AITPM | CWANZ – Design Innovations Working Group Research Outcomes | 11 May 2023

AITPM welcomes Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ) for this webinar.
CWANZ formed the Design Innovations Working Group which has undertaken a range of research activities. This webinar will share the outcomes of the research.

Presenters:

• Dr Fay Patterson | Bike Adelaide
• Peter Kartsidimas | Director Networks and Planning, Infrastructure Victoria
• Dick van den Dool | Director, Barros van den DOOL Active Transport

The Design Innovations Working Group has undertaken a range of research activities including:

#1. The use of one-way contraflow bike lanes

Under the Australian Road Rules, cyclists can be exempted from one-way travel restrictions through the provision of a “Bicycles Excepted” sub-plate. This can accompany provision of a contraflow bicycle lane, but the Australian Road Rules do not specify that a bicycle lane must be provided. Overseas evidence indicates that allowing two-way cycling in one-way streets without a contraflow bicycle lane can improve cyclist safety. This applies in streets where the traffic environment (low speed, low volume) presents a low risk. In such streets, contraflow provides cyclists with alternatives to busy roads, and by encouraging them to use the road pavement also reduces footpath conflicts with pedestrians. Our research highlights the potential use of cyclist contraflow in quiet streets without provision of a contraflow bicycle lane, by presenting best practice technical advice not documented in other Australian literature.

#2. Safer speeds

A number of case studies were identified across Australia and New Zealand where there has been speed reduction implemented in high active transport areas. The known outcomes of these case studies will help inform agencies as they consider any safer speed environments within their jurisdiction.

#3. Banana deflection rails

It is recognised that physical barriers are often necessary to prevent access by unauthorised vehicles to parkland or infrastructure such as bridges and paths. The barriers prevent vehicles from causing damage to infrastructure, utilities (e.g. irrigation and drainage) and protects paths for intended users. However, barriers placed at the termination of paths, on bridge approaches and at property boundaries can present a danger to cyclists and pedestrians if not carefully designed and sited. There is documented evidence of serious harm to path users, including death.

In undertaking this review, consideration was given to the Traffic and Road Use Management Volume 1–Guide to Traffic Management Part 6: Intersections, Interchanges and Crossings (2020) prepared by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Municipal Infrastructure Standards 05 – Active Travel Facilities Design, prepared by Transport Canberra City Services.