Award
Urban Connection Award
Winner
Freyberg Street Neighbourhood Street Trial, Lyall Bay, Wellington by Wellington City Council
In brief
This was Wellington City Council’s first low traffic neighbourhood street trial. The goals of the project included enhancing safety for students commuting to Lyall Bay School, promoting the use of active transport modes among students and parents, and creating a more pleasant environment for people who live in the area and go to school there.
The details
Wellington City Council introduced their neighbourhood street trial in Freyberg Street, Lyall Bay, following community engagement around the Kilbirnie Connections street changes.
This was set up as a six-month trial, using adaptable materials to reduce speeds in the area and traffic volumes on Freyberg and Wha streets.
The goals of this project included enhancing safety for students commuting to Lyall Bay School, promoting the use of active transport modes among students and parents, and creating a more pleasant environment for people who live, visit and go to school in the area.
Overall, the changes have been well-received by the school community, fostering a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for children traveling to school.
Feedback from the school indicates that the new road changes on Freyberg Street have had a positive impact on the community. Traffic moves more slowly, allowing children to cross the road safely where the changes have been made. Photo: Blue zone in front of Lyall Bay School in Freyberg Street.
Observations by Council staff suggest a shift towards more active modes of travel among children, likely influenced by the project. As the community becomes more accustomed to these changes, this shift is expected to continue growing.
The closure of Freyberg Street to through traffic has been received positively by students, who feel safer and more independent when traveling to school. They perceive the 'blue zones' as safe areas and appreciate the visually appealing and playful marine streetscape and seating.
At the Wha/Freyberg intersection, students feel safer due to shorter crossing distances and pedestrian islands, which encourage slower vehicle speeds. The blue intersection build-outs also improve visibility of oncoming traffic. Photo: Kerb build-outs and pedestrian islands on the Freyberg/Wha streets intersection.
On Queens Drive, students appreciate the raised pedestrian crossing that slows cars down. They feel safer with the school road patrol relocated to this crossing and find the wayfinding sea creatures helpful in navigating to school.
Photo: Ellen Blake from Living Streets Aotearoa presenting the award to the Wellington City Council team at the awards evening at Parliament.