what will really make a difference for cycling? presentation by jane dawson cycling advocates’...

What will really make a difference for cycling?

Presentation by

Jane Dawson

Cycling Advocates’ Network

Sustainable Land Transport Conference21-24 November 2004

Jane Dawson, November 20042

The possibilities are exciting ...

Significant changes in the transport agencies NZ Transport Strategy Arrival of Land Transport NZ

Other government policies are being developed NZ Health Strategy Climate change response

Emphasis on ‘joined-up’ policy & initiatives


… but little change is detectable

Change is happening at a ‘high’ level

Changes in emphasis not translating to visible changes

Difficult to build support for changes when they remain theoretical


What would make a real difference?

Asked for response from both cyclists and non-cyclists

“What would make the difference for you?”

“If the transport fairy granted you 3 wishes, what would they be?”


Responses

Passionate

Good range of suggestions

Particular problems, but can be categorised

Reasonable quests, often easy to address


Issues not dealt with

How to cater for cycling

Why cycling should be encouraged


Categorising responses

Typical categories

Match more rigorous research

Could be used by official agencies for quick information-gathering


What is a ‘cycle-friendly environment’?

“Easy as!” No barriers, no excuses

“No Worries” Feel safe, comfortable

“Way to go!” Awareness, mainstreaming solutions

Support services Give incentives, encouragement


Different cyclists, different needs

Regular cyclists Assertive Looking for a pleasant trip

Occasional cyclists Street-wise Full protection

Fluid categories


Main requests

Supportive infrastructure Reduced level of intimidation Awareness campaigns; acknowledge

existence of cyclists Legislative framework to promote

needs of cyclists Incentive programmes Good integration with public transport


Quick & easy - do now! (1)

Audit all projects for cycle-friendliness



Audit all projects for cycle-friendliness



Advance Stop Lines & waiting boxes



Cycle detection at traffic signals



Restore surfaces after road works

If not possible immediately, protect the site

Potentially lethal at night



Sweeping &

maintenance:

on-road



Lighting & maintenance off-road



Signage & maps



‘Share the Road’ promotions, education



Parking enforcement, education



Road Code, driver education



Cycle-Friendly Employers www.sparc.govt.nz

Bike To Work Days www.bikewise.co.nz



Good quality cycle parking


Will take longer, but start now (1)

Reduce traffic speeds

Benefits all road users

School zones



Good quality surfaces



‘Safe Routes to School’ programmes



Minimum passing clearance

As enforceable as many other rules

Useful ‘rule of thumb’ for drivers



Allow bike racks on buses


Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (1)

Clear implementation plans for NZTS

NWCS monitoring

A draft is better than a blank



Promote good facility design

Train designers & decision-makers

Ensure standards & guidelines are set and used

Monitoring of compliance



Legal framework to put responsibility on those creating risks to others

Minimum lateral passing distance

Ban window tinting


Make eye contact?



Legal framework to put responsibility on those creating risks to others

Minimum lateral passing distance

Ban window tinting

Put onus of proof on drivers



Acceptance of cyclist priority at key locations, for safety & convenience



Promotion of cycling Show that it is possible Promote the benefits

Secure funding streams for activities Inter-disciplinary collaboration Social marketing is a specific skill



Improve response to reported crashes & near-misses

Police priorities better aligned to NZTS

Recognise under-reporting problem

Develop case law



Encourage private organisations to support cycling

Make contestable funding available for facilities and programmes

Local authority requirements to provide cycle parking


Plan to do - build into work programmes (1)

Cycle lanes and paths

People want them

Must connect to something

Social safety addressed

Promotional role



Small cycle facilities

Access through road closures

Contra-flow lanes

Kerb-protected waiting bays

Crossing points



Eliminate identified hazards Angle parking



Eliminate identified hazards Angle parking Pinch points

Kerb build-outs Parking at key points

Badly positioned & maintained drain gratings Roundabouts, unless 20 km/hr design speed Service covers ‘Free’ left turns



Low-speed traffic zones

Nice environment for cycling in can be all that’s needed

Non-cycling benefits Reduced crashes Attractive to shoppers



Improved access to public transport Trains

Provide space on board Free for bikes Sign the access points

Buses

Good routes for cycling to stations

Secure cycle storage at stations & stops


Keep up the momentum

Cyclists see strategies being developed Many local authorities National strategy imminent

No change in their daily journey Same hazards, same attitudes

Even small improvements can make a big psychological difference


Recommendations

Ask local cyclists what would make a difference to their trip

Use a Cycling Strategy to programme the bigger projects

Just do it for the smaller items: don’t waste time, energy, goodwill haggling cheaper to do them as standard practice

What will really make a difference for cycling?

Presentation by

Jane Dawson

Cycling Advocates’ Network

Sustainable Land Transport Conference21-24 November 2004

what will really make a difference for cycling? presentation by jane dawson cycling advocates’...

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