Polka-dot paint job for New Zealand street to protect cyclists and pedestrians

A street in Auckland, New Zealand is to get painted with polka dots in a bid to slow motorists down and make them look out for cyclists and pedestrians.

The scheme on Federal Street is a temporary measure being introduced by Auckland Transport until the road, which lies on a hill in the city’s Central Business District, receives a permanent upgrade.

According to the agency, the polka dot paint scheme will make motorists slow down because they won’t be expecting them (at least, the first time they drive along the street, we assume).

There will also be a contra-flow cycle lane heading uphill on the one-way street, and once the new scheme is in place, Auckland Transport will seek feedback ahead of making any changes permanent.

Kathryn King, its manager for walking, cycling and road safety, said: “This section of Federal Street has given us an opportunity to do our engagement in a different way.

“Once the improvements are complete in late March, we can see how people experience them and get accurate feedback from pedestrians, bike riders and drivers as well as the surrounding business owners.”

She added: “We will be able to easily make changes to the design and layout and improve it as we see how it is used.”

City councillor and cycling champion Chris Darby commented: “We want our city centre to be attractive and easy to get around.

“There is a lot of construction happening throughout the city, and instead of this being a challenge, we want to use this time as an opportunity to try something new and innovative.

“Projects like the Federal Street upgrade give us a chance to try something new and see how it works before we commit to a permanent solution, and it gives people a more attractive and safe area to walk and cycle around,” he added.