Cyclists win rush-hour challenge

By RENEE KIRIONA

Cyclists left racing car drivers in the dust yesterday as they pedalled their bikes through Auckland's slow traffic.

In the Auckland Commuter Challenge four sets of cyclists, racing car drivers and buses raced across Auckland.

The cyclists' wins, with an average time of 26m51s, is the latest demonstration of Auckland's traffic crisis, says Cycle Action Auckland, which organised the event.

Jon Bridges was the first to reach Aotea Square, cycling 10km from the Lynnmall in west Auckland.

The TV3 presenter and producer, who clocked in at 23m49s, was delighted to pass outright New Zealand land speed record holder Owen Evans on Great North Rd.

But Mr Evans, who was driving his wife's Audi V6 Turbo, said the cyclist would have been in for some "real competition" if he had not needed to find a carpark.

But while they were having their battle, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and his Stagecoach bus driver were content to cruise along.

"It took us for 40 minutes but then that's understandable given that we made about 20 stops," Mr Harvey said.

"In my last campaign I said I would not use the mayoral car and would start biking to work but I have to admit that I'm eating my own words."

The cars came in second at an average of 31m32s while the buses averaged 53m10s.

Professional rally driver Stig Blomqvist of Sweden, driving a Subaru, was passed by cyclist Ron King in the east Auckland race.

In one for the racing car drivers, technical New Zealand land speed record holder Ray Williams won the south Auckland race in 27m37s.

In the North Shore race cyclist Maureen Thompson won after getting permission from Transit and the North Shore City Council to ride over the Harbour Bridge.

Event co-ordinator Leonard Bloksberg, of Cycle AA, said the event proved that if more commuters rode bicycles, traffic congestion would be less of a headache.

However, he believed many chose not to because they feared being hurt.

"If riding a bike you are probably more likely to get a skinned knee but if you're in a car you are more likely to be killed," Dr Bloksberg said.

A cyclist who was not part of the challenge was hit at about 8am yesterday on Greys Ave.

"I saw that cyclist pass our bus then a few minutes later I saw him lying on the road. It brought back to us the reality of what we were doing to a whole different level," Mr Harvey said.

According to Transfund 366 motorists died last year, seven cyclists and no bus passengers.

About 6 per cent of commuters travel by bike or foot, 7 per cent by public transport and the rest in their cars.

Transit strategy and traffic director Terry Brown said traffic congestion was getting worse as 3 per cent more cars each year were using roads that had not been significantly improved.

Tuesday's announcement of a $1.6 billion funding package to improve the road network is hoped to get Auckland moving.

Commuting costs

Car: $1990 a year (includes petrol, oil, registration, WOF, tyres, repairs, maintenance).

Cycle: $180 a year (two services, helmet, rear light, pump).

Bus: $124 to $159 a month.