18 Aug 2014

National pledges $100m for cycleways

10:07 pm on 18 August 2014

The National Party says if it's re-elected to government it would spend $100 million over the next four years on building cycleways in urban centres.

National says cycleways in the largest centres are often fragmented and the network needs to be improved and existing routes connected.

National says cycleways in the largest centres are often fragmented and the network needs to be improved and existing routes connected. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

It says cycleways in the largest centres are often fragmented and the network needs to be improved and existing routes connected.

Prime Minister John Key said the funding would allow infrastructure to be built to a standard that would encourage commuters to get on their bikes.

"Many people cite safety concerns and a lack of infrastructure as the reasons for not cycling, I think we can also say there has been some under-investment in cycling facilities in urban areas."

Mr Key said the funding would be in addition to the land transport funding.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said commuting by bike had health benefits and also helped to take pressure off other transport networks.

Mr Brownlee said the funding would allow for cycleway infrastructure to be built to a standard that delivered real incentives for commuters to get on their bikes.