Auckland Harbour Bridge Protest - reader video

Auckland Harbour Bridge is open to traffic again after thousands of protesters forced their way through police barricades closing all four northbound lanes this morning.

The protest was organised by the Auckland GetAcross campaign group in response to the New Zealand's Transport Agency's rejection of at least three proposals to allow cycling and walking on the bridge.

Last week NZTA decided not to allow the protest for safety reasons.

The group said it wanted to celebrate the bridge's 50th birthday as well as protesting the lack of cycle and pedestrian access by crossing it.

Event spokesperson Bevan Woodward told NZPA the group had not intended the crossing to take place against the wishes of police and NZTA, but they could not stop "people power".

Mr Woodward earlier told the crowd it was in NZTA regional director Wayne McDonald's hands whether they could cross.

Mr McDonald was also at the event and was heckled when he told protesters they could not cross.

Mr Woodward said he was surprised by the level of support the protest received.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority chairperson Christine Rose told the protesters the bridge needed to be open to cyclists and walkers because "we want a city that burns fat not oil".

Commuter cyclist Peter Schmiedeskamp told NZPA the bridge needed to be permanently opened to cyclists and walkers.

"It's important we all show our support to get over the bridge it's a premium section of roadway in New Zealand, if we are serious about being green, then this is an important place to make a stand."

Protesters, including children crossed the bridge on foot and on bikes.

But NZTA says the protesters will not get what they want any sooner.

Mr McDonald says there are plans to provide access for bikes and foot traffic, but it will be 30 years before it is complete.

He says the fact the protesters managed to force their way onto the bridge is not likely to cause a change of heart.

Police said there were no arrests or injuries during the protest.

The bridge was closed to northbound traffic for about an hour between 10am and 11am causing major delays and backups.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• auckland
• harbour
• bridge
• protest
• police
• cycling
• walking
• NZTA

[jazzstarblaster]

@0800dickheads

What a combination, cultured ignorance and blatent disregard for facts. I own 3 vehicles and ride to work, tell me I dont pay rd tax? You user name is well deserved.

[ramtes1971]

We didnt block your travel, NZTA did, we just wanted 2 lanes, and NZTA tricked us. We just want some rights and safety to reduce traffic, obesity (dont know if that offends you), polution, send money overseas to buy petrol, not use your car parks, etc

[nikonville]

The NZTA stuffed this up for everyone on purpose so the press would have an angle to attack the cyclists. It's carefully engineered to spite the protestors. Don't believe the media, read between the lines.

[0800dickheads]

bloody cyclists aye boys ride bikes men drive cars.  you need to video yourself riding a bike and watch it to see how stupid you look. "were road users too same rights blah blah" you dont pay any road tax you are guests on the cars road so show some respect or us car users might protest by running you idiots over

[lukelti]

As pingasnz said, the only reason the motorway was completely blocked is because Wayne McDonald of Transit ballsed up.

Why didnt you take your bikes over the bridge? It was wicked fun. Hopefully because of the protest you may be able to enjoy the ride yourself some day.

As for being irresponsible. Are you calling elderly people in wheelchairs and mothers with children in pushchairs irresponsible? Because they also made up the bulk of the group.

[Kdx200Owns]

You'd be surprised.

2 pushbikes, one being a Specialized Bighit FSR III DH MTB, and a 1990 GSF250.

And as for pingasnz, maybe I was, and a few busload of retards blocked my fucking route to work. Doesn't look like your rally accomplished much, anyway.

[pingasnz]

kdx200owns get a life you phuken teabag......If you actually knew anything about it you'd know that the NZTA phuked it up themselves and didn't bother planning how to get the protesters across......go back to your miserable life of doing what you're told dipshit!!

[lukelti]

someone is a fatty who doesn't know how to ride a bike.

[Kdx200Owns]

Then you're a fucking faggot.

Do you know how many peoples lives were held up for hours while you were all irresponsible that morning?

I mean seriously, I'd have tear gassed the lot of you without hesitation.

[Blamango]

Woot i was there and it rocked!