New Zealand’s First Cycle Boulevard

Dom Road MapBy Paul Shortland, Deputy Chair CAA

Construction on New Zealand’s first cycle boulevard is due to commence this summer with completion due mid 2014. The concept and consultation phase of the Dominion Road project, including the parallel cycle routes has now ended, and the project moves into the next phase of detailed design, tendering and construction. The community will be able to enjoy the cycle routes well before the completion of the main corridor scheme.

Whilst the decision to not include cycle lanes on Dominion Road was a blow, particularly for commuter cyclists, CAA was determined to work constructively with AT to get a good outcome on the next best alternative. CAA has participated actively in the Dominion Rd Stakeholder Group over the last 6 months including providing detailed feedback on the plans.

I am confident that most our concerns have been taken into account and the proposed measures will create an environment that will make the route attractive to less confident cyclists. Once the work is done, it is going to have the look and feel of a real cycle boulevard.

For the first time in New Zealand sharrows (shared arrows) will be deployed along the route indicating to road users that this is a shared road environment. In addition to this, a considerable number of speed control measures (“LATMs” – most with special 1.5m cycle slip lanes) will be distributed along the route. Generally the route has low traffic volumes but there are a few sections, such as Valley Rd, where speed control will be critical. Cycle friendly designed signalised crossings are intended to provide safe passage across the main arterials of Balmoral and Mt Albert Rd’s. Other important features include:

  • Connections at the southern end with the Puketepapa Greenway projects and the SH20 cycleway
  • Cycle lanes on View Road, and connecting cycle lanes on Dom Road / Ian McKinnon Drive to link the routes to the existing cycle facilities there
  • Signalised crossings for both routes over Balmoral Road and Mt Albert Road – either built specifically for the cycle routes, or adapted to cycle use
  • An off road shared path will through the Mt Roskill school grounds
  • Way finding signage
  • Lighting improvements where the route travels through parks

What still needs to be resolved is the treatment for the Burnley Tce and King Edward St’s deviations where they intersect with Dominion Road. The narrow foot path and adjacent shops provides considerable challenge to make safe for both pedestrians and cyclists. In my view this is a critical to get right because the route is only as strong as its weakest link.

In the meantime I would like to encourage you to get involved and find out more information and perhaps provide your own feedback on the entire scheme. This is a once in a generation opportunity to be part of the reshaping what is a large part of the inner city and an important transport corridor.

Public open days are planned for:

Tuesday 23 July, 3.30 to 7pm at Deaf Society, 164 Balmoral Rd, Mt Eden.

Thursday 25 July, 3.30pm to 7pm at Dominion Road School, Quest Terrace, Mt Roskill.

More information

http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/improving-transport/dominion-road/Pages/default.aspx

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge Phil Chase who ably assisted CAA throughout the consultation process, without whose help the task would have been considerably more arduous. Max Robitzsch of course provided heaps of technical assistance in his usual thorough style.

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