SMART URBAN FUTURES PRESENTATION

Priority to the People: The Bunda Street Shared Zone Story

Presentation Outline Outline the project objectives Context and project history Key challenges Design features Design concept Project evaluation Benefits

Project Objectives change the priority of the space to preference pedestrians and cyclists provide increased amenity for people riding bikes, including children and those not comfortable/confident cycling in the typical on-road environment provide suitable connections to other sections of the Civic Cycle Loop meet the needs of all users, including people with disabilities increase the economic viability of private business maintain emergency and service vehicle access create a more attractive streetscape and develop a sense of ‘place’.

Map of Canberra Auto dependent sprawl 40+ km from north to south Polycentric plan (multiple town centres) Scale does not match population - 400k

Civic Cycle Loop Civic Cycle Loop 3.5km separated cycle lanes along key transport corridors Bunda Street 800m length along the route Civic Cycle Loop

Retro fitting into the existing streetscape (car based) Key Challenges Community perception of the benefits of change in priority (shared zone) Retro fitting into the existing streetscape (car based) Construction schedule and timing (commercial precinct) Traffic management (temporary and permanent) Convincing commercial operators of the long term benefits - perception that parking and vehicles increase profitability Changing community perception - Retro fitting to existing road - Managing traffic behaviour

Background Bunda Street is the primary retail/commercial street with a high number of pedestrians and moderate vehicle numbers. It also forms one section of the Civic Cycle Loop, designated as a major cycling route connecting the various precincts within the centre of Canberra The Civic Cycle Loop is a 3.5 kilometre loop in the Canberra CBD, which comprises a series of cycle specific paths separate from motor traffic, and a shared zone on Bunda Street. It aims to contribute to increased cycle trips as part of the broader transport strategy Transport for Canberra 2012-2031. The ACT Government invested $6 million for the design and construction of the cycle loop which was undertaken in four sections The route along Bunda Street required special co-design consideration due to the nature of the street which has high pedestrian/traffic volumes as well as a vibrant retail and hospitality environment. 3 design consultants were engaged to participate in a design competition - GTA + McGregor Coxall successful team Community and stakeholders were involved in selecting final design though a public consultation process

Key features Reduced speeds - 20km/h speed zone raised entry thresholds placement of additional street trees seating, feature lighting and bicycle parking removal of some parking spaces to provide additional public realm/verge space; and assist in creation of a shared zone. localised kerb extensions to create pinch points to slow vehicular movements. the inclusion of water sensitive urban design ‘deflector cells’ (also where parking is removed) with integrated lighting and way finding to create lateral deflection and increase vegetation levels street activation through possible initiatives such as pop-up cafes, markets etc.

Road User Hierarchy The design was developed to enact the following road user hierarchy change from the original hierarchy order to the Bunda Street Shareway Hierarchy as shown in Table below: Original Hierarchy Bunda Street Shareway Hierarchy Loading and Servicing Pedestrian Private cars Cyclist Taxi Public Transport Private Car

Design Concept / Vision Raised intersections / removal of pedestrian crossings installation of parklets to aid in slowing down of vehicles opportunity for businesses to expand into verge

Before Construction

During Construction

After Construction

Benefits of Bunda Street Shared Zone increased in pedestrian activity within the core retail area by up to 10% significantly reduced through traffic volumes using Bunda Street by up to 50% - 5000 VPP > 2000 VPD reduced traffic speeds along Bunda Street from 40-50km/h to 20- 25km/h achieved regular turnover of parking and loading zones within the street, encouraged activation after hours reduced the frequency of crashes increased accessibility within the street with more crossing locations and DDA information (tactile ground surface indicators) for persons with a disability introduced parklets which have started discussions regarding potential commercial activation areas

Before After

Bunda Street Shareway video