Oppose Wellington City Council's waterfront cycle lane plan
The issue
As a resident of Wellington, I have witnessed firsthand the growing challenges faced by drivers navigating our beautiful yet increasingly congested city. Recently, Wellington City Council has proposed sacrificing an additional traffic lane for 6 hours a day, at a cost of 11 million to ratepayers, on the waterfront Quays to create a new cycle and bus lane. While I understand the importance of promoting sustainable transport options, this proposal will exacerbate existing traffic congestion, particularly along one of the primary exit routes from the city.
Our city has already seen a significant reduction in vehicle lanes, such as the loss of two lanes along Cambridge Terrace, not to mention the chaos of island bay. For many of us who rely on cars for daily commutes or for family obligations, these changes have turned once-simple journeys into logistical headaches. Time spent in traffic is time taken away from family, work, and personal well-being. Traffic congestion can have profound economic impacts, too, potentially costing Wellington millions in lost productivity every year. And we've already seen the disastrous impact to local businesses when these lanes are created.
According to a 2021 report by the TomTom Traffic Index, Wellington's congestion level stands at nearly 30%, among the highest in New Zealand. If this trend continues, the city's operational efficiency and accessibility could be severely compromised. Creating a new bus and cycle lane by reducing vehicular lane capacity could significantly worsen these traffic issues, making commutes longer and more frustrating for thousands of Wellingtonians.
I urge the Wellington City Council to reconsider this decision and to actively seek input from all road users. Let's work together towards a transport system that serves the entire community. By signing this petition, you are standing up for smarter, more collaborative urban planning that benefits everyone who calls Wellington home. Please sign to ensure we protect our roads and maintain a city that works for all its residents.
17
The issue
As a resident of Wellington, I have witnessed firsthand the growing challenges faced by drivers navigating our beautiful yet increasingly congested city. Recently, Wellington City Council has proposed sacrificing an additional traffic lane for 6 hours a day, at a cost of 11 million to ratepayers, on the waterfront Quays to create a new cycle and bus lane. While I understand the importance of promoting sustainable transport options, this proposal will exacerbate existing traffic congestion, particularly along one of the primary exit routes from the city.
Our city has already seen a significant reduction in vehicle lanes, such as the loss of two lanes along Cambridge Terrace, not to mention the chaos of island bay. For many of us who rely on cars for daily commutes or for family obligations, these changes have turned once-simple journeys into logistical headaches. Time spent in traffic is time taken away from family, work, and personal well-being. Traffic congestion can have profound economic impacts, too, potentially costing Wellington millions in lost productivity every year. And we've already seen the disastrous impact to local businesses when these lanes are created.
According to a 2021 report by the TomTom Traffic Index, Wellington's congestion level stands at nearly 30%, among the highest in New Zealand. If this trend continues, the city's operational efficiency and accessibility could be severely compromised. Creating a new bus and cycle lane by reducing vehicular lane capacity could significantly worsen these traffic issues, making commutes longer and more frustrating for thousands of Wellingtonians.
I urge the Wellington City Council to reconsider this decision and to actively seek input from all road users. Let's work together towards a transport system that serves the entire community. By signing this petition, you are standing up for smarter, more collaborative urban planning that benefits everyone who calls Wellington home. Please sign to ensure we protect our roads and maintain a city that works for all its residents.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 1 October 2026