New two-tier CBD bike rack opens for use
Wellington’s first covered public bike rack will be available for use from Monday 12 November.
The new Grey Street bike rack is also the first Dutch two-tiered rack Wellington City Council has installed for public
use. It is similar to one Victoria University of Wellington has adjacent to its School of Architecture and Design.
The new rack, which will parking up to 59 bikes, is open to the footpath but protected from the weather by a new
three-sided, bus stop-style shelter.
It has been installed adjacent to the public shower and toilets to provide a convenient option for people who would like
to freshen up or get changed after biking into town but don’t have facilities where they work.
The rack is easy to use, but staff will be on hand from 7am–9am for the first few mornings to help show people how the
top deck works.
People will also be able to check out the new rack, and electric vehicle (EV) charger recently installed just across the
road, at lunchtime on Thursday 15 November, 11.30am to 1.30pm.
Staff will be on hand, and there will be two electric vehicles on display, including one with a 400km range.
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says the Council is encouraging people to use active modes of transport, and promoting
electric vehicle charging and car sharing to help reduce the city’s greenhouse emissions.
“With the new bike rack and EV charger, Grey Street is fast becoming a little sustainable transport hub in the heart of
the city.”
Cr Sarah Free, the Council’s Portfolio Leader for Walking and Cycling, says the Council is keen to test the style of
rack and, depending on demand, will consider putting in one or two more in central city locations.
“To help manage congestion as the city’s population grows, we need to encourage as many people as possible to be
walking, biking and taking public transport.
“More bike parking is just one of the ways the Council is working to make it possible for people of all ages and
abilities to consider making some trips by bike. And locating it near shower and change facilities helps address one of
the things some people see as a barrier to commuting to work by bike.”
The upper deck of the rack is gas-assisted. To use it, simply pull the red handle out fully, push down firmly, line your
bike up and push it on to the rack, use your own lock in the usual way, and then lift and push the rack back into
position.