 What will really make a difference for cycling? Presentation by Jane Dawson Cycling Advocates’ Network Sustainable Land Transport Conference November 2004

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November … 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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?”

    Jane Dawson, November Responses  Passionate  Good range of suggestions  Particular problems, but can be categorised  Reasonable quests, often easy to address

    Jane Dawson, November Issues not dealt with  How to cater for cycling  Why cycling should be encouraged

    Jane Dawson, November Categorising responses  Typical categories  Match more rigorous research  Could be used by official agencies for quick information-gathering

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November Different cyclists, different needs  Regular cyclists  Assertive  Looking for a pleasant trip  Occasional cyclists  Street-wise  Full protection  Fluid categories

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (1)  Audit all projects for cycle-friendliness

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (1)  Audit all projects for cycle-friendliness

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (2)  Advance Stop Lines & waiting boxes

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (3)  Cycle detection at traffic signals

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (4)  Restore surfaces after road works  If not possible immediately, protect the site  Potentially lethal at night

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (5)  Sweeping & maintenance: on-road

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (6)  Lighting & maintenance off-road

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (7)  Signage & maps

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (8)  ‘Share the Road’ promotions, education

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (9)  Parking enforcement, education

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (10)  Road Code, driver education

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (11)  Cycle-Friendly Employers   Bike To Work Days 

    Jane Dawson, November Quick & easy - do now! (12)  Good quality cycle parking

    Jane Dawson, November Will take longer, but start now (1)  Reduce traffic speeds  Benefits all road users  School zones

    Jane Dawson, November Will take longer, but start now (2)  Good quality surfaces

    Jane Dawson, November Will take longer, but start now (3)  ‘Safe Routes to School’ programmes

    Jane Dawson, November Will take longer, but start now (4)  Minimum passing clearance  As enforceable as many other rules  Useful ‘rule of thumb’ for drivers

    Jane Dawson, November Will take longer, but start now (5)  Allow bike racks on buses

    Jane Dawson, November Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (1)  Clear implementation plans for NZTS  NWCS monitoring  A draft is better than a blank

    Jane Dawson, November Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (2)  Promote good facility design  Train designers & decision-makers  Ensure standards & guidelines are set and used  Monitoring of compliance

    Jane Dawson, November Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (3)  Legal framework to put responsibility on those creating risks to others  Minimum lateral passing distance  Ban window tinting

    Jane Dawson, November Make eye contact?

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November Fundamental issue, shows serious intent (4)  Acceptance of cyclist priority at key locations, for safety & convenience

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November Plan to do - build into work programmes (1)  Cycle lanes and paths  People want them  Must connect to something  Social safety addressed  Promotional role

    Jane Dawson, November Plan to do - build into work programmes (2)  Small cycle facilities  Access through road closures  Contra-flow lanes  Kerb-protected waiting bays  Crossing points

    Jane Dawson, November Plan to do - build into work programmes (3)  Eliminate identified hazards  Angle parking

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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

    Jane Dawson, November 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 Conference November 2004