We've listened
In 2023, we asked the community for feedback on proposed permanent changes to the trial bike lane which was installed in 2021. Since then, we’ve worked through the consequences of the loss of NZTA co-funding while still responding to the feedback received during consultation to refine the design, delivering the same key safety and access improvements in a smarter and a more affordable way.
You told us you wanted practical, cost-effective projects that still deliver meaningful improvements. We’ve taken that feedback on board and focused on optimising the design while reducing costs and disruption.
The refreshed 2025 design builds on the 2023 approved plan but is smarter, and more affordable, achieving around 80% of the original benefits for under half of the construction cost. It’s a practical and right sized step forward towards a safer, more connected Wellington.
How we got here
- June 2021: A temporary uphill bike and scooter lane was installed between Nairn Street and Ohiro Road through Waka Kotahi’s Innovating Streets Programme.
- August 2021: Council agreed to plan for permanent upgrades, including safer walking and cycling routes.
- July 2023: Community consultation took place on the proposed permanent design.
- August 2023: The Regulatory Processes Committee approved the traffic resolutions for walking, biking, and bus improvements.
- 2024–25: Project funding and scope were reviewed.
In late 2023, Councillors approved a Traffic Resolution for bike, bus and walking improvements for Brooklyn connections following community consultation in July 2023. These changes were approved through the Regulatory Committee and allowed upgrades to the existing transitional route which was installed in June 2021.
The Brooklyn Connections project had an original budget of $6.73 million for permanent upgrades. The project was part of the Bike Network Programme and was meant to get 51% funding from NZTA. After changes to national transport funding in 2024, NZTA funding was not committed to this project. In addition, the 2024 Wellington City Council Long-Term Plan amendment further reduced funding for bike network projects.
Following the evaluation of the trial bike lane, Councillors agreed at the 25 August 2021 meeting of Pūroro Āmua, the Planning and Environment Committee, to consult with the community on more permanent changes, extend the bike route and make the area safer for pedestrians.
Since then, the Council has also consulted on Paneke Pōneke, the bike network plan for the city.
The network was approved in March 2022. Brooklyn Road, Ohiro Road and Cleveland Street are all in the bike network plan.
This consultation is the opportunity to comment on the street changes proposed to make the trial lane permanent and the associated traffic resolutions required. The street changes include an improved bike lane up Brooklyn hill, a safer bike connection to the shops, and making other changes which will make things easier and safer for people who walk, take the bus and drive in this area.
In mid-2021, with 90% funding from Waka Kotahi's Innovating Streets Programme, we installed a temporary uphill bike/scooter lane, from Nairn Street to Ohiro Rd, to trial a safer way for people to get from the central city to Brooklyn.
The intention was always to plan more permanent street changes once people had an opportunity to experience the trial layout and provide feedback.
For more information or to get in touch with the project team, email us at BrooklynConnections@wcc.govt.nz