We need unapologetic champions for a healthy city.

Just as Bike Auckland is your voice for a more bikeable city, our elected representatives are your voice at the table where things get decided.

That’s why we need leaders who are loud and clear on the benefits of a bike-friendly city. Champions who are ready to call everyone to account, and capable of building alliances to get things done.

The record shows that Aucklanders are ready for bikeable neighbourhoods. Research shows 60% of us would ride if it felt safer, and 65% of us agree that cycleways are good for our neighbourhoods. When you build bike paths, the people show up: ridership is up 8.2% citywide – and the new, improved, connected bike paths are growing by 20% or more, year on year.

With transport making up a huge chunk of Auckland’s greenhouse gas emissions, we all urgently need more sustainable ways to get from A to B. As demonstrated by the speedy shift away from plastic bags, people are up for positive change. We just need our leaders to step up and show the way.

Our call to candidates: Lead us towards a better future, so we can get there in time.