Last updated June 2026
The Brooklyn Road Uphill Cycleway provides a separated uphill lane for bikes and e-scooters from Nairn Street to the Ohiro Road intersection in Wellington. Installed as a trial in mid-2021, it offers a dedicated route up one of the city’s steepest commuter corridors from central Wellington into the Brooklyn suburb. The project forms part of the Paneke Pōneke bike network plan and connects onward to other western suburb routes.
Practical Information
| Location | Brooklyn Road, Wellington (Nairn Street to Ohiro Road) |
| Distance | Approx. 1.5 km one-way (uphill lane) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging — sustained climb |
| Direction | Uphill separated lane only; downhill via shared on-road route to Aro Street |
| Surface | Sealed, with concrete buffer protection on trial lane |
| Access | Bottom of Nairn Street, central Wellington |
| Cost | Free |
| E-scooters | Permitted in the separated lane |
| Status | Trial lane operational since 2021; permanent upgrades delayed, new consultation planned for July 2026 |
About the Cycleway
Brooklyn Road has long presented challenges for cyclists due to its steep gradient and mix with buses and cars. The trial uphill lane, installed in June 2021 with 90% funding from Waka Kotahi’s Innovating Streets Programme, demonstrated strong demand and improved safety for riders heading to Brooklyn.
The 2023 approved permanent design included a street-level bike lane with concrete buffers transitioning to a raised footpath-height lane, plus extensions along Ohiro Road. However, loss of NZTA co-funding and reduced council budgets paused the project. A refreshed 2025 design aims to deliver around 80% of the original benefits at lower cost, with public consultation scheduled for July 2026 and potential construction from early 2027 if approved.
The lane remains uphill only. Riders descending use a shared on-road bike route via Aro Street, separating opposing directions for safety.
The Paneke Pōneke Network
The Brooklyn Road route is one element of Wellington City Council’s Paneke Pōneke 10-year bike network plan, approved in March 2022. It links to the Aro Valley cycleway, extending access toward Karori, Highbury and Kelburn and forming part of a growing connected network from western suburbs into the central city.
Broader improvements considered for the corridor include bus stop upgrades and pedestrian enhancements, though the scope has been adjusted following funding changes. The trial lane continues to support daily commuters while permanent works are reviewed.
What Visitors Often Say
The trial lane has made the steep climb noticeably safer and more comfortable, especially for regular commuters avoiding close passes from traffic.
Riders appreciate the dedicated space on the uphill section and note it encourages more people to cycle this popular commuter corridor.
Where to Learn More
Brooklyn Connections — WCC Transport Projects: Current project status, trial history and upcoming consultation details.
Paneke Pōneke Bike Network Plan — Wellington City Council: Citywide cycling strategy and route priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brooklyn Road Cycleway open?
Yes, the trial uphill separated lane has been operational since June 2021 and remains in use.
Can I ride downhill on the separated lane?
No, the lane is uphill only. The downhill route uses a shared on-road bike path via Aro Street.
Are e-scooters allowed?
Yes, the separated lane is open to both cyclists and e-scooter riders.
How steep is the climb?
Brooklyn Road features a sustained uphill gradient that many riders find moderate to challenging depending on fitness and equipment.
Where does the route connect to?
At the top it links to Ohiro Road and Brooklyn; at the bottom it joins the city network via Nairn Street and connects to the Aro Valley cycleway.
What is the current status of permanent upgrades?
Permanent improvements approved in 2023 have been paused due to funding changes. A revised design is scheduled for consultation in July 2026.
Is there parking at the start?
The route begins in central Wellington; most users access it via the wider city cycling network or on foot.
Is the lane suitable for all abilities?
The dedicated space helps, but the steep sustained climb may still challenge less experienced or less fit riders.
The Brooklyn Road Uphill Cycleway is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington network. Also nearby: the Aro Valley Cycleway extends the route toward Karori, and the Island Bay Cycleway heads south through The Parade.
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