Cycle lanes improve safety
THE new cycle lane along the new fourlane Nakasi-Nausori corridor, Kings Rd provides a dedicated space for cyclists. It improves safety for all road users and greatly helps residents in their daily commuting.
The inclusion of the cycle lanes on the four-lane project is a green initiative by Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).
The authority strongly supports sustainable transport because not only does it provide low impact on the environment but this initiative also aims to be an influencing factor towards global warming and climate change.
FRA is also constructing a standard width of two-metre footpath and encourage the public to walk or cycle on — this will not only reduce congestion but it would also promote healthy lifestyles. FRA knows building new road capacity is not the only way to ease congestion.
A longer term plan to complement a growing economy and increasing car ownership is required and we are working with our partners to build the foundations for this longer term thinking, says the FRA.
Solutions we’ll need to include a wide range of initiatives such as better public transport, better land use and development planning, creating opportunities for people to travel outside the peak hour traffic and making it easier to walk and cycle, FRA adds.
We will need to find the right balance of these initiatives to create a more integrated land use and transport system, says the FRA.
In addition, pedestrians are urged to use the designated signalised pedestrian crossings to safely cross the highway. Bus shelters have been provided for public use. However, it has been noticed these bus shelters are being vandalised and public are advised to refrain from this behavior.
Motorists are also urged to follow the designated speed limit which is 50km/hr as there has been a number of accidents involving speeding vehicles since the opening of the highway.
We commend the FRA team and wholeheartedly appreciate the hard work and efforts by WAPCOS, Dayals Quarries, Higgins Fiji and utility providers Energy Fiji Limited, Telecom Fiji Limited and Water Authority of Fiji.
Source: FIJI ROADS AUTHORITY COMMUNICATIONS AND SAFEGUARD OFFICER ZAFIYA SHAMIM