Facts and figures

From New York to Auckland, changes are being made to make it easier for everyone to get around - whether they’re travelling by bike, car, bus, or on foot. To maintain our reputation as a vibrant, liveable city, we need to make these kinds of changes too.

Smart cities support cycling

We know lots of Wellingtonians are keen to get around by bike, and there are a lot of positive outcomes to making biking safer. Here's what other cities have found:

Cycling is good for cities

Installing things like protected bike lanes makes economic and environmental sense: it means more people will choose to go by bike, which has benefits for everyone.

Benefits to retail
It’s more convenient for people to shop locally when they can bike and quickly park outside – 60% of San Francisco merchants saw more residents shopping locally; 40% of merchants saw increased sales.1

Greater home value
US studies have shown that homes closer to bike paths are more valuable, USD $510 for every quarter mile closer – that’s NZD $690 for every 400 meters.1

Fewer injuries for all
Protected bike lanes in New York have been found to reduce injury risk for all road users by 40%.1

Increased employment opportunities
In the US, they found cycle projects created 46% more employment opportunities compared with road-only projects.2

$1 spent equals $20 saved
Auckland research shows that for every $1 spent on cycle improvements, more than $20 is saved due to fewer road traffic injuries, reduced emissions, the health benefits of increased exercise, and savings on fuel.2

Easy exercise
Improving bike lanes and safety for pedestrians makes active travel to and from work more attractive, making it easy to get the Ministry of Health’s recommended 30 minutes of exercise every day.3

The statistics for these facts have been taken from the following sources:

  1. Explain Your Lane
  2. Benefits of Investing in Cycling
  3. Ministry of Health

The statistic about Wellington's support for cycling is from our Cycling Demand Analysis.

 

Cycling Demand Analysis

(1.4MB PDF)

Our studies show a demand for choice

In June 2014, the Council completed research into the public’s demand for improved biking infrastructure in Wellington. The results support our plan to make it safer and easier for people to bike here, giving Wellingtonians more choice about how they get about.

Fact showing support for bike lanes - 76% would ride a bike.

The research highlights

  • 76% of the population over age 18 would consider biking if protected bike lanes were provided - whether for recreation, errands or commuting
  • 9% bike to work regularly
  • An additional 22% would prefer to bike to work, but currently don’t for one reason or another
  • The two main reasons preventing people from biking are the lack of dedicated infrastructure and traffic-related safety concerns.

More people opting to bike

Internationally, nationally and locally, the number of people cycling is increasing.


  • In Wellington, our counts show the number of people coming into the city by bike has more than doubled since 2006.
  • The 2013 Census - a one-day snap shot - showed cycling to work in Wellington had increased by 73% compared to 2006.
  • We have installed permanent bike counters at a number of locations around Wellington. You can see all the monthly biking stats at: www.bikethere.org.nz

Related links