Polka dots are coming to Federal Street as part of a creative solution to make walking and cycling safer between Victoria and Fanshawe Streets. The polka dots are unexpected by drivers and encourage people to slow down.
The Federal Street upgrade
Auckland Councillor and cycling champion Chris Darby says the project is a creative way to make a link through the middle of the city centre safer.
"We want our city centre to be attractive and easy to get around. There is a lot of construction happening throughout the city, and instead of this being a challenge, we want to use this time as an opportunity to try something new and innovative," he says.
"Projects like the Federal Street upgrade give us a chance to try something new and see how it works before we commit to a permanent solution, and it gives people a more attractive and safe area to walk and cycle around."
Project details
- a protected south-bound (up Federal Street) 'contra-flow' cycle lane, allowing people cycling to travel in the opposite direction to traffic on Federal Street.
- improved pedestrian facilities in the lower section of Federal Street through upgraded footpath surfacing, road marking and signage.
- an easy north/south route through central Auckland for walkers and cyclists, providing an alternative to Hobson Street and Albert Street.
- a link in the City Centre Cycle Network to the Nelson Street Cycleway, via the future Victoria Street Cycleway.
Given Federal Street's relatively low traffic speeds and volume, people cycling north-bound can do so in the general traffic lane, guided by 'sharrows' - road markings designed to guide cyclists and alert motorists to their presence.
Give your feedback
Changes to improve the safety of the design will be made based on the feedback received. Kathryn King, AT's Manager Walking, Cycling and Road Safety says,
"Once the improvements are complete in late March, we can see how people experience them and get accurate feedback from pedestrians, bike riders and drivers as well as the surrounding business owners. We will be able to easily make changes to the design and layout and improve it as we see how it is used,"
Find out more information at at.govt.nz.
