Unlocking transport innovation: A sociotechnical perspective of the logics of transport planning decision-making within the trial of a new type of pedestrian crossing
Simon Opit; Karen Witten
Abstract – Tuhinga Whakarāpopoto
This paper investigates the architecture of decision-making that influences delivery and outcomes of urban environments. It uses the case study of a new style of pedestrian crossing proposed for Massey Road in Mangere, Auckland. Local traffic concerns impeding walking and cycling were identified through a community engagement process. A neighbourhood-scale intervention was designed and constructed. Residents’ transport behaviour was measured before and after, along with the potential benefits of replicating similar projects in other areas. The proposal was subsequently rejected. The research found: innovative proposals must capture and address clear policy problems to convince key decision-makers of their value; the ‘ownership’ model can engender resistance to innovation; precise technical design standards can make innovation seem risky; and a highly structured decision-making hierarchy leaves limited scope for adaptability to local contexts.
Articles associated with this research – Karere Tūhono
News: Unlocking transport innovation
15 June 2018: A working paper to understand the regulatory and decision-making logics, processes and practices that determine the street design solutions that become part of our built environment and transport infrastructure has recently been published by the Architecture of Decision-making research team. >> Read More.
Keywords – Kupu Hāngai
urban development, pedestrian crossings, pedestrians, transport, change management, decision making, community
Fields of Research – Āpure Rangahau
Transport; Urban/Spatial Planning; Infrastructure
Date – Te Wā Whakarewa
2018-06
Type – Te Auaha
Report
Collections – Kohinga Kaupapa
Citation – Kupu Hautoa
Opit, S. & Witten, K. (2018). Unlocking transport innovation: A sociotechnical perspective of the logics of transport planning decision-making within the trial of a new type of pedestrian crossing. Report for Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities SRA: The Architecture of Decision-Making, June 2018. Wellington: BBHTC.
