Policy/behavioural research

Transport systems and policies are constantly changing, which requires us to better understand the effects of these changes on society and the environment. Such investigations may require a combination of literature/policy reviews, user surveys, and option evaluation.

We regularly carry out transport policy and behavioural research (including think-pieces and policy guidance) for national agencies, local councils, and other clients, and regularly publish and present our findings to industry (including many award-winning papers).

Crash Costs Flowchart

Projects

Minimum walking data requirements to progress pedestrian safety

How do we measure progress toward zero pedestrian deaths? ViaStrada research for Austroads identified the essential pedestrian data needed to support …

NZTA Mode-shift vs Safety Model update

TGNZ and NZMUGS commissioned ViaStrada to investigate and further update the existing NZTA model determining the estimated safety impacts of mode …

Driver competency and knowledge over time

ViaStrada and Mackie Research were commissioned by AA Research Foundation to investigate how driver knowledge changes over time and how it could be …

VKT impacts of road space reallocation

ViaStrada was commissioned by NZTA to investigate the measured network vehicle-kilometres-travelled (VKT) impacts of permanent road space reallocation …

Mode shift impacts on safety

ViaStrada was commissioned by NZTA to undertake research on the overall safety impacts of mode shift away from private motorised vehicles to whole …

Reducing car dependency in the Pacific Islands

John Lieswyn was recruited by the World Bank to join an international cast of subject matter experts producing a comprehensive report on ways to …

Costs of road transport "accidents"

ViaStrada delivered a working paper summarising the methodology and calculations to derive estimates of the Total (Social) Costs, Average Costs, …

Infrastructure for quick-build cycleways

Waka Kotahi commissioned ViaStrada to undertake research on quick-build (interim) cycleway infrastructure. This research note provides information …

Regulations and safety for electric bicycles and other low-powered vehicles

E-bikes and e-scooters (collectively, “micromobility”) are transforming our world. They are outselling electric cars – but our street design and …

Investigating road user rules for people walking and cycling

The NZ Transport Agency engaged ViaStrada to investigate options for amendments to several road user rules affecting walking and cycling, particularly …

Study of signalised intersections and protected bike lanes

In 2016, the IPENZ Transportation Group committee granted their annual study award to two members, Megan Fowler (ViaStrada) and Claire Graham …

Christchurch City goes green

The objective of this project was to suggest whether Christchurch City Council (CCC) should continue its use of red coloured surfacing or change to …

Shared use path width investigations

ViaStrada has undertaken significant research and tool development on behalf of VicRoads (Victoria, Australia) to determine appropriate shared use …

Transport network optimisation think-piece

ViaStrada undertook research both domestically and overseas to produce a major discussion document for the New Zealand Transport Agency.The "think …

Cycle counting in NZ

This project consisted of two components:1) an internet-based survey of road controlling authorities (RCAs) and regional councils about their …

Riding across crossings

Should cyclists be allowed to ride across zebra crossings? When you've got a tricky question like this, who do you ask for sound and reasoned advice? …

Central City loading zone review, Christchurch

Within the 4 Avenues (Central City) of Christchurch there are a considerable number of loading zones and short term parking restrictions. The City …

Transport energy risk research, Christchurch

A University of Canterbury research team (Susan Krumdieck, Andre Dantas and Shannon Page) commissioned Traffix (now ViaStrada) for the peer review …