Comments on: Separated Cycleways: Which Separators are Best?

By: Alastair Brown

Alastair Brown — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 02:31:20 +0000

I’ve seen a device for enforcing one-way traffic that shreds tyres if driven over in the the wrong direction. What we need is a similar device that discerns between vehicle weight instead of direction of travel.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 23:55:13 +0000

Some good comments here. I like the recycled tyre idea alot in Spain was it? whereby if cars or bikes hit them by inattention or acident the consequences wouldnt be dire. Yet, in this country, you have irriesponsible young men, who take delight on being a menace or idiots on the road, so the tyres woud only excite them into doing dumb things. The hard barrier are a good deterent for cars, ie if cars hit them for whatever reason they would be damaged. And for cyclists – they shouldnt hit them if they have even the most basic of bike riding skills.

By: CP

CP — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 20:52:15 +0000

I agree the flexi posts work well on left bends. Need more in both directions on the Kilmarnock, Kahu, Kotare, Creyke route. The single trial post has helped a lot

By: Emma

Emma — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 21:53:10 +0000

Actually we’re so used to driving across bus and cycle lanes now that unless the separators are continuous it will be confusing.

Motorists will just make it a habit to drive where the gaps are onto the cycle area to enter their turning area as early as they deem fit. Some will even drive on them trying to keep far to the left as they believe is safer when they can see no cycles around

By: Emma

Emma — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 21:21:06 +0000

I like the Spaniish seperator. But it would have to be strong enough for protection from at least a 4WD.

Otherwise once people drive into them and realise there’s no consequences they’ll keep doing it until they’re flattened.

I can just see this becoming a sport for a small group of motorists.

By: Emma

Emma — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 20:59:15 +0000

I am a motorist, former cyclist.

Because we have so few cyclists now, one of the problems is motorists being surprised that there is a cyclist, we often hear of cyclists popping out from nowhere when they are already on the road, they just are unexpected.

Having these barriers protects cyclists and no longer relies on the individual motorists generosity in sharing their road.

If there were barriers like this on the main roads where I live I would use these roads for commuting once again.

By: Richard H

Richard H — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 09:42:18 +0000

I think the flexible posts would be good in some places where vehicles frequently cut across left hand bends like they have/had on Kotare st. The bend from Anex road into Birmingham Drive could do with this, I all most had to bail there this morning as a small truck over took me and then proceded to cut me off as he cut across the cycle lane almost to the kerb. It was purely lazy driving as he wasn’t going fast (about the same speed as I was when he hit the apex), it is possible to go around there at the legal limit and not encroach on the cycle lane. What has seemed to work well is the bright green painted cycle lane on Hansons Lane, the numbers of cars fully across the lane at the intersection had noticeably reduced and the cars seem to stay mostly in their lane.

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 01:59:53 +0000

I am warming to the idea that a mix is the way to go . I think barriers are entirely appropriate for the likes of Ilam Road. The numbers of cars, bikes and pedestrians in that area justify physical separation and if the barriers are perceived to be a danger than that is good cause for reducing speed and being careful ( for all users , all of whom will benefit from slower activity. )

the People for Bikes website is exciting and inspirational for ideas for the city. Two factors to consider however are the lack of population density here and probable limited supply of money.

To get the best bang for our buck there are streets I would like to see barrier separation and others where painted lines would do fine. I can think of streets also where I am sure that residents would support living streets/traffic calming/ thru access for pedestrians and bikers only treatment , some of which could be done for reasonable cost.

Major intersections however will be the biggest challenge .

By: Dirk

Dirk — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 20:58:51 +0000

Using old tyres is a great idea, the low cost can allow more lanes to be separated.

While I understand the desire to keep the carriageway and cycle lanes unobstructed the sad fact is too many people use the cycle lanes for parking/stopping and some drivers simply wander into cycle lanes. Physical barriers keeps us all on our toes. If we can’t drive/ride well enough not to hit blatantly obvious infrastructure we can take the bus.

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 06:44:00 +0000

I am a cyclist. We need to be smart about this. Why put anything in place that either a car or bike could hit? Causing injury and damage that will end up costing the all parties involved including… Vehicle damage, cycle damage, personal injury and repair and maintenance costs to the council and ratepayer.
I think clearly marked out areas with rubble lines, like on the side of some state highways would do a good job. Cost effective, you know when you cross them you shouldn’t be there yet there will be no unnecessary negative consequences for any parties….unless there is a collision!