Comments on: So what’s a Sharrow and do we want them here?

By: Criggie

Criggie — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 21:47:57 +0000

There’s some places that would benefit from these, and some that don’t.

Colombo Street between Hereford and the airbridge, does NOT benefit from sharrows – the road seems deliberately too narrow for cars and bikes and parking, and there is insufficient room for bikes to filter, so you’re stuck in-line with the cars.

Not a pleasant feeling!

By: John Brett

John Brett — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 03:04:07 +0000

There is a lack of thought behind the clause "The most appropriate locations for them are on streets with low traffic volumes and/or speeds, where bikes can safely “take the lane” as indicated. " The road code requires a cyclist to "take the lane in any place where "the road is too narrow to safely allow vehicles to pass, you are in danger of being run off the road or hit by a passing car".
Some roads are therefore not considered safe enough for a Sharrow Symbol, despite the fact that cyclists will need to share the road with motor vehicles, and will need to take the lane anyway. In my opinion, these are the roads where the Sharrow symbol will do the most good, by making clear that the lane is shared (despite whether some unspecified person thinks it is ‘Safe" or not.

By: Anthlis

Anthlis — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 21:47:07 +0000

I like the sharrows, and wish that the word ‘lane’ could be applied to cycle lanes too as depicted.

The sharrows remind me of a computer game which accelerate the player when it is overlapped.

By: John McD.

John McD. — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 21:08:39 +0000

I’ve experienced the selfishness of a small minority of drivers who believe that no matter how narrow a road, that they should always have priority. Slowing down behind a cycle for less than ten seconds, even when traffic is queuing anyway, is somehow seen as an infringement of their ‘rights’ as a car driver.

CCC informed me that placing a ‘share the road’ sign was not possible on 50kmh roads in the city.

So, having action for a symbol that makes drivers think twice about being considerate and respectful is welcome. However, ought to be used with care, so that it doesn’t end up being used instead of careful road design or becomes oblivious due to over use.

By: Cedric

Cedric — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 17:33:54 +0000

I loke the Idea. It is a pity that NZTA are very slow in taking up any idea which may improve road safety for all users. I have suggested to them an area on highway 6 where there is 3m of sealed road to the left of the fog line, but they had so many reasons why it cant be done. however with the ‘Sharrows’ perhaps it may be a suitable option.
Anther idea about cycle safety comes from the UK where there are parking restrictions around 7.30 am till 9 am and likewise 4pm till 5.30pm. it would make cycling safety in Chch a lot safer