Road safety policy
In August 2918 the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads adopted an update to the Road Safety Policy. The details of the policy are on the TMR website. The Safety Intervention and Improvement Guidelines are default requirements for all projects unless justification is documented in a planning report or design exception. They have some major implications for active transport and planners and engineers should be aware of these. The most significant for active transport are:
Pedestrian crossings to be provided on all approaches at signalised intersections.
Pedestrian crossing protection (delayed start to vehicle movements) is required.
Unsignalised left turn slip lanes should generally be avoided at intersections unless signalised with pedestrian protection.
In all urban environments and where demand exists or may develop in a rural environment, projects will include provisions for pedestrians, cyclists and people with a disability, including footpaths and crossings.
Appropriate speed limits in areas of high pedestrian and cyclist use as per MUTCD Part 4 (40km/h limit in High Active Transport User Area).
These are very good developments for improving provision for active transport in our cities. Make sure you download a copy of the policy and become familiar with its requirements.
My daughters have to cross two unsignalised slip lanes on their way to school. The high traffic volumes and speeds make crossing them unpleasant - and no driver obeys the road rules to let the pedestrians cross the slip lane. This has put them off cycling the 1.5km to school. Signalising the slip lanes - or removing them completely - would improve the safety and ease of use for vulnerable users (like my daughters).
