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
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… 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
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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?”
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Responses
Passionate
Good range of suggestions
Particular problems, but can be categorised
Reasonable quests, often easy to address
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Issues not dealt with
How to cater for cycling
Why cycling should be encouraged
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Categorising responses
Typical categories
Match more rigorous research
Could be used by official agencies for quick information-gathering
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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
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Different cyclists, different needs
Regular cyclists Assertive Looking for a pleasant trip
Occasional cyclists Street-wise Full protection
Fluid categories
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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
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Quick & easy - do now! (1)
Audit all projects for cycle-friendliness
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Quick & easy - do now! (1)
Audit all projects for cycle-friendliness
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Quick & easy - do now! (2)
Advance Stop Lines & waiting boxes
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Quick & easy - do now! (3)
Cycle detection at traffic signals
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Quick & easy - do now! (4)
Restore surfaces after road works
If not possible immediately, protect the site
Potentially lethal at night
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Quick & easy - do now! (5)
Sweeping &
maintenance:
on-road
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Quick & easy - do now! (6)
Lighting & maintenance off-road
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Quick & easy - do now! (7)
Signage & maps
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Quick & easy - do now! (8)
‘Share the Road’ promotions, education
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Quick & easy - do now! (9)
Parking enforcement, education
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Quick & easy - do now! (10)
Road Code, driver education
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Quick & easy - do now! (11)
Cycle-Friendly Employers www.sparc.govt.nz
Bike To Work Days www.bikewise.co.nz
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Quick & easy - do now! (12)
Good quality cycle parking
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Will take longer, but start now (1)
Reduce traffic speeds
Benefits all road users
School zones
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Will take longer, but start now (2)
Good quality surfaces
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Will take longer, but start now (3)
‘Safe Routes to School’ programmes
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Will take longer, but start now (4)
Minimum passing clearance
As enforceable as many other rules
Useful ‘rule of thumb’ for drivers
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Will take longer, but start now (5)
Allow bike racks on buses
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (1)
Clear implementation plans for NZTS
NWCS monitoring
A draft is better than a blank
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (2)
Promote good facility design
Train designers & decision-makers
Ensure standards & guidelines are set and used
Monitoring of compliance
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (3)
Legal framework to put responsibility on those creating risks to others
Minimum lateral passing distance
Ban window tinting
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Make eye contact?
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (3)
Legal framework to put responsibility on those creating risks to others
Minimum lateral passing distance
Ban window tinting
Put onus of proof on drivers
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (4)
Acceptance of cyclist priority at key locations, for safety & convenience
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (5)
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
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (6)
Improve response to reported crashes & near-misses
Police priorities better aligned to NZTS
Recognise under-reporting problem
Develop case law
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Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (7)
Encourage private organisations to support cycling
Make contestable funding available for facilities and programmes
Local authority requirements to provide cycle parking
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Plan to do - build into work programmes (1)
Cycle lanes and paths
People want them
Must connect to something
Social safety addressed
Promotional role
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Plan to do - build into work programmes (2)
Small cycle facilities
Access through road closures
Contra-flow lanes
Kerb-protected waiting bays
Crossing points
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Plan to do - build into work programmes (3)
Eliminate identified hazards Angle parking
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Plan to do - build into work programmes (3)
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
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Plan to do - build into work programmes (4)
Low-speed traffic zones
Nice environment for cycling in can be all that’s needed
Non-cycling benefits Reduced crashes Attractive to shoppers
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Plan to do - build into work programmes (5)
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
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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
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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