https://www.cyclewellington.org.nz/july_2025_newsletter

Calls to action

Help ensure the next council stays bike-positive!

Things are tough right now. Government ministers and even the Prime Minister have been attacking bike lanes and destroying our country’s capacity to design and build better cycling infrastructure. They are desperate to divert attention (and blame) away from the bad choices contributing to the financial strain local government is under around the country.

It is shameful how many measures the government has taken to worsen conditions on our roads and streets, making journeys less safe for everyone - especially those not using private cars. People have already lost their lives in places around the country where speeds have been raised at Simeon Brown’s ideological directive. These terrible behaviours from our national politicians makes it even more important to elect local representatives who will continue fighting to make our streets work for the people of Wellington, and for streets that are safer for people cycling. 

• Talk to friends and family about why you think making our city safer and more appealing for everyone to access riding bikes is important. What do you love about it? What could be better? What’s stopping you, or your loved ones?
• Encourage others to ensure they get out and vote.
• Donate or volunteer for local ward and mayoral candidates who you feel support better biking. If you have a property with a fence visible to the road - consider offering to host a billboard.

and, most importantly: Vote!

Voting opens Tuesday 9 September and closes midday Saturday 11 October 2025

More information is available on the WCC website.

Wouldn't it be nice to have* more people on bikes?

Cycling Action Network has a new campaign out that criticizes the current government for undermining the wellbeing of kiwis, and trying to classify inclusive and safe transport infrastructure (like bike lanes) as "nice-to-haves". 

Vote for bikes in the upcoming local body elections! When you vote for candidates who believe in the power of bicycles, you 'help make possible all the things that make our communities pleasant, safe, clean, sociable, affordable, sustainable, and more.'

*Safe space for cycling is a must have.

Upcoming bikeness

Save the date - Meet the Candidates - Cycling edition

6pm Wednesday 10 September

Cycle Wellington is working to hold an event to hear from local election candidates about their vision and perspectives on cycling and bike infrastructure for Poneke. Look out for an email with further details if you are signed up to our website – as there will be limited attendance available.

Next Cycle Wellington Meeting

6pm Tuesday 5 August 2025

Sustainability Trust, 2 Forresters Lane, and online.

Make sure you are signed up on our website so you receive the reminder emails.

Recent goings on

Bikes on buses is back

Thanks to Metlink who have reinstated the carrying of bikes on all Wellington bus services. The provision was suspended due to NZTA concerns over “ensuring bike racks do not obscure bus headlamps, enabling full visibility in all weather conditions and during hours of darkness, including when travelling through tunnels.”

District Plan weakened for inner city bike owners

Cycle Wellington are very disappointed to learn that sensible planning provisions that sought to benefit people with bikes and micromobility under the new District Plan have been removed.

The removals represent a shortsighted, missed opportunity to see new housing developments better accommodate storage and secure parking facilities for bikes and micromobility. Reasons given seem weak - centered around saving money for developers.

This change will mean Wellingtonians moving into new developments may continue to have few options for storing and securing their bikes. 

While we do not support minimum parking requirements for cars, we feel this bad decision will mean more people face ongoing barriers to owning and storing bikes in the city. The change is incongruent with several other strategic objectives of the Council, such as climate action, the bike network plan, and a city where people and nature thrive.

You can read the full notice here.

WCC

Some recent updates from WCC can be found in this newsletter, including information on:

• Implementation of variable speed zones around schools
• Queens Drive safety improvements
• Next steps for the Freyberg Street trial

Council have also been engaging (submissions already closed) on some changes for the No. 2 Bus route in preparation for Metlink bringing in some bendy buses.