Tuesday 19 July 2016

New signs to highlight cycle route

A trial of new signage will help cyclists in Palmerston North find a safe route through the city.

“We know that some people who ride or want to ride a bike don’t always know the safest route to ride through town, particularly in Palmerston North where there is an influx of new students every year,” Desley Monks, Road Safety Co-ordinator, Horizons Regional Council says.

The NZ Transport Agency, Palmerston North City Council, Horizons Regional Council and Higgins have teamed up to tackle this common challenge for cyclists.

“Signage to help people who bike find a safe route is a simple but innovative idea that will help encourage cycling in Palmerston North,” Desley says.

The trial route for the signage is along College Street, between the Maxwells Line and Albert Street intersections. This nearly 5 km route was chosen as there are a lot people, including families, who could use this route to cycle to school, university or work. It is also highlighted as a primary cycle route under the Palmerston North City Council Integrated Transport Strategy.

There will be two types of signs – one that will direct people to the cycle route, and a second that will confirm that you’re on the right route.

The Transport Agency worked closely with the Palmerston North City Council to refine the idea and choose a trial route. The project team will monitor the route over the next three years, tracking the number of people biking, and seeking feedback from the community about whether the signs have made a difference to people’s choice of transport.

“What we’re hoping to find out from the trial is whether knowing that there is a safe route through the city, will encourage more people to choose to ride a bike. We’re also interested in knowing whether the signs do their job in terms of raising awareness regarding roads that are set up for safe cycling. We’re also hoping the signs will also raise more awareness amongst motorists, encouraging them to look out for cyclists on the route,” NZ Transport Agency Planning & Investment Manager, Ross I’Anson says.

If the trial is successful it may be used as a guideline for other primary urban cycle routes throughout the country.

“We are able to use existing Palmerston North City Council infrastructure by erecting the signs on existing lamp posts and street sign poles. Higgins has given their support and are providing free installation of the signs, as well as advising on the route. The initial idea came out the Transport Agency’s innovation fund. This is a scheme set up to encourage Transport Agency staff to develop innovative ideas to help solve common transport challenges.”

Ends

© Scoop Media