Useful road safety ideas generated at Tamaki Drive forum
21 October 2009
A forum to address Tamaki Drive cycling and road safety issues has generated a number
of initiatives worthy of further consideration.
More than 30 representatives from a diverse range of groups, including the Police,
AA, cycle clubs and residents, welcomed the opportunity for an 'around the table'
discussion about the situation.
The forum gathered ideas on how to better manage Tamaki Dr to improve safety for
cyclists, motorists, pedestrians, businesses and residents.
A working party representing the various groups involved will now consider those
ideas.
"Today we moved beyond the recent motorist versus cyclist antagonism, and generated
some very good ideas for the council to consider," says Councillor Ken Baguley.
At the forum, Auckland City Council announced the following safety-focussed initiatives
for Tamaki Dr:
- A educational campaign aimed improve road safety along Tamaki Dr will be launched
in late November. Council's road safety spokesperson, Councillor John Lister says
the campaign will encourage cyclists and motorists to look out for each other and
share the road.
- Safety improvements at the Tamaki Drive/Ngapipi Road intersection will be in place
by February. This intersection has the highest rate of crashes along Tamaki Drive.
The upgrade features an electronic trigger and sign system to alert turning traffic
to the presence of cyclists obscured by cars.
- A number of issues were raised and will be addressed by Council over the next few
weeks. These included:
- Investigating (with ARTA) Improved public transport along Tamaki Drive
- Reduced speed limits with argument both for and against
- Establishing protocols to be followed by "bunch" cyclists
- Better street sweeping to make the road safer for cyclists
- A number of suggestions re signage and parking on Tamaki Drive
- Better enforcement of road rules for cyclists and motorists
Participants included Police Strategic Road Policing Manager, Superintendent John
Kelly who made for a plea for courtesy and respect for all groups using Tamaki Drive
saying people have responsibilities as well as rights when it comes to road use.
Pippa Coom who is working on the Great Urban Rides project for Cycle Action Auckland
described the forum as a positive start and welcomed the commitment from all sides
to improve the situation for all users of Tamaki Drive.
Simon Lambourne from the Automobile Association said both cyclists and motorists
have a right to use Tamaki Drive, so everyone needs to show greater understanding
and more awareness of other road users in the interests of improved road safety.
