How quick-build cycleways are transforming cities

A well-functioning transport network is essential for a thriving economy. Recognising this, in 2022, Wellington City Council (WCC) prioritised cycling infrastructure as a key investment, not only to enhance transport options but also to deliver economic, health, environmental, and community benefits.  

Denmark and the Netherlands have been global pioneers in implementing interim cycling networks since before the 2000s. The concept of pop-up/temporary/transitional/quick-build cycleways gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic as cities sought rapid solutions to support physical distancing. While implementation varied across 106 European cities, these temporary cycleways proved highly effective in increasing cycling uptake, delivering substantial health benefits estimated between $2.2 and $6.9 billion per year for all cities through improved physical health, increased life expectancy, and reduced healthcare costs. 

Inspired by these international pioneers, several cities in New Zealand have adopted quick-build cycleways to deliver rapid improvements to the network while maximising benefits in the shortest possible time. Auckland led the way in New Zealand with its rollout of various quick-build cycling infrastructure projects as part of the 2020/21 Innovating Streets programme. WCC has since embarked on an ambitious plan to quickly develop a connected cycling network, linking schools, businesses, hospitals, and recreational routes.  

The Transitional Cycleways approach in Wellington focuses on deploying and testing interim schemes within existing street layouts, allowing for faster implementation, iterative design refinements based on user feedback, and earlier realisation of benefits. Under the Paneke Pōneke – Wellington’s Bike Network Plan, this approach is enabling a greater portion of the planned bike network to be delivered quickly and cost-effectively. The Transitional Cycleways served as a stepping stone, informing long-term solutions that will be incorporated into major infrastructure projects like the street transformation programme, and other council-led upgrades. By embracing transitional cycleways, Wellington is accelerating the shift toward a more connected, safer, and cycling-friendly city while ensuring that long-term infrastructure investments are informed by real-world use and feedback. 

New dual crossing at the intersection of Onepu Road and Leonie Gill Pathway - Wellington

Unlike permanent cycleway projects, which can face criticism due to high costs, loss of parking, and potential future capacity constraints, transitional cycleways offer a flexible and adaptive approach. These interim solutions allow for continuous improvements, minimising the risk of costly redesigns or removals. Cities can leverage the transitional cycleway implementation experience in Wellington in several key ways: 

• Incremental growth in cycling adoption 
  By implementing pragmatic, cost-effective, and intentionally temporary infrastructure, transitional cycleways help foster a steady increase in cycling levels over a few years. 

• Lower financial risk and greater adaptability 
  • Transitional infrastructure can be refined and converted into permanent cycleways based on real-world use and feedback. 
  • If a design proves unsuccessful, it can be removed with minimal impact on the street and the materials used to build the cycle facility can be used elsewhere.
  • Some transitional cycleways can be maintained for extended use without requiring more permanent upgrades. 

• Pilot testing for network development 
  Transitional cycleways allow authorities to trial network connections in a real-world setting. This observational, results-driven approach helps assess the effectiveness of the infrastructure within a shorter timeframe, ensuring better long-term planning. 

• Traffic calming and safety benefits 
  Narrowed roadway widths that are often a result of cycleway implementation contribute to lower vehicle speeds, creating a safer road environment. 

• Reduced footpath congestion 
  By offering a dedicated space for wheeled devices such as bicycles, e-scooters and skateboards, transitional cycleways can help alleviate footpath conflicts with people walking. 

• Improved public consultation and engagement 
  Many people struggle to visualise plans in technical drawings. By constructing a visible and usable cycleway, the public can experience the infrastructure firsthand, leading to more informed feedback and better community engagement. 

• Lower installation costs
  According to the Bike Network Plan Report, the estimated cost of implementing a permanent cycleway is approximately 4.5 times higher than that of a transitional cycleway. The funding required for a permanent cycleway exceeds $2 million per kilometre, whereas a transitional cycleway costs less than $0.5 million per kilometre. These interventions offer excellent value for money. 

By adopting transitional cycleways, Wellington is not only accelerating network expansion but also ensuring that permanent cycle infrastructure is informed by real-world user experiences and safety evaluations. 

The transitional cycleway approach has already been successfully implemented in Wellington and Auckland, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world applications. This method provides a practical and adaptable solution that addresses immediate transport challenges while working within budget constraints. Other Councils can benefit from this approach, particularly in the current constrained funding environment. By implementing a transitional cycleway approach, councils can improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency without requiring significant upfront capital. 

If you’d like to learn more about how Abley can support your organisation in applying this approach, get in touch.