Ask Phoebe: Interchange work for Western Ring

Photo / Natalie Slade

What are the roadworks that are going on at the motorway end of Lincoln Rd in Henderson? Peter Dixson, Henderson.

The Transport Agency is upgrading the Lincoln Rd interchange as part of its development of the Western Ring Route which, when completed, will be an alternative to State Highway 1 as a route around Auckland. The $100 million Lincoln Rd improvements include replacing the existing bridge over the motorway with a larger one, and widening the motorway underneath the bridge from two to three lanes in each direction.

The NZTA says the new interchange should reduce queuing, make journey times more reliable, improve safety for drivers and make all things better for public transport, cyclists and walkers.

The Transport Agency is doing the work without having to shift the old Toroa ferry, which will continue to be restored next to the interchange.

I have been shouted at several times recently by cyclists who accuse me of cutting them off. I have been in my car, turning left or pulling into a parking space from a left lane, only to discover that these fast-moving cyclists had ridden along against the kerb and undertaken the slower lane of traffic.

I don't expect to be undertaken, as I thought undertaking in these circumstances was illegal. The Road Code says you can pass on the left only when there is a separate lane marked on the left. As well, the Road Code for cyclists says that they must pass moving traffic on the right unless lanes allow passing on the left. Who has the right of way? Leigh Marshall, Remuera.

Having the right of way isn't always the safest option. Yes, if there is slow-moving traffic, and no cycle lane or left-hand lane, a cyclist should overtake on the right. However, I understand cyclists often feel safer riding along on the left of the traffic. They then need to be aware of left-turning cars, and slow down or stop to make way for them.

Any left-turning motorist should make very sure that the way is clear for them to make their turn, and indicate well in advance. It is then the responsibility of the cyclist to make room for the turn, if they are on the left.

There is a comprehensive list of defensive cycling hints and ideas in the Road Code for cyclists. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest.

Correction: It has been pointed out to me by several readers that the information I gave last week about parking signs was misleading, if not just plain wrong, and for this I apologise.

To clarify: The Traffic Control Devices Rule sets what is shown on parking signs. TCD Rule states: 12.6(1) A parking restriction that is indicated by a sign incorporating the letter 'P' on the top of the sign, or that relates to a loading zone, applies between the hours of 8am and 6pm on days other than public holidays, unless otherwise specified on the sign or on a supplementary sign.

Other ranges of times and of days are to be displayed if the local situation requires, for example, bank holidays included ("every day") for busy shopping centres.

This is enforced by Auckland Transport on-street and in their own carparks. The owners or managers of other carparks may interpret the rules differently when clamping or towing cars.