Baldwin Street

Region

Otago

Type

MUni

Level

Intermediate

More Info

www.nzbike.com/activities/steepestroad.html

Contributed By

Steve Pavarno

Ken Looi rides The Worlds Steepest Street: his story...

A must for every unicyclist! See if you can ride all the way up it's incredible 38% gradient without falling off! And then hang on for your life as you ride your way back down. Baldwin street sits tucked away in smoky North East Valley, nestled in amongst a row of ridiculously steep streets on the side of Signal Hill. It has been used by many people to hone their climbing/descending skills; be they (bi)cyclists, runners, rollerbladers, pogostickers, skateboarders, Xtreme little old grannies walking their dogs; and of course unicyclists. It's not that difficult, but you do need a good seat handle to pull up on and good tyres. If all else fails, try pecking your way up sideways till you reach the top. And don't forget to get a certificate from the pottery shop at the bottom to say you've conquered the worlds steepest street!

If you think Baldwin Street is tough, try heading up Signal Hill road, perpendicular to Baldwin Street. It's almost as steep as Baldwin street, but a lot longer. This takes you to the top of Signal hill, at which time you can expire while taking in the 360 views of Dunedin with your dying breath. Head back down the road, or better still, go down the mountainbike tracks near the top which gets you to the bottom at Logan Park High School.

In May 2001 Ken visited Dunedin for his University graduation and he rode up and down Baldwin Street on his 20' unicycle. A world first perhaps?

More photos and story on RSU: Part One, Part Two

How to get there
From the University head North toward the botanical gardens. At the traffic lights continue past the Supermarket and shops and head along North Road for about 2km until you see a big sign and a very steep looking street on your right!

Word of warning: One student was killed and another seriously wounded when the wheely-bin they were in crashed into a parked trailer unit in 2000. Be careful especially if you intend on Cokering down.