CE4025_Project02a_Cesca_J.docx

TRANSPORT PLANNING AND DESIGNTrigger 2a

Group: DDanilo Marques 14050293Jean Cesca 14020569Leonardo Copelli 14050331Leonardo Gomes 14050129Rafael Floquet 14050889Rodrigo Guerra 14051079Rodrigo Neves 14051109Taynah Serpa 14050927Victor Souza 13050935Vinicius Braun 14049457

Project Report submitted toThe Faculty of Science & EngineeringUniversity of Limerick

March 2015Table of Contents1.Ciclelane32.Cyclists running on pathway43.Lighting54.Maintenance65.Insufficient crossing lanes76.Conflict between cyclists and vehicles87.Signaling9

1. Ciclelane

Throughout the project analysed it was not saw at any time the existence of cycle lanes, the cyclist has to share the street with the other car, if the rider go from Kilmurry to the city center this problem can be avoided due to bus lane that follows during all this path, however if the cyclist is in going to the opposite direction that can be a problem because the tracks are narrow and bicyclist is rising and so their speed will not be compatible with the cars that is a risks for the rider and causing traffic in the region.

2. Cyclists running on pathway

During the audit it was found many cyclists using the sidewalks to move around. One of the hypotheses is that they did not feel safe to use the road. This behavior creates conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians in a region where the sidewalks are mostly narrow. Moreover, cyclists are not allowed use the sidewalks. Improving the safety of the road and getting cyclists involved in campaigns to increase their confidence could be a solution to this safety concern.

3. Lighting

The overall scene on the street at night is good in terms of lighting, but there are some points where it would need more care. There are two light poles in approximately 1,7 km with burned lamps, which makes the street dark and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. There are also some points where the trees blind the lights, creating dark areas as well, especially in the south side of the street. Those problems could be easily solved with some programmed maintenance.

4. Maintenance

Throughout the section analysed by the group, it is noticed that after the construction of cycle path few or no maintenance was performed. There are several factors that prove this conclusion, including: painting (signaling) completely erased on the cycle path; in various locations of the section, the asphalt is irregular or defective. Despite these problems often go by without anyone noticing, they can cause serious injury to users of the cycle path, especially in this case where the cycle path is very close to the road.

5. Insufficient crossing lanes

From the Kilmurry roundabout to Plassey Park roundabout, Dublin Road (R445), the number of crossing lanes from one way to the opposite one is insufficient considering that the distance is 1.7km approximately, totalling three lanes. The safest way to cross still is using the roundabouts, but it is not viable for everyone. In addition, cyclists who need to cross the streets to keep going to the same way, they face the same problem as the ones who need to go the opposite side: number of crossing lanes almost negligible. Therefore, in this case, bicycles and cars must dispute crossing.

6. Conflict between cyclists and vehicles

The velocities of the vehicles that use the same lane are not compatible. In this direction, where there is an ascending ramp, the cyclist velocity is reduced due to the extra load, while the cars can maintain theirs. It means that the difference of the velocities is big enough to make the driver pass the cyclist crossing a continuous line, since travel time is a criterion for choosing a transport mode. If another vehicle comes in the opposite direction when it happens, the driver will force the cyclist out of the lane, which can result in an accident.

7. Signaling

The less of a signalling on the road to the cross of cyclist or pedestrian. The signalling by paint on road to indicate the better way to cross the street or the using of traffic light. This solution should be control the right time to the cyclist or pedestrian by foot can be cross the street with a minimum of security and dont have to wait for a long time because this street have two way of traffic difficult the cross.

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