If this sign was sitting in the middle of a traffic lane, how long would it last?
Minutes?
Yet when it’s placed in a bike lane, we often seem to accept it.
Temporary Traffic Management should work for everyone – not just people driving cars.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads is currently the only Australian road authority with a dedicated training module focused on catering for pedestrians and cyclists through roadworks (that we’re aware of). It’s short, but it’s a start. Check it out here.
There is still a long way to go. Too often, temporary traffic management prioritises keeping traffic moving while creating barriers, detours and risks for people walking, using wheelchairs, riding bikes and motorcycles.
The Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management touches on these issues, but perhaps it’s time for dedicated guidance rather than a few sections scattered throughout a larger document.
Safe roads, streets, and roadworks…. for everyone please.
(It’s important to note that the Safe System Solutions Road Safety Auditor course has a dedicated module on Temporary Traffic Management with a big focus is the safety of people walking, wheeling and riding. Also, the Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly course has a dedicated section on creating safe work zones for motorcyclists.)
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