Safer biking

Recent letter writers opposing the uphill cycle lane trial on Brooklyn Hill sound like they haven’t jumped on a bike in a long time. Maybe that’s because cycling in Wellington is challenging and dangerous.

Decades of transport design have prioritised the movement of cars at the expense of the safety of other road users, which discourages a lot of people from giving it a go.

A protected cycle lane will make the formidable climb up Brooklyn Hill much easier by providing separation between people on bikes and other traffic, which often includes terrifying heavy earthmoving trucks on their way to the landfill. It’s still going to be a big hill but at least you won’t have to worry about getting squashed.

Safe cycling facilities take up a tiny fraction of transport budgets both at a local and central government level, but they make a huge difference for the large numbers of people who would consider trying cycling if it was safer.

It’s time for a connected and comprehensive network of safe cycling routes in Wellington which can unlock the joy of cycling for everyone.

Stephanie Cairns, Rongotai