Auckland Transport propose $2b cycling network to reduce congestion and carbon emissions

Auckland Transport planners are proposing an ambitious cycling network that will cost up to $2 billion.

It's an effort to reduce congestion and carbon emissions in the super city by shifting 7 percent out of their cars and onto their bikes by 2030.

Bike Auckland chair Tony Mitchell likes to practice what he preaches.

"I love bikes, I've been riding bikes and racing bikes all my life so this is exciting but it's also necessary."

He's backing a proposal for a $2b cycling network in Auckland that will see 260km of new pathways.

"It's really looking at 2030 and how Auckland can actually achieve a mode shift to cycling of 7 percent and also reduce emissions as well," he said.

It's a lofty goal because currently just 1.2 percent of Aucklanders bike to work each day and there's opposition to the cost of it

It's a $2b project and Auckland Transport has just $360 million allocated towards the plan, leaving a $1.7b shortfall.

Auckland Councillor Chris Darby said it will be difficult to get the proposal off the ground.

"It's an enormous challenge but you don't shy away from dealing with an issue like cycle safety because you can't find the money right now."

They may not have to wait for long with the Government's Budget to be announced later this month.

Transport Minister Michael Wood told Newshub: "You can take it as a given that we in general across the transport system support an increased level of investment in these areas."

The plan requires policy changes too, calling for mandatory bike training in schools, limiting or removing parking for teachers, and public subsidies for people and businesses to buy bikes.

Darby is spearheading the proposal and said road safety upgrades are long overdue.

"Hospitalisation rates are telling us that the actual injury rate is something like six times what is reported now. That is ghastly."

In cities like Paris where they've invested in cycling, people have taken it up.

"More than half of Aucklanders have responded to us and said if you make it safe I will get in the saddle," Darby said.

He's hoping the council's planning committee will get on board too and approve it at the meeting on Thursday.