Transportation guidelines

ViaStrada in conjunction with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) runs a series of training courses to introduce the principles of planning and design for cycling in New Zealand. The courses are aimed at anybody planning, designing or reviewing roads or other facilities used for cycling (and other micro-mobility devices). This includes planners, general roading engineers and road safety practitioners. Local body politicians, people involved in the health sector, students and cycling advocates can also attend the courses. To date, since 2003 over 1500 people have attended fundamental and advanced courses in Planning and Design for Cycling.

ViaStrada has developed (and subsequently updated) a comprehensive design guide for trail designers and project developers. The updated design guide is available from the NZCT website or the ViaStrada website. The guide is applicable to all cycleway projects outside of urban areas, and not just NZCT projects.

KiwiRail 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. They commissioned ViaStrada to fill the gap in cohesive policy, information and guidance on providing for pedestrians and cyclists at rail crossings in New Zealand, particularly level crossings. The resulting guidelines are now available for industry use.

ViaStrada was engaged by the NZ Transport Agency to assess the impact of a proposed new subdivision on the existing local road network.

ViaStrada and Abley Transportation Consultants were commissioned by the NZ Transport Agency to develop a national framework of guidance for planning and designing for cycling. This project came as a result of the NZ Cycling Safety Panel identifying a need for further guidance and was supported by industry feedback.

The resulting framework, titled Cycling network guidance - planning and design (CNG) was officially launched in July 2016. It provides comprehensive guidance and / or links to appropriate sources. ViaStrada continue to provide ongoing support for NZTA to update existing and add new CNG content.

ViaStrada was commissioned to undertake an investigation of possible separation devices for protected pathways that are intended to be "temporary" (i.e. a lifespan of 3 to 5 years before more substantive facilities are introduced). ViaStrada defined several criteria: temporary; level of service for people who cycle; attractive in appearance; and high value for money for ratepayers. A number of devices were identified and assessed according to these criteria, with recommendations and possible applications outlined in a report.

ViaStrada has provided transport planning advice to the Christchurch City Council with respect to the transport-related provisions in the Christchurch City Plan to support the Central City South Master Plan. The master plan was adopted by Council in May 2009 and established the main characteristics (desired outcomes) that Council is seeking to encourage for the precinct. The desired outcomes focus on achieving mixed use development (especially residential, commercial and retail land uses) with high levels of urban amenity, active street life and reducing the dominance of motor vehicles.

The Hamilton City Council commissioned ViaStrada to undertake a review of physical barriers to cycling in the Hamilton central city, as well as identification of current and potential cycle routes.

John, Axel and Jeanette have developed an automatic cycle counting programme for Hamilton City Council (HCC). The project identifies approximate site locations, counter types, time frames and indicative costs.

The objective of this project was to suggest whether Christchurch City Council (CCC) should continue its use of red coloured surfacing or change to green coloured surfacing for cycle facilities. We have examined a variety of factors, including international research, purpose of coloured surfacing, relationships with other special vehicle facilities, national consistency, connotations of different colours and logistics of change.

On the basis of national consistency and the superiority of green over red in terms of longevity, we recommended that Christchurch City Council adopt green as the new colour for cycle facilities. We suggested that this change can be implemented over a period of time. CCC adopted the recommendation at its 11 February 2010 meeting.