Auckland Harbour Bridge cycle rally: Arrested cyclist says access to bridge needed to modernise city

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Tēnā koutou. The man who was arrested at the cycle rally over the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Sunday says having cycle access on the bridge is key to modernising the city.

Epsom resident Jason Mathieson arrived early and broke through the police blockade at the Curran St on-ramp to the bridge shortly before Bike Auckland's 'Liberate the Lane' rally began.

Mathieson, who works as bicycle messenger and claims to “live on my bike”, believes a cycle path over the bridge is the key to unlocking Auckland as a modern city.

“It should be an exciting project for the city.”

After unsuccessfully pressuring police to “let this happen”, Mathieson saw his opportunity to throw himself and his bike over the gate when one of the police officers momentarily glanced away.

“It's not like you are trying to break the law, but rather break and idea, the idea that bikes can’t go over the bridge.”

As Mathieson made his way to the bridge, he thought he had made it, until he saw another police blockade in his way, where he was arrested.

“I watched everyone go over the bridge from the back of the police car.”

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