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Oops! Streets in new development too narrow for buses

Agent 204
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Joined: Nov 19 2003

Not too bright:

Quote:
Two award-winning housing developments have built roads that are too narrow for buses.

The prestigious North Lakes community, north of Brisbane, boasts of an "environment of innovation and creativity", while Springfield Lakes, west of the city, trumpets a lifestyle where you can "enjoy the very best of life".

But not, it seems, when it comes to roads and public transport.

The Courier-Mail can reveal that most of the roads on the "master-planned" estates are not wide enough to accommodate buses, which means they can run only on main roads through the middle of the developments, with some residents at North Lakes facing a 40-minute walk to the nearest bus stop.

At Springfield Lakes, bus drivers from Westside Bus Company mount the roundabouts even on the widest roads.

From the Courier-Mail.


Comments

lagatta
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Joined: Apr 17 2002
Odd, I've seen many old cities with narrow streets that are served by buses and trams. Narrow streets are very good traffic-calming measures. Perhaps they need smaller, or narrower buses or trams? Australia also has to scrap its helmet law and other deterrents to cycling. It is cyclable year-round there, as long as one avoids the killing afternoon heat in the summertime. That sounds like a safe environment for cycling in normal clothes.

Tommy_Paine
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Joined: Apr 22 2001

I love narrow streets.  It enhances the sensation of speed when you drive down them. 

Wink

Seriously though, I think that's why the UK uses the double decker bus.  It can negotiate sharper turns narrow roads present.   

I see people on bikes here in London all year round.  Mind you, there are more in summer than in winter.  And cyclists tend to smoke less in winter, I noticed.

 


Agent 204
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Joined: Nov 19 2003

Some poor fools ride all year round even in Winnipeg. I considered it myself, until the first really cold day hit.

Regarding the buses, from the article it looks like the roundabouts might be a problem. In Australia they use small roundabouts where we'd use a four-way stop, and while roundabouts are better for traffic flow and less lethal than regular intersections, they do take up extra space, so maybe the developers cut corners there.


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