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.
The 2025 design has been reduced in scope so it can be achieved with a smaller budget, while aiming to achieve as many of the project objectives and benefits as possible.
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 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.