Cycling

Bike There is a great website to help you assess what you need to get started. Check out their tips for getting started and staying safe on the road.

For extra help contact Pedal Ready to find a cycle skills training session near you.

Brighten up when you're getting about at night

Using good bike lights and wearing reflective material after dark will help you to be safe and be seen.

Applying reflective tape to your backpack, helmet or bike is a simple and effective way to increase your visibility when the days are shorter.

Rules

The law requires cyclists to use front and rear lights during the hours of darkness and lights have to be visible from a distance of 200 metres. You can find out more about the rules in the NZ Code for Cyclists.

We recommend two lights front and two lights rear, one steady and one flashing in each direction. Please take care not to blind other people with your headlight, particularly on shared paths.

Snazz up your side-on visibility

Most accidents occur during turning manoeuvres – being seen by vehicles turning across your path is vital.

If you do not have pedal reflectors, you must wear reflective material when riding at night. Increase your side-on visibility with reflectors or lights on your spokes, and tyres with reflective side walls.

Whether you’re a beginner, an e-biker or an experienced rider, there are rides for all levels around the region. From scenic rides along the coast or on quiet country roads, to river trails or mountain biking in one of our many parks. The Wellington region is a great place to explore by bike and there are lots of great cycling events!

Visit our events calendar to find upcoming events.

Check out Wellington Regional Trails to find tracks near you.

Watch Rawiri enjoy some of our region’s beautiful trails.

Riding to work can be a great way to start the day – check out these commuting tips from CAN and give it a go! It’s a great idea to practise your route during quiet times such as school holidays, and ask a more experienced rider for tips. Check the cycle maps below to help plan your route.

Cycling to school can have many benefits for children. It can improve road safety, decision making and risk assessment skills as well as increasing general health and wellbeing. Here are some great tips for students and their families. (PDF 944 KB)

Find out more about the journey to school including free Pedal Ready cycle skills training and our annual Movin’March event.

There’s a growing movement of parents riding with their children around Wellington. Whether you have a specialised cargobike or an extra seat on your bike, it’s a great way to beat the school traffic, and enjoy quality time with your kids. For more information on how to get started, check out the Pedal Ready website.

The Wellington region has some great places for riding both on and off road. Whether it’s café and beach hopping along a coastal road, touring country vineyards or taking the scenic route along a river trail, you’ll find something to suit you.

You can pick up printed cycle maps from i-SITEs and bike shops around the Greater Wellington region or download them below. You can also request a copy by mail or provide feedback to cycle.maps@gw.govt.nz.

Wellington City Cycle Map 2021 | Ko te Mahere Pahikara o te Tāone o Pōneke 2021

Bike network of the Greater Wellington region - Ko ngā ara Pahikara o Pōneke Nui Tonu

Corrections:

Please note that the footpath on Birdwood St in Karori is a shared path and… Read more here

date_range Published 06 Apr 2022

Download now (PDF 29 MB) get_app

Hutt Valley Cycle Map 2021 | Ko te Mahere Pahikara o Te Awakairangi 2021

Bike network of the Greater Wellington region - Ko ngā ara Pahikara o Pōneke Nui Tonu Read more here

date_range Published 06 Apr 2022

Download now (PDF 14 MB) get_app

Wairarapa Cycle Map 2022 | Ko te Mahere Pahikara o Wairarapa 2022

Bike network of the Greater Wellington region - Ko ngā ara Pahikara o Pōneke Nui Tonu Read more here

date_range Published 22 Aug 2022

Download now (PDF 3.1 MB) get_app

Bikes can be carried free of charge on trains during off peak periods. During the peak, there is no charge for bike carriage, however, services which permit the carriage of bikes are limited. Folding bikes can be carried on trains and buses. Again, during the peak commuter period, spaces may be limited. See the full conditions of carriage.

If you want to find out more about getting started with bikes and public transport you’ll find all you need to know on the Metlink website.

Bike racks on buses

As new buses are added to the network, more and more buses have bike racks available. The entire bus network is expected to have bike rack fitted by the end of 2021.

To arrange a chance to practice without the pressure of the bus waiting, email info@gw.govt.nz. Watch a video about how they work.

Bike parking at stations

Bike parking makes passenger transport a more convenient commuter option and reduces the need for car parks. Greater Wellington provides cycle lockers, cones and racks at many railway stations. Cycle parking facilities are also regularly reviewed and upgraded. Check out the full list of the bike parking spaces at railway stations.

Let’s Ride

Our concise guide on how to stay safe and make the most of your bike. Let’s Ride has tips on setting yourself up, planning a ride, and riding in traffic. It breaks down what those ‘Bus only’ signs really mean and what to watch out for around heavy vehicles.

Download the guide (PDF 2.4 MB)

Cycle skills

Getting ready to ride? Want to make the journey to work more comfortable? Brush up on your cycle skills at one of Pedal Ready's free Cycling in the City training session. Pedal Ready also provides training at schools and workplaces, private individual or group lessons, and training about e-bikes.

Follow Bike Greater Welly on Facebook.

BikeReady is New Zealand’s national cycling education system. 

Information

The official New Zealand code for cyclists is a user-friendly guide to New Zealand’s traffic law and safe cycling practices.

Cycling road code

BikeThere is a Wellington City Council website that aims to support people who want to ride their bike in Wellington.

Bike There

Advice

Cycle Wellington advocates for better biking in Wellington and organises a Facebook community where you can ask questions about cycling.

Cycle Wellington

Consumer NZ has published guides to help you choose the right lock, and e-bike.

Consumer - Bike locks

Consumer - Electric bikes