Cycling protesters close two lanes of Auckland Harbour Bridge

Cyclists are calling for a three-month cycle lane trial on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. At a 'Liberate the Lane' rally in May, hundreds of cyclists broke police lines and rode over the bridge. Video / Dean Purcell

Auckland motorists experienced long delays after cycling activists breached a police barrier and crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge, forcing the closure of two northbound lanes.

The "Liberate the Lane" group held a rally at Point Erin Park this morning, calling for a three-month cycle lane trial on the harbour bridge.

When the protest finished, a number of cyclists made their way down to the bridge but were met by a row of police officers. After 15 minutes, the group of cyclists grew and chanting could be heard.

Protestors closed 2 northbound lanes on Auckland's Harbour Bridge. Photo / Dean Purcell

After some time, the police wall broke and riders made their way across the bridge. Police estimate at least 1500 were in attendance.

"Let us through," hundreds of bike riders chanted.

Police turned cyclists back when they reached the northern end of the bridge, one rider said.

At midday, traffic headed north on SH1 was backed up between Newmarket and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

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"Liberate the Lane" protesters at a police barricade. Photo / Dean Purcell

Waka Kotahi released a statement at 11am saying it had closed two northbound lanes on the harbour bridge, as well as the Curran St onramp.

"A police operation is underway and it could be some time before the incident is cleared and traffic returns to normal," the agency said.

Motorists were warned to expect delays and postpone their travel if possible or use the alternative Western Ring Route (SH16).

The two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge have since reopened.

Police say they are disappointed in the actions of those who breached the cordons and confirmed one person who initially breached the cordon was arrested.

Bike Auckland chair Barb Cuthbert addressed protesters after they returned from their bridge crossing. "Did you like our lane?" she jokingly asked.

One rider said they were "really impressed with the gradient" on the bridge.

"We had a nice breeze coming through which cooled me down from the ride up," another said.

Protesters want a three-month cycle lane trial on the harbour bridge. Photo / Dean Purcell

'Overwhelmed by frustration'

Earlier, Cuthbert explained the reason for the protest. "We're overwhelmed by public frustration about Waka Kotahi's failure to complete its project for a [cycling] path on the bridge," she said.

Speakers at the rally included Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick, Green MP Julie Ann Genter Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom and Sir Bob Harvey.

Hundreds of protestors made it across the harbour bridge but were turned back by police on the other side. Photo / Dean Purcell

The bridge pathway is part of the $360 million Northern Pathway, an ambitious plan revealed in May 2019 by Waka Kotahi. Of the total cost, $240 million is for the bridge and $120m is to extend the pathway to the Akoranga bus station near Northcote.

However, the project is currently delayed due to "significant and complex engineering issues".

"Auckland can't be expected to wait another 5 years, while Waka Kotahi has another go at delivering on its promise," Cuthbert said.