Get moving: New bus lane to lead cyclists on to footpath

Q: There is a new bus lane on New North Rd running through the underpass beneath Dominion Rd. The lane turns left after the underpass and deposits cyclists on to the footpath. Is it intended that cyclists use the footpath? Mark Sanders, Sandringham.

A: It is indeed. It was designed just for you. The idea is that cyclists coming into town along New North Rd will not have to get across the faster traffic coming from the flyover. When you do get back on to New North Rd the merge is from the left, not the right, which is safer.

Q: Is the bus or transit lane down Shakespeare Rd in Milford still going to happen? Sue Proffitt, Milford.

A: Shakespeare Rd is being widened on the southern side now, to make room for a cycle path and footpath. When the work is finished, in December hopefully, there will be new road markings, including a citybound transit lane.

Q: Why do traffic lights have little black numbers on them? Jackson McLay, 7, Beach Haven.

A: Ah, the benefit of young eyes. I haven't ever noticed them, but Transit says that the numbers are there to help it keep track of what equipment is where. When Transit asks a contractor to fix a traffic light, it can tell him which one it is by using the number. Well spotted.

Q: Why do all the streets that enter on to Campbell Rd in One Tree Hill have compulsory stops except for Tawhiri Rd? Sandra Beer, Auckland.

A: But Tawhiri Rd does have a compulsory stop. The only streets that don't are Wheturangi Rd, which has traffic lights, and Massey Ave and Kowhatu Rd with give way signs. Streets have compulsory stops when a give way sign is not enough, and accidents have resulted. There is also a stop sign when visibility means that a stop is safer than just slowing down. There is no crash history associated with the Massey and Kowhatu intersections with Campbell Rd, so there are no plans to replace the give way signs here.