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:

snap shot of weekend pricingThis presentation by Axel at the 2018 Transportation Conference discusses demand-responsive parking management based on the San Francisco model. It’s known over there as SFpark and is radically different in many ways to what is done by local authorities in New Zealand. The SFpark approach addresses congestion, environmental issues, and pretty much guarantees drivers that they will find a park where they want it. Retailers and the driving public thus love it!

graph showing red light running propertions in Akld, Chch, and PalmyGlen presented "Factors influencing red light running – a Christchurch investigation" at the Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF) in Auckland on 29 November 2017. This summarises current work for NZ Transport Agency and Christchurch City Council to understand the reasons why people run red lights at intersections and to determine potential countermeasures.

rlrGlen presented "Electric bicycle and low-powered vehicles standards and safety" at the 2017 Transport Knowledge Conference in Auckland. This summarised the research that ViaStrada did for the NZ Transport Agency investigating potential regulatory options for managing this diverse group of small vehicles and other devices.

E-bike speedoArising from the 2014 Cycling Safety Panel recommendations, in 2016 the NZ Transport Agency commissioned ViaStrada to research whether NZ should follow Australia's lead in adopting the European e-bike regulatory regime and whether there should be a minimum age to ride an e-bike. The research scope was broadened to include all low-powered vehicles (e.g. self-balancing devices and mobility scooters). John Lieswyn and client Simon Kennett presented on the topic at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress. The presentation included preliminary findings of a separate ViaStrada project to measure the spot speeds and gender of e-bike and un-assisted riders.

Pedestrian rail crossing in WellingtonKiwiRail and the New Zealand Transport Agency have led the development of a New Zealand design guide for pedestrian and cycle facilities at rail crossings, both alongside roadways and stand-alone. ViaStrada, in partnership with Stantec (MWH) developed the guidance; Glen Koorey (ViaStrada) and Leah Murphy (KiwiRail) presented on this work at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress.

Simon Kennett presentingIn June 2016, the New Zealand Transport Agency launched the Cycling Network Guidance – planning and design guide. This web-based collection of planning guidance, design tools, case studies and links to other guides was seen as an important step in having the Urban Cycleways Programme deliver best-practice facilities of a consistent quality nationwide.

Example slideRoundabouts are the safest form of intersection control for motor vehicle occupants. Numerous studies have shown that, in general, fewer casualty crashes involving only motor vehicles occur at roundabouts than at intersections controlled by traffic signals, stop, or give way signs. However, injury crash rates for cyclists at roundabouts in Australasia are typically higher than at other intersection types, with the predominant crash type involving a circulating cyclist being struck by an entering motorist.

 

Photo by flickr user grendelkhan: www.flickr.com/photos/grendelkhan/107208570/ This presentation discusses why travel time considerations should be removed from road safety project evaluation. It was presented by Axel Wilke, and others who contributed to the topic were Alistair Woodward (University of Auckland) and Jürgen Gerlach (University of Wuppertal, Germany).

Crash rate comparisonThe German word for “roundabout” is “Kreisverkehr”. The German word for “cycle-friendly roundabout” is “Kreisverkehr”. In case you missed it, that’s the same word. Since all urban roundabouts designed according to the German guidelines are automatically cycle-friendly, there’s simply no need for another term. This article reflects on differences between German and Austroads design guidance, and the vastly different safety outcomes. Austroads roundabouts can be negotiated at much higher speeds, and consequently they are much less safe.

Uber carViaStrada's Glen Koorey was interviewed by The Press as part of an article in Aug 2017 about future changes to Christchurch's transport patterns. Glen identified "Mobility as a Service" (MaaS) and vehicle sharing services as key things that will change the way we move around in the years to come...