I must say that the map supports the fact that socio-economic factors are huge. I know from living in Woolston/Opawa that the Ferry Road/Ensors Road line is a big divider economically, with West/South of that line considerably more affluent.

Of course, from an economic point of view that doesn’t make much sense. People with less money should cycle more as it is cheaper.

I don’t know if the difference is explained by cultural factors (less affluent see bicycles as (ironically) something that shows they have less money) or practical, in that people in lower paying jobs have to travel to work in a more dispersed pattern while the more affluent tend to work in more agglomerated areas like the CBD.

The fact that also Sumner is quite strong supports that, as despite the distance, it has more cycling than areas closer to the city in the East. Interesting stuff.

Fair comment Stephen, although there is a way to get into Northwood without having to brave the State Hwy. From Northwood there is a pathway from Caleb Pl that takes you to Styx Mill Rd and over to Regents Park Dr. That will then connect you to the Railway Cycleway via Barnes Reserve. As with many of these shortcuts though, there’s no signposting, so you’ll need to swot up GoogleMaps to work out where to go.

It might also be possible to get through from Glen Oaks Dr via the Styx Mill Reserve, but I’m not sure of the path link (will have to check it out one day).

In the near future when the Railway Cycleway is extended further north, maybe a few more from Northwood/Belfast will venture out by bike.