Research and publications

We carry out transport research, think-pieces and policy guidance for national agencies, local councils, and other clients, and regularly publish and present to the industry (including many award-winning papers). Below are links to our latest published work:

Cover of PowerPoint report of the Trails Plan for the Far North of NZTe Mahere o te ara tawhiti ki te Raki, the Far North Trails Plan had the goal of developing a prioritised list of future routes to extend the walking and cycling trails network in the Far North. 

Safer Speed Area signWalking and cycling is safer and more pleasant when motorists slow down. The 2020-30 New Zealand Road Safety Strategy highlighted the role that speed management plays in improving our safety record. However, reducing speed limits is polarising, with many people sceptical of their effect on safety and wary about their impact on productivity and convenience. This presentation introduces the current state of play around setting and changing speed limits in NZ, highlights New Zealand case studies and evidence, discusses challenges to seeing more speed limit changes being enacted, and suggests ways to address these.
 

proposalWhether a cycle facility on the approach to traffic signals is painted or physically separated makes a big legal difference. The painted facility is considered part of the “roadway” while the separated facility is not. This presentation discusses a design that overcomes the legislative constraint. 

What is the problem with the law? What are the problems with the existing situation? How does the concept design work? How will this be more efficient? Will it be safer?

High St, Akld, footpath wideningRoad-space reallocation (RSR) is the re-purposing of existing road space from general traffic to active or public transport modes; this could affect road corridor elements such as traffic lanes, parking lanes, cycle lanes, bus lanes, and footpaths. Recent research for Waka Kotahi by ViaStrada investigated the impacts of permanent RSR on measured network vehicle-kilometres travelled (VKT), and associated common factors observed. At the 5th Otago Uni Transport Research Network Symposium, Glen Koorey gave a presentation that summarised the tasks undertaken, the resulting findings, and recommendations for best practice going forward. 

Pass Safely signIs cycling safety in NZ getting better or is there little change? At the 2023 Australasian Road Safety Conference, Glen Koorey gave a presentation reviewing trends in cycle casualties over the past 15 years or so and identified areas for further improvement, including regulatory changes, infrastructure improvements, and speed management.

Safer Speed Area signWhy is it so hard to get traction on introducing lower speeds in NZ, despite their obvious benefits? At the 2023 Australasian Road Safety Conference, Glen Koorey presented a think-piece introducing the current state of play around setting and changing speed limits in NZ, discussed some of the existing challenges to seeing more speed limit changes being enacted, and suggested ways to address these.

Countdown timer plus three-aspect cycle signal at the intersection of the Oxford Terrace Promenade and Hereford Street, Christchurch. What’s the deal with countdown timers? What do the NZ rules say, and do pedestrians really understand and use them correctly? Are there any lessons to be learned from overseas? 

The presentation is available online on this website.

filter turning layoutThe Signals NZ User Group (SNUG) held its annual workshop in New Plymouth in 2023. Axel presented on separated cycleways and filter turning. The current legislative framework does not allow filter turning and the presentation focused on a design approach that overcomes the legal constraints. The purpose of the presentation was to stimulate discussion on the concept, and to see whether the wider industry would raise concerns or suggest improvements.

The presentation is available online on this website.

Accessible StreetsIn 2023, the Signals NZ User Group (SNUG) held its annual workshop in New Plymouth. Axel presented on the publication Stops and Goes of Traffic Signals, first published in 2004. The purpose of the presentation was to stimulate discussion about a potential update of this booklet.

The presentation is available online on this website.

Bursting with Stride! Understanding the perceptions of walkability in Central North Christchurch for older adults. The research group’s poster with context and resultsUnderstanding the perceptions of walkability in Central North Christchurch for older adults

By developing walkable streets, Christchurch can create neighbourhoods that are attractive to new residents and care for existing ones. We wanted to find out what is the perceived walkability for residents 55+ and what walkability factors attract or deter older people to Northern Central Christchurch. Walkable streets free us from dependence on cars by creating equitable access to amenities and safe, vibrant communities that foster wellbeing.