Mt Roskill safe routes
At a glance
As Mt Roskill becomes an increasingly popular city-fringe suburb, Auckland Transport recognized the need to provide the local community with a connecting cycle network that would promote safe commuting through-out the area.
The challenge
Auckland Transport engaged GHD to develop a safe and connected cycle network across the Mt Roskill area to increase commuting choices for those travelling to school or work as well as providing a safe route for younger or inexperienced cyclists. This involved utilising existing open spaces with local streets and roadways, to create improved and enhanced public walking and cycling facilities and experiences.
Our response
New and innovative approaches were trialed by GHD and Auckland Transport to achieve the optimal provision of facilities and safety for cyclists. Specific treatments, such as "Sharrows" and "Toucans" that would guide users more clearly, were recommended for the first time in New Zealand as part of the scheme assessment of the project.
The $4.9 million project required a multi-disciplinary engineering approach including the application of water sensitive designs to detain and treat storm water runoff and pedestrian-priority crossing points at intersecting streets to reduce actual and perceived risks.
In addition to engineering considerations, it was necessary to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders while embracing the philosophy of greenways were crucial to this project's success particularly when there were no precedents in Auckland.
The impact
Providing safe walking and cycling paths like this provides people of all ages with greater travel options to get to schools, shops, parks or for recreation. Imagine what we can do in this city of ours if we get more kids back on their bikes or walking to school.