The Vectorial® system platforms have arrived in Oceania for the first time. In December 2021, the city of Wellington got in touch with us because a massive 147-kilometer network of cycleways is planned for Wellington over the next decade (just 23 km existed in 2021). The authorities are currently improving the bike and bus infrastructure of the city, and they needed a solution to resolve the conflict that arises when bike lanes and bus stops intersect. We offered them the Vectorial® system platform, and the city of Wellington is currently installing five new Vectorial® system platforms along Riddiford Street and Adelaide Road.
The installation of these modular platforms is part of a package of bus and bike improvements. It is an innovative way of increasing footpath height and improving the accessibility of bus stops, allowing people to get on and off buses safely and cross the new bike lanes to the footpath.
Wellington City’s commitment to improve public transportation and bike infrastructure.
For many years, Wellington’s citizens have expressed their willingness to get around in zero or low carbon ways. This leads to the commitment of local authorities to get public transport priority in key locations and a citywide network of safe bike routes and connections in place.
According to Claire Pascoe, Wellington City Council transitional program manager, the reversibility of the Vectorial® system platforms allows people to experience a new layout and then provide feedback without compromising the road final configuration.
The main reason for selecting the Vectorial® system was that it resolves the conflict that arises when a bike lane and a bus stop intersect in a safe and accessible way. Moreover, the solution has been tested in many countries and has won awards for sustainability and accessibility.
Bike users will ride up low ramps over the platforms, and there will be signs and red markings to show where they need to slow down, take particular care, and give priority to pedestrians.
Characteristics of the Vectorial® system platforms on Riddiford Street.
The first and biggest platform will be installed in front of the Hospital on a Bike Lane Boarder with Access Bridge configuration. We were able to set up this configuration because of the space available in the street. It allows everyone to have their own space: sidewalk for the pedestrians, the red part of the Vectorial® platform for the cyclists, the black part of the platform for the bus users.
The other four platforms will be installed on a Shared Cycle Track Boarder configuration. The platforms will be connected to the curb and will have a ramp to the road on each of their edges. They will allow cyclists to continue their ride over the platforms without having to dodge them. At the same time, they will create accessible boarding for the bus. They will make it easier for buses when approaching the bus stops and avoid bus users being exposed to traffic when they board the bus.
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