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The Hibiscus Coast Highway cycle lane that heads out of Orewa towards Red Beach has recently been the cause of a few scrapes – but between cars, rather than bikes.
The cycle lane was introduced along this section of road earlier this year as part of a project to address a safety concern for people cycling across the bridge at the estuary end of Orewa.
However, especially in the rush hour, but at all times of day, cars are using the cycle lane when preparing to make the left turn into Red Beach Road.
Auckland Transport spokesperson Scott Winton says this is illegal, and is being actively monitored.
“Motorists turning left onto Red Beach Road from Hibiscus Highway are not permitted to drive in the cycle lane at all. Left turning traffic using the cycle lane are jumping the queue and creating an unsafe environment for all road users,” Mr Winton says.
He says Auckland Transport will monitor this stretch of road for people driving on the cycle lanes. The fine for driving on a cycle lane is $150.
Noting the issue for cyclists in that the cycle lane ends just short of the intersection with Red Beach Road, he says that the intersection was outside the scope for that project, but will be considered when prioritising future cycle infrastructure in the area.
