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:

Ferry Rd option 1Axel Wilke addressed the Christchurch Infrastructure, Transport and Environment (ITE) Committee in June 2017 about options under consideration for the Ferry Road major cycle route (MCR) between Fitzgerald Avenue and Wilsons Road.

Electric bicycleThis research report presents a review of overseas legislation, technology trends, market and safety analyses for low-powered, low-speed vehicles. This work was published as Research Report 621 by the NZ Transport Agency.

teaserThis interactive presentation involved giving words to participants to evoke what things people think about when considering the public street.

Auckland Transport commissioned ViaStrada to investigate some options for providing contraflow cycling on three suburban one-way streets, as well as reviewing the design for another central city contra-flow route. In the absence of current design guidance or practical examples for New Zealand, a “first principles” approach was taken to consider all possible ways to provide for contra-flow cycling on the streets in question.

This paper outlines the process undertaken to develop and assess contra-flow cycling options for Auckland. The paper was presented by Glen Koorey at the 2017 IPENZ Transportation Group Conference, and co-authored by Warren Lloyd (ViaStrada) and Malcolm McAuley (Auckland Transport).

Glen Koorey presented 'Changing Rural Speed Limits - Learning from the Past' at the 2017 IPENZ Transportation Group Conference. The paper, co-authored by Bill Frith of OPUS, was Highly Commended (runner-up) for Best Research Paper.

New Zealand is reviewing its procedures for setting speed limits as part of the "Safer Speeds" component of the national road safety strategy. A big topic for discussion is the planned greater use of speeds limits below the standard 100 km/h rural or "open road" speed limit. This paper draws on earlier studies of two past case studies of NZ speed limit changes, and re-analyses the findings in light of more recent research.

This paper looks at ways of addressing conflict between people on bikes and motor vehicles at signalised intersections that have separated cycleways on their approaches. Megan undertook a background literature review and visited seven cities in North America as part of a study tour. She investigated relevant sites with a variety of different treatments and spoke to people involved in the planning, design and operation of those sites.

The NZ Transport Agency engaged MWH and ViaStrada to investigate options for amendments to several give-way related road user rules. Our report was published on the Transport Agency website in February 2017. Follow up work with regards to drafting some of the Road User Rule amendments is underway.

Vancouver West End greenwayGlen Koorey gave two presentations at the Neighborhood Greenways workshop held in Washington DC, US, as part of the 2017 Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting. This workshop was convened to explore the state of research and practice for neighbourhood greenways in North America and the world, and to identify priorities for future research and project development.

Glen Koorey gave a presentation at the 2016 TRAFINZ Conference that provides an overview of the arguments for lower speeds in New Zealand, including the effects on safety, amenity, and encouragement of active modes. It also addresses some of the common objections and concerns voiced by some parties, including: "Lower speed limits alone won't change traffic speeds", "The real safety problem is poor drivers and poor roads", "The public in New Zealand don't want lower speeds", etc.

teaserGemma demonstrated the planning and design methods employed by a multi-disciplinary team to deliver 13 major cycleways.