NZ Transport Agency Wellington Regional Office
14 June 2013
Wheels moving on Ngauranga to Petone cycleway investigations
Cyclists are may soon enjoy safer and easier journeys between the Hutt Valley and Wellington, with work about to start
on an initiative to develop a walking and cycling facility connecting the two cities.
The NZ Transport Agency will soon begin formal investigations into a potential facility to help cyclists travel more
safely between Hutt City and Wellington. The investigation aims to identify what facilities are needed to make the bike
ride between Hutt and Wellington safer and easier.
Ms Chetwynd says the project would dovetail with other transport improvements to increase choice for everyone, whether
they travel by public transport, car, or on bike.
“We want to remove barriers to people’s travel choices, however they choose to get around. This means providing better
trains, it means providing better highways, and it means ensuring that cyclists feel like there’s nothing stopping them
hopping on a bike to travel between the Hutt and Wellington.”
“If we make it easier to get between the two cities, we effectively bring the cities closer together.”
“Last year, we surveyed more than 700 cyclists about their cycling habits. We also ran focus groups to find out what
puts them off cycling the route and the most common reason was that the journey was too dangerous. Three quarters of
those surveyed said that the ability to use a dedicated, off-road cycleway would make them more likely to cycle.”
“The investigation is the next major step towards making that a reality.”
Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace welcomed the decision of the NZ Transport Agency to start investigating the cycle way
between Hutt City and Wellington
“Investment in the regional cycling network will provide benefits for Lower Hutt residents and provide opportunities for
tourism.”
“A formal cycleway between the two cities of Wellington and Lower Hutt cities will support plans for the Great Harbour
Way - Te Aranui o Pōneke.
“In the future it is hoped the cycleway will be incorporated into a proposed Wellington - Wairarapa Cycle Trail, as part
of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail,” he says.
Wellington City Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the connection is important for both commuting and recreation.
"Wellington City Council is commited to a safe route along the beautiful coast, and the proposed Ngauranga to Petone
cycle facility will help complement the Great Harbour Way as a cycle tourism destination."
"I have consistently asked for improvements and I'm delighted with the NZTA taking the next steps. Wellington City
Council has boosted our own cycling investment and together we can make Wellington a great cycling capital."
Ms Chetwynd says the investigation is not necessarily about improving the current cycleway between Ngauranga and Petone.
It may conclude that there are a number of options the NZTA could explore further. Any solutions identified would also
need to be pedestrian-friendly.
“We’re keeping an open mind about the best solution and we will be seeking and listening to the views of cyclists as
part of this investigation before we make any decisions.
“For a solution to be successful, it has to encourage and support more people to cycle safely between work, home, school
and the city and it has to be cost effective.”
NZTA is leading this project and working in partnership with Hutt City Council and Wellington City Council to ensure
that both the state highways and local roads are safer for cyclists.
Ms Chetwynd says the cycleway is part of a big package of projects proposed to improve travel for all forms and
transport, and bolster safety and economic productivity throughout the Wellington region.
“To foster economic prosperity in Wellington, we need to provide a range of safe and effective choices to connect people
to their homes and workplaces, however they travel. This means improving Wellington’s transport system on a number of
fronts.
“Wellington’s connections to the north need to be improved, and we’re working to improve this for all forms of travel by
developing a cycling facility, funding new Matangi trains, and progressing projects like Transmission Gully.”
Ms Chetwynd says the NZTA is also aiming to make Wellington more user-friendly for active people by proposing a walking
and cycling facility from Cobham Drive to the Basin Reserve to help make it more attractive to walk or hop on a bike.
The NZTA has called for expressions of interest and the NZTA is keen to hear from interested suppliers.
In addition to investigating improved cycling facilities, the NZTA is investing $348 million in public transport in the
Wellington region (2012-2015).
ends