Planning

This report has been prepared to identify legal and institutional barriers to the integration of land use and transport planning in New Zealand. The research undertaken for the report was carried out between July 2006 and August 2007, as part of Land Transport New Zealand’s 2006/2007 Research Programme. Over the last decade, the integration of land use and transport has gained increasing international attention. In large part, this trend has been necessitated by the growing environmental and social impacts of road networks and motor vehicle use. These impacts are widely seen as being exacerbated by a lack of integration between land use and transport planning. Recent developments in New Zealand have also led to an emerging awareness of the importance of integrating land use and transport planning. The introduction of the New Zealand Transport Strategy and the Land Transport Management Act 2003 has served to focus attention on improving transport planning. In response, the Ministry of Transport has identified integration as one of four strategic priorities for the sector. While the principle of integration is becoming established, its implementation remains problematic. Overseas experience shows there are often significant legal and institutional barriers to integration, many resulting from the traditional separation of land use and transport planning. Identifying and addressing these barriers is, therefore, critical if planning processes are to work together to achieve sustainable transport outcomes. In summary, the main aspects of New Zealand’s planning arrangements that appear to be hindering integration are the: • allocation of planning functions across a range of different organisations • limited linkages between land use and transport plans • lack of common goals and policies to guide planning outcomes • disparities in public access to decision-making processes and limited opportunities for the public to genuinely influence transport decisions • funding and assessment processes that do not support land use and transport integration.

Promotion of more and safer bicycle traffic produces healthier road users and helps to create better towns. Collection of Cycle Concepts presents some ideas on how to increase the use of bicycles and how to prevent bicycle accidents.

Currently there is little guidance available for estimating demand on a new cycling facility. The purpose of the research was to develop a tool for estimating cycle demand on a new cycle facility that could be used for Land Transport New Zealand funding applications. Existing methods in New Zealand and overseas were investigated as part of the research. A Steering Group was established to provide input and direction and to assist in the selection of ten cycle facility sites to be investigated further. Estimation tools have been developed for both on-road and off-road facilities based on “before” cycle counts, results of documented growth on NZ cycle facilities and Census travel to work data trends.

Introduction What provisions should be made for cyclists, and where? This guide aims to promote a consistent approach to planning the provision for cycling in New Zealand. 1.1 Cycle network planning Cycle network planning is a process of improving community mobility by providing interconnected routes and facilities based on bicycle users' needs (Bach and Diepens, 2000). It aims to provide cyclists with safe, comfortable, direct routes from all origins to all destinations that: * link to form a network * retain existing cyclists * encourage more people to cycle. 1.2 Cycle route planning Cycle route planning is the organisation of the most appropriate facilities and treatments into a continuous path for cyclists that will take them safely and comfortably for the greater part of their journey (Bach and Diepens, 2000). Facilities will differ depending on the environment through which the route passes, and different types of cyclists will need different types of cycle route (Dorrestyn, 1996). Cycle route planning aims to provide cycle routes that: * provide the highest level of service (LOS) for cyclists, including safety, convenience and comfort * provide operating space to cycle and other users * minimise conflicts with other users. (Cumming, Barber, Smithers, 1999; Jensen et al, 2000; Scottish Executive, 1999). 1.3 Purpose This guide aims to promote a consistent, world's best practice approach to cycle network and route planning throughout New Zealand. It sets out a process for deciding what cycle provision, if any, is desirable and where it is needed. The guide is intended to help people involved in cycle planning to develop cycle networks that contribute to the outcomes required by the New Zealand Transport Strategy and the national walking and cycling strategy. It will also help people preparing regional and local cycling strategies.