New markings on Lytton Road to assist cyclists

A campaign to help make our roads safer for cyclists gets underway next week. A critical concern for many cyclists is negotiating roundabouts safely. There have been a number of accidents locally where cyclists have been hit at roundabouts including one fatality. Gisborne District Council believes that by reminding motorists they share the road with cyclists and by educating cyclists on how to use roundabouts correctly, accidents will be avoided.

Council will also be trialling new road markings at the roundabout on the corner of Lytton and Gladstone Road. The new markings are based on a combination of international best practice and local expertise from cyclists and engineers. If successful the markings will be used on other roundabouts throughout the district. Both cyclists and motorists will need to familiarise themselves with the new road markings.  

A series of bright billboards will be erected encouraging motorists to ‘share the road’. These will go up in Gladstone Road on the corners of Lytton, Stanley and Roebuck Roads and in Ormond Road on the corners of WiPere and Fitzherbert Streets. Signs on school buses have been installed and advertisements will be placed in The Gisborne Herald with diagrams showing how cyclists should navigate roundabouts and providing simple tips.

According to Council’s road safety coordinator Lenora McDonald cycling in Gisborne should be a safe and enjoyable experience and learning how to negotiate a roundabout is essential. “It is important that cyclists and drivers are both aware of what to expect when sharing a roundabout.  Drivers need to recognise that cyclists have equal rights to use the road, and cyclists need to abide by the road rules, and show their intentions clearly.”

“The safest way for a cyclist to approach a roundabout is be aware of vehicles moving towards the roundabout, and to signal clearly before moving into the centre of the correct lane.  Cyclists should use the centre of the roundabout, not the inner or outer edge. This ensures cars can see them and they will not be cut off by a vehicle leaving the roundabout ahead of them.  Cyclists and drivers both need to indicate before they leave the roundabout, and drivers should be patient of any apparent delays,” Mrs McDonald explained.

The project has come out of the work the Cycling Advisory Group (CAG) has been doing with staff to find solutions to cycling hazards in the district. The Cycling Advisory Group was established by Council last year and provides Council with an effective way to work with a cross section of the community who have a common interest in cycling. As well as promoting safe cycling, the group has been working on proactive measures to encourage more people to move around by bicycle. The group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12noon in the Council Chambers Fitzherbert Street. All are welcome.