Auckland Transport has decided to retain the Coronation Road cycleway as part of the permanent road network thanks to transport data provided by Bicycle Network's Artificial Intelligence Road Surveys (AIRS) studies.
The work of our AIRS team often flies under the radar, but it is a major part of what we do at Bicycle Network.
This advanced survey method uses video footage to study the movements of all types of vehicles at an intersection.
The data recorded helps governments and policymakers see just how many bike riders use particular traffic ways and make decisions about the configuration of bicycle lanes.
AIRS technology has long been used in Australia, but in this example, has made exciting headway overseas, helping bridge the gap in a major piece of cycling infrastructure in New Zealand's biggest city.
In this case, Tāmaki Makaurau Streets for People, led by Auckland Transport, aimed to improve cycling access and encourage more people to ride.
Streets for People oversaw a trial of two different cycleway configurations along Coronation Road: a bi-directional cycleway on the western side (Phase 1), and a one-way cycleway on each side (Phase 2).
Bicycle Network conducted week-long surveys using AIRS during each phase to evaluate the effectiveness of each option.
Ultimately, the AIRS data showed a daily average of over 100 trips by bike on Coronation Road between Kiwi Esplanade and Church Road.
Depending on the day, between 2% and 2.7% of the traffic along the stretch was bikes, around two to three times the Auckland average.
The number of riders on the cycleway instead of the road or footpath increased to 66% during Phase 2, up from 43% in Phase 1.
Additionally, the frequency of cars blocking the cycleway, parking in the cycleway or performing sudden U-turns or three-point turns decreased significantly during Phase 2. No conflicts were identified in Phase 2.
Along with the survey feedback, incoming feedback, manual counts and observations, Bicycle Network's AIRS data helped inform the decision to retain Phase 2 of the trial as a permanent fixture, so riders can enjoy a one-way cycleway along each side of Coronation Road.
Looking for accurate and informative transport data? Contact us at bikefutures@bicyclenetwork.com.au to find out how AIRS can suit your needs, or visit our website.
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