ITS Monday: Edition 37, 2020

Investigating the state of connected and autonomous vehicles: A literature review

First up this week, a new paper by Nirajan Shiwakoti, published in Transport Research Procedia. The link to the paper is on ScienceDirect.com. ‘Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are expected to be deployed in the near future, however it is still not clear whether the technology will provide more benefits than it will present drawbacks. This study aims to collate the research already completed in this domain and highlight an area of knowledge which is currently lacking sufficient investigation.’

For more on Nirajan, read our interview with him, Nirajan Shiwakoti: Deep thoughts about surface transport, or his thoughts on transport and the pandemic.

Queensland commuters stay away from trains despite low coronavirus case numbers

Based on recent numbers released by Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey, and with commentary from University of Queensland psychology professor Alex Haslam, on why people might be avoiding public transport.

Public transport use during lockdown two

On a similar theme to the article above, here’s the current state of play for public transport in Auckland, New Zealand. Overall NZ is both reacting to things pandemic quite quickly. Has the public also reacted with a bounce back to public transport use? Click on through and see, there’s some nicely presented data to tell that story.

E-bikes to be offered to Sydney office workers

Cycling, and active transport in general, has been rolling along quite nicely during the pandemic, but the big test will come as we enter the period of whatever the new normal might be. Will people retain their enthusiasm and feelings of safety on a bike in such times? What’s certain is that to remain a strong option it will need some help, whether that be infrastructure building or modification, or policy, or schemes such as this.

Faster e-bikes could ease post-pandemic congestion

Staying on the topic of e-bikes in Australia, this article puts the view that in order for a bigger take-up of e-bikes we need to look at the current limits on their speed and power. ‘A modest change to Australia’s e-bike laws to bring them into line with New Zealand would be a “good compromise” that would help to encourage more cycling, but at same time preserve the safety of pedestrians who often have to share paths with cyclists.’

Will Covid-19 make urban cycling more inclusive?

An article from the BBC, but using examples and data from numerous world locations, fitting as this is an issue in so many places. ‘The pandemic has shown that with will and resources, change can happen fast. Yet fast typically doesn’t mean thoughtful.’

Road traffic congestion higher in outer London than before lockdown

Using data from the Waze app, the story of what’s happening with congestion in outer London, looking at data comparing August and September. What’s happening? Well, the title may give away the ending …

Boost for walking as TfL launches Central London footways created by London Living Streets

In our final article this week we finish with a favourite ITS Monday topic, active transport, and more particularly walking. Transport for London has produced a map, a physical map, to be distributed for free to Londoners, ‘… prompting people to choose walking as the most enjoyable way to get from A to B, with walking journeys often quicker than expected.’

This article tells the story, while Footways is the official site for the initiative.