A transport expert says Auckland's pricey cycle plans could put people off.

More than $144 million out of a $1 billion City Council climate package will go on 18 kilometres of cycle infrastructure.

Transport and infrastructure consultant Barney Irvine told Heather du Plessis Allan it reinforces negative perceptions around cycling.

“For a lot of people, this is going to just confirm the view that all cycle lanes are ridiculously expensive and used only by ghost cyclists.”

LISTEN ABOVE