matthew harridge - wayfinding

The Value of Wayfinding

AITPM National Conference

Matt Harridge, O’Brien Traffic

August 2014

Suite 2, 22 Gillman StreetHawthorn East, Victoria 3123

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W: obrientraffic.com

ANDREW O’BRIEN & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD ABN: 55 007 006 037

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING TRAFFIC PLANNING ROAD SAFETY TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENTS TRANSPORT PLANNING

Outline

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Outline

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Take Home Points

Wayfinding signage can increase the number of cyclists (and pedestrians) along a route.

Be Co-ordinated

Be Consistent

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Outline

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What is Wayfinding?

Wayfinding describes how a person orientates themselves and navigates through an area or space.

It is about knowing:•where you are; •where you want to go to; and•how you get there from where you are. (Department of Transport, 2011)

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Outline

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What are the Benefits?

• Provides guidance to enable safe and efficient travel. (RTA NSW)

• Raises awareness of other route possibilities for existing users. (QLD Dept Trans and Main Roads)

• Gives high visibility and recognition of routes for non-users. (RTA NSW)

• Informs users of routes which are more direct and less heavily trafficked.

• Expands the usage of the cycle network.

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People see the benefit…….tactical urbanism

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Outline

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Does Wayfinding Work?

• Little research has been undertaken on the influence of wayfinding signage on cycling participation.

Why?• Complex interactions of various

factors that influence cycling participation.

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Lower Yarra Trail and Lower Maribyrnong TrailWigan, et. al. (1998)

• demand patterns (via surveys and modelling) for two off-road trails:

– Lower Yarra Trail – Lower Maribyrnong Trail

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Lower Yarra Trail and Lower Maribyrnong Trail• Lower Yarra Trail

– was well promoted – well connected, and – a destination in its own right.

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Lower Yarra Trail and Lower Maribyrnong Trail• Lower Maribyrnong Trail

– similar potential, BUT– Poor signing of linkages; and – No promotion.

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Lower Yarra Trail and Lower Maribyrnong Trail

• Bicycle flows along certain sections of Maribyrnong

Trail were low. Why?– not signed consistently; – sections were under major repair; and – one link was very poorly signed.

CONCLUSION:signing and marketing was critical in terms of increasing

cycling participation.

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Legible London Wayfinding Study (2006)

1000 user surveys, pedestrian counts, and a number of 'mystery shopper' and accompanied walks.

•83% agreed it helped them to find their way. •67% agreed it would find the shortest route for their journey. •The number of pedestrians getting lost on a journey fell by 65%.

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Legible London Wayfinding Study (2006)

•Strong support that wayfinding encourages: – walking more often; – walking further; – exploring more; and – walking rather than using other means of transport.

•Bond Street area prototype evaluation: – 67% said the new wayfinding system encourages them to

walk more.

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Does Wayfinding Work?Walk London

• The Walk London network – 628km walking routes. – promoted since 2003.

• Walking measured between 2003 – 2011.• Improvements to signage were made. • Average growth of 9% each year.

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Outline

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How Do We Implement It…well?

1. Determine the existing Wayfinding system

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2. Identify the Destinations

RTA (2005) recommends: •Key centres (priority) •University and educational institutions; •Hospitals;•Tourist attractions;•Shopping centres; and •Sporting and recreation centres.

Co-ordinate with neighbouring Councils.

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3. Select the Routes to be Signed

A route should be: •Easy to follow. •Direct.

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4. Select the Sign Type

Four principles:• Conspicuous• Legible• Coherent• Functional

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Conspicuous

• Clear view and time to respond. • Consistent height.• Avoid visual clutter.

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Legibility• Typeface should be able to be read at speed. • A mixture of upper and lower case letters

increases legibility. • Consistent typeface size.• Words over 20 characters should

be avoided.

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Coherence • Consistent destinations. • Closest destinations should be listed to the

top. • Once a destination is stated it should be listed

on each succeeding sign until it is reached.

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Function • All change in directions should be clearly signed. • Signage should be durable, non-fading, and easy

to erect and maintain.

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4. Select the Sign Type

Two general types of wayfinding signage:

Fingerboards.Maps.

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Fingerboards are the most common type.

The RTA (2005) states that fingerboard signs are the most effective wayfinding infrastructure due concise messages and relatively low cost.

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Map based signs can be considered for indirect routes to a number of destinations. Brisbane City Council (2009)

Map based “you are here” signs are most common on trails and in activity centres.

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Pavement Markings

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Outline

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Take Home Points

Wayfinding signage can increase the number of cyclists (and pedestrians) along a route.

Be Co-ordinated

Be Consistent

Matt Harridge

Director – O’Brien Traffic

Principal Transportation Engineer – City of Glen Eira

matt@obrientraffic.com

www.obrientraffic.com

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