Optimising Sydney’s separated cycleways

Bitzios Consulting and the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at UTS were engaged by the former RTA (now RMS) and the City of Sydney, to conduct studies of the operational and behavioural issues on separated cycle ways in and near the Sydney CBD. The operational study by Bitzios Consulting explored bicycle detection and traffic signal operations, while the behavioural study by ISF explored road user and cyclist behaviour in response to the dedicated bicycle signals at intersections on the cycleways. Three intersections, each with different traffic and road conditions, were analysed. The operational study compared the designed (or intended) traffic signal operation with actual operation, during three weekday periods. Simultaneously, the behavioural study used discreet video cameras to record cyclist behaviour for more detailed analysis and correlation with the operations study. While the study found that the bicycle signals and detectors were operating as designed most cyclists did not appear to know where the detection zone was. Detection of cyclists was reliable so long as the cyclist stopped behind the cycleway stop line and remained in the detection zone until the bicycle signal turned green. In cases where bicycle green times appeared too short, or where delays to cyclists appeared unduly long, most cyclists rode against the red bicycle signal but at the same time as the parallel green signal for motor vehicles. The study produced 11 recommendations for operational and behavioural improvements on cycleways for the Sydney CBD that are discussed in light of international experience.

• Authors:
  • Finlay, A
  • Zeibots, M
  • Brennan, T
  • Baumann, C
  • Clarke, M
• Conference:
  • Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management (AITPM) National Conference, 2012, Sydney, New South Wales
• Publication Date: 2012-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 19p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Bicycle lanes; Bicycle lanes; Cyclists; Field studies; Highway traffic control; Traffic lanes; Traffic signals; Travel behavior; Vehicle detectors
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safe systems (road users)
• Geographic Terms: Australia; Sydney (Australia)
• ATRI Terms: Bicycle lane; Cyclist; Field study; Traffic management; Traffic signal; Travel behaviour; Vehicle detector
• ITRD Terms: 9115: Detection
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01457772
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Report/Paper Numbers: Session 3A
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 21 2012 11:48AM