Auckland is fast becoming the cycling mecca of the South Pacific, with a huge surge in people jumping on their bikes on both weekdays and weekends.
Following a 20.3% increase in cycling trips counted in April when compared to last year, May saw a 14.4% increase. Strikingly, cycling trips in May recorded their highest number in a decade.
AT’s Head of Active Modes, Tania Loveridge, says it’s fantastic to have seen the significant cycle counts over the last couple of months, and the ongoing year on year growth.
“Aucklanders now have more cycleways to enjoy than ever before and are also looking to get access to bikes in record numbers.
“It’s the perfect time for people to consider getting out on their bike – it offers significant cost saving and many time saving and health benefits.”
Has the fuel crisis encouraged more Aucklanders to get on their bikes?
“Our research shows us that providing safe, protected cycleways is critical to getting more people on bikes. As is having access to bikes - with 67% of people telling us they’d consider cycling if they had access to a bike. The distance to be travelled and convenience are also a key factor,” says Loveridge.
“The cost of fuel is likely to be a motivation for people to get on their bikes.
“People will consider other options for travel including using public transport, cycling, or even walking. The increase we’re seeing with cycling is being mirrored with the increase in public transport usage.
“We’ve also had some really good weather over autumn and early winter, which is likely to be boosting the numbers of people out and about on their bikes.
Build it and many will come
Loveridge says people can now bike safely to key destinations across Auckland, including from Auckland Airport right through to the Northwestern Cycleway.
“Recently completed cycleways are proving popular in Māngere West, around the Karanga-a-hape CRL station, Te Hā Noa (Victoria Street) and Great North Road.
“Te Whau pathway has also recently opened in the west, opening up a new place for people to walk and wheel connected to the Northwestern shared path.
“The soon to be completed Links to Glen Innes cycleway and Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai shared path will form a continuous connection through to the city centre via the waterfront.
“A cycleway is also being constructed in Hobsonville that will link the Northwestern cycleway to Hobsonville Point. We are also building improved cycling facilities on Carrington Road.
“Future investment areas include the Kelston-New Lynn focus area, Māngere East and Manukau, Onehunga and Takapuna, and Glen Innes to Panmure.
“We are investing in a range of programmes and initiatives to support the uptake of and reducing barriers to cycling, including supporting a network of Bike Hubs in communities to make it easier and cheaper for people to have access to bike, as well as fix and maintain their bikes.
“With access to a bike being crucial for any prospective cyclist, visits to Bike Hubs have seen a 57% increase in May this year compared to last year.
“We’re also offering bike skills courses and bike maintenance courses across Auckland for those who can’t ride or for those wanting to brush up and get more confident on a bike,” she says.
May the torque be with you
Loveridge says figures from the month of May have been particularly encouraging.
“In May 2026, cycle trips in Auckland totalled 351,894, reflecting a 14.4% increase from May 2025.
“2026 has far outstripped all other years across a ten-year period and even from before,” she says.
Year Month Count
2016 May 275,856
2017 May 298,584
2018 May 306,187
2019 May 337,002
2020 May 257,687
2021 May 288,316
2022 May 261,756
2023 May 255,498
2024 May 280,444
2025 May 307,581
2026 May 351,894
“Over the period from June 2025 to May 2026, a total of 3.57 million cycle movements were recorded at the 26 count sites where we collect cycling trip data.”
