STEEPEST STREET IN THE WORLD - Baldwin Street. Dunedin. New Zealand.
S 45° 51.028 E 170° 32.155
59G E 463968 N 4922461
The Steepest street in the world is the famous Baldwin Street in the South Island city of Dunedin.
Waymark Code: WM7QEY
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/22/2009
Views: 16
Baldwin Street, at Dunedin's Northern end is reputed by the Guinness Book of Records as being the steepest street in the world.
At its maximum, the slope of Baldwin Street is approximately 1:2.86 (19° or 35%) - that is, for every 2.86 metres travelled horizontally, the elevation rises by 1 metre.
A short straight street of a little under 350 metres length, its lower reaches are of only moderate steepness, and the surface is asphalt, but the upper reaches of this cul-de-sac are far steeper, and surfaced in concrete, for ease of maintenance (tar seal would flow down the slope on a warm day) and for safety in Dunedin's frosty winters.
The street is the venue for an annual event in Dunedin, the "Baldwin Street Gutbuster". Every summer since 1988 this exercise in fitness and balance involves athletes running from the base of the street to the top and back down again. The event attracts several hundred competitors annually, and as of 2008 the record is 1:56, set in 1998.
The Street is also famous for its Jaffa Race, an event held annually, which involves the rolling of over 30,000 Jaffas (spherical orange candy-coated chocolate sweets) down the street. Each jaffa is sponsored by one person, with prizes to the winner and funds raised going to charity.
In 2001 a student was killed attempting to ride down Baldwin Street in a 'wheelie bin' rubbish bin on wheels.
The co-ordinates are marking the seat at the top of the street. Go on, you'll just have to walk up there...we did!
We walked up the footpath, via the steps up the side of the road, and walked all the way back down the middle of the road, and yes, it is steep!
Type of documentation of superlative status: Street is Sign posted and also entered in Guiness Book of Records.
Location of coordinates: Co-ords are given for the seat at the top. Go on, walk up there! You'll enjoy the view.
Web Site: [Web Link]
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