Roadworks sign base (without sign) blocking cycle lane (x3)

Reported in the Cycle path category anonymously at 08:19, Tue 14 April 2015

Sent to Christchurch City Council 2 min later.

Connetics worksite has three sign bases (with stands but WITHOUT signs) blocking the eastbound and westbound cycle lanes on Main Road going past Shag Rock. Eastbound, you first encounter one just before the corner (a bit before where the cycle lane ends because of the rockfall containers). Note how the cone is right up to the edge line, and how the Connetics STMS has thoughtfully left a gap to the left of the sign base to go through. Then look again and see that the sign taken off the base has been placed in that gap and weighted down with a sandbag. The second sign base is encountered on the long straight into Sumner, with the sign base right in the middle of the cycle lane – looks like it could easily have been placed further left (on top of the yellow no stopping lines?), creating more space in the cycle lane. Again note the careful placement of the sign next to the base (again weighted down with a sandbag). Westbound, you encounter the third sign base after going around the corner into Moncks Bay. It has been placed just after the cycle lane reappears from underneath the containers – exactly where the considerate cyclist re-enters the cycle lane to allow the cars that have patiently followed them round the corner to pass by. That is until the cyclist has to suddenly swerve back into the traffic lane to avoid the sign base! Again note the careful placement of the sign, this time behind the base, but again weighted down with a sandbag. Has the STMS never read the Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (CoPTTM)? If they had they may recall Section C3.3.2 Positioning of signs, which states “sign bases must not be left in place, without signs attached, in a manner that will be a hazard to any road user, including pedestrians and cyclists” (and not forgetting “not encroaching on a marked cycle lane unless safe to do so”). And who is responsible for ensuring that all Temporary Traffic Management measures are in accordance with CoPTTM? It is quite alarming that contractors are still blocking cycle lanes (apparently contrary to the requirements of CoPTTM) without any effective control or oversight by the relevant Road Controlling Authority.

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