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Tomorrow marks one year since Dunedin's State Highway 1 cycle lane system was officially opened and the numbers indicate it is increasingly popular.
The $8million NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) project to develop cycle lanes through central and north Dunedin began in late 2017.
Last year, an average of 113 cyclists per day cycled down Cumberland St.
Two cycle counters show a general increase in cyclists in January on both Great King St and Cumberland St.
This year, the number on average was 136 cyclists per day in January, up from 120 in 2018 and 97 last year.
January figures on the Great King St cycleway have stayed about the same.
NZTA senior project manager Simon Underwood said in January and February of this year there had been an increase compared with previous years, "and the daily count is progressively increasing as the tertiary sector gets under way".
So far this year the busiest day was February 17, when 250 cyclists were counted on Cumberland St.
The most popular section of the SH1 cycle lanes was Cumberland St between the Botanic Garden and Albany St.
"That’s because, from North East Valley, this southbound cycle lane provides the most direct route between North East Valley and the tertiary areas."
Regular cyclist Elisa Maierl noticed a marked difference in her own safety, but not in cyclist numbers in the past year while commuting to work.
"I haven’t noticed many more cyclists on the roads."
She rode to and from work each day on the Cumberland St and Great King St one-way system through the city.
"I was riding my bike before they built the new cycleways and I do definitely notice a positive change.
"I like that I’m separate from cars, I’m not worried about cars hitting me because they can’t go into the cycleways."
She disliked the traffic lights for cyclists.
"I think there is a limited window for bikes and cars, both have to wait a long time. I don’t think either really like it.
Having to get on and off bikes and switch sides of the road was also counterintuitive, Miss Maierl said.
"Overall, though, it’s a lot better."
Mr Underwood said the shape and layout of the new Dunedin Hospital would affect some cycleway planning for the future.
"We will have a better idea about that later this year, when the business case is completed."