, which you may find of some use:
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/Transport/bikes/default.asp

[Caroline and Dave]

A word of warning. I know you say you want to settle in the mission bay area but if you had a change of mind and thought about the North Shore, they do not allow cyclists over the bridge which apart from the ferry is the only access from the North Shore to the CBD.You could live in Devonport and take your bike over on the ferry.
Just thought I'd make you aware of that.

Dave and Caroline

[DMcG]

they do not allow cyclists over the bridge

They're thinking about it though: Cycling for harbour bridge gathers speed (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=348&objectid=10493002)

Dougie

[akp713]

A terrible idea, putting a bike lane on the bridge, it's crowded enough as it is!

Also you should be aware that the bike lane and the bus lane are the same thing in many areas of Auckland! But the ride from Mission Bay is the only desent one I know of and I used to ride it for excercise regularly when I lived in the CBD.