SH1 cycleway changes strongly opposed
REGARDING the SH1 cycleway changes (ODT, 26.1.17). I am a cyclist. I ride about 25,000km a year. I would just like to say how vastly superior and safer the current setup is compared to the proposed changes. For example:
1. It is currently very easy for a cyclist using the oneway north to make left or righthand turns. After the changes lefthand turns will be suicidal.
2. Every intersection will become a death trap for cyclists as traffic turning right will cross their path. Every cyclist knows that if a car is turning right and you want to live, you pass it on the left, not the right.
3. An intersection on a oneway system having a leftturning lane on the left, a rightturning lane on the right, and three straightthrough lanes in the middle is fine. Such is the present setup. But not even the village idiot would replace this with a leftturning lane on the left, two straightthrough lanes, then a rightturning lane and to the right of this a straightthrough lane. Yet this is what is going to be done. And remember at peak times that far right straightthrough lane will have the fastestmoving traffic.
4. Anger at the loss of parking to implement this moronic system will be vented on cyclists by many motorists instead of on the idiotic bureaucrats responsible. Cyclists in general don’t support the changes. And it is ridiculous to replace good parking by cycle lanes which will spend most of the day unused.
5. It is also ridiculous to create parking between lanes on a road making exiting a vehicle dangerous on both sides. Nevertheless, this will also happen.
And this is all promoted for cyclist safety. I do not think that means what they think it means.
Robert Wansink
Dunedin [NZ Transport Agency projects team manager Simon Underwood replies: ‘‘The Transport Agency’s consultation has shown strong support from cyclists for the concept of separate cycle lanes in this form, on the oneway system. The layout is new, and I would welcome a chance to show Mr Wansink how it will work if he wants to contact me (detailed plans are available at www.nzta.govt.nz/ Dunedincyclewayaerialmap).
‘‘When turning, there is little change from the current options available. Cyclists would make their turn directly from the cycle lane or wait and cross with side road traffic. (Switching the new cycle lanes along most of the route to the righthand side of the highway makes turning left or right easier). There are also many openings at driveways should there be a need to move across the highway in advance of an intersection. A strong design focus has been to ensure visibility around driveways and parking.
‘‘At all but very low traffic volume intersections, the dedicated left and rightturn lanes will remain, with motorists and cyclists kept separate through dedicated traffic signal phasing.
‘‘There will be fewer parks on the oneway system, although within the area of the route 450 parks will remain, including new parks specifically located in high demand parking areas to businesses, the hospital and the museum. The layout of the traffic islands will clearly explain the intended usage of the various sections of the cycle lane, particularly around parking bays and intersections.’’]
Passing on the left
IN many countries it is illegal to pass on the left when on motorways and multilane highways. In New Zealand it is not, so it is possible for someone to stay in the right lane as long as they like with no regard for other traffic. These drivers are inconsiderate and often very unaware of the traffic around them. If our traffic authorities were seriously concerned with safety on our roads then they should follow worldwide practice and make passing on the left in these situations illegal. Anyone who has driven overseas knows how quickly drivers who do not return to the left are reminded that they need to do so, horns and flashing lights soon wake them up. There is always someone who is travelling faster than you, so giving them unimpeded travel makes for smoother and safer driving.
BIBLE READING: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. — Psalms 23.1.