SHANE Rattenbury has launched the first stage of the Bunda Street shareway project which he hopes will help revitalise Civic.

““The revitalised Bunda Street will become a shared space for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, rather than a traditional street design which prioritises motor vehicles,” Shane said. “The first stage has a focus on the intersections of Bunda Street with Mort Street and Scotts Crossing as well as some work at the intersection of Bunda Street/Akuna Street.

“A shared space removes the conventional traffic control devices that regulate traffic by separating people from cars and bikes, such as line marking, kerbs and signage. Instead a shared space fully integrates all road users and pedestrians, which encourages negotiation of the space between different road users, resulting in a safe, slow speed and active environment.

“Shared spaces have been implemented successfully in a number of cities across the world to increase the vitality of an area, but also improve safety.

“Bunda Street, with its active street life and large amount of pedestrians, is being transformed as part of the project. New lighting, seating and landscaping, as well as wider kerbs and creative pavement treatments, have been installed and a 20 km/h speed limit introduced.”

Key features of the Bunda Street shares space include:

• a 20 kilometre per hour speed limit with minimal signage or traditional line marking
• raised entry thresholds at each end of the street to signify a changed traffic zone
• additional kerb ramps to improve access for people with mobility impairment, pedestrians and cyclists
• removal of formal pedestrian crossings
• additional street trees, seating, feature lighting and bicycle parking
• raised road pavement to the current footpath level at intersections.

“The project is the final stage of the Civic Cycle Loop which is a 3.2 kilometre cycle path around the City. Encouraging walking and riding is an important part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Weight Action Plan and also our target of having six per cent of journeys to work completed by cycling by 2016, under the Transport for Canberra Plan,” Shane said.

“It is important we do everything we can to reduce the level of car reliance towards more use of sustainable and active transport.”

Shane said the ACT Government has arranged for street teams to help educate Bunda Street users.

“Over the next couple of weeks we will have street teams in place to show people how to safely use the shared space given that it is a relatively new concept for most Canberrans.

“To emphasise the shared nature of the street we’ve arranged for two rickshaws to take people for a short ride up and down the street. This will help people see how it works, as well as show people the possibilities they now have to ride along the street to get to work or the shops.”

“Passengers are invited to give a gold coin domination for the ride, with all proceeds going to SIDS and Kids.

Work on Bunda Street will now take a break over the Christmas and New Year period to allow for increased shopping activity, before commencing again in January 2015. Work is expected to be finished by March 2015.