The NZ Transport Agency is asking Dunedin drivers to take extra care around cycle lanes on the SH1 one-way system, especially in the Leviathan Hotel area, Queens Gardens.
“With the new separated cycle lanes under construction in this location, it’s even more important that drivers take care near the existing on-road cycle lane,” says Transport Agency Maintenance Contract Manager, Nick Rodger. “We want all road users to be safe, and that means drivers keeping an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians. The cycle lane is for cyclists not car or truck wheels.”
Yellow safety bollards are installed to protect cyclists using the existing cycle lane on the corner of the northbound section of the one-way system past the Leviathan Hotel. The bollards remind motorists of the edge of their traffic lane and help protect cyclists in the nearby cycle lane.
However, these flexible bollards are constantly being destroyed by vehicles clipping or running over them.
Mr Rodger says that some replacement bollards in recent weeks have lasted less than an hour before being damaged again. Having to replace the bollards causes disruption to road users as crews require space to do so safely, requiring temporary traffic management and a reduction in available lanes.
He says once the SH1 separated cycle lane through this area opens later this year, it will greatly improve safety for all road users, not just cyclists.
The new, separated cycle lanes will be on the opposite side of the highway to the current cycle lane and there will be no need for bollards.
“Until then, we ask drivers to share the road, keep an eye out for these slim yellow bollards and respect the space cyclists need to stay safe.”
