The submissions on the proposed transport chapter of the central city rebuild blueprint closed on 1st Feb. The transport section of the blueprint was delayed so more time could be given to getting it right.
Amongst other things it proposes keeping 75% of the one-way system rather than converting them back to two-ways. Reverting to two-way streets was one of the more popular ideas to come out of the Share an Idea project. It is probably not well known but Barbadoes St actually became two way for a few weeks after the Feb 2011 earthquake.
Public presentations of The Plan by CERA staff showed the economic effects of several options and the rationale behind retaining mostly the status quo. In response to that a resident decided to do her own research and came up with some interesting results. They are so interesting everyone should have the opportunity to see them.
In view of these findings one would think the one-way system should come under further scrutiny.
It is understandable that the desire for CERA to press on regardless in the urge to get back to normal but we’re going to have to live with this environment for the next 100 years, another 100 day delay is not very much.
If readers want the one way system revisited, let us know.
I would have thought that the sentiment shown in the “share an idea” project would have got the planners back to the drawing board for some serious head scratching. Perhaps even a bit of literature reading such as this submitter has obviously done in order to get a broader overview . My faith in some of those responsible for the rebuild of ChCh, ( particularly transport ) is being sorely tested .
Really interesting submission and well researched. As a pedestrian, cyclist and a motorist I dislike one way streets with a passion. They increase turning movements at the intersections, encourage higher speeds,are confusing and unwelcoming for tourists and are more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Can we please also have an accessible city for pedestrians, cyclists, children and disabled people and get rid of these old school one-way streets?
Need to be careful that we’re not blaming a yucky street environment (e.g. high operating speed, lack of greenery) on it being one-way, when making it two-way might not change that environment (or perhaps you could change the environment without changing the one-way). As a contrasting example, I don’t find Moorhouse Ave to be a particularly pleasant environment for walking or biking – is it because it’s two-way?
I’ve mentioned Portland quite a few times with examples of some of the nice cycling facilities they have. Their downtown is a grid like ours and quite pleasant (in fact, some very walkable & bikeable environments). Interestingly however EVERY SINGLE street in downtown Portland is one-way…
I have a Masters student currently developing an assessment framework for evaluating one-way vs two-way street options. Some of the research uncovered has found distinct advantages of one over the other for certain factors, for some the picture is less clear. Which one ends up on top of the assessment depends somewhat on what objectives you are trying to achieve with your street project; i.e. which factors (e.g. safety, efficiency, economic development) you weight the most.
It seems to me that most of the “thinking and spending” for transport emphasises excessively on facilitation and improvements for vehicular traffic. Until that changes, alternative options will always be the underdog. Planners and funders generally do what they think is best for what the majority want and until the tide of public opinion moves more in favour of alternative transport options it will always be a struggle . That is why it is important that cycling is seen to be ” out there” and a growing lobby in the equation , ie ” noisy ‘ about the rights of cyclists particularly with regard to safety issues. Just having so many more cyclists in the streets this summer is an encouraging start . Groups such as Spokes and this website are so important for the positive spin that is needed to get more and more people on board