Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Zhuhai has recently issued Guidelines for Zhuhai Urban Streets Traffic Planning (Trial Implementation) to create safer and more comfortable walking in the city.

The act was done by the Zhuhai Housing & Urban-Rural Planning & Construction Bureau answering to requirement for an improved pedestrian experience as part of the city's slow traffic system.

Considering different functions and landscaping of the surrounding areas, streets or roads will be divided into different types for traffic, residential, commercial, industrial or comprehensive use.

Streets in Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The new rules say it is not advisable to designate any parking areas within newly proposed streets. However, the provision doesn't seriously restrict parking on already planned or upgraded streets as they accommodate small cars and sidewalks as well as non-motor vehicle lanes.

Moreover, the Zhuhai government has called for a rebalancing of the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by separating sidewalks and bikeways. Similarly, slow traffic lanes will be made to run beside isolation belts and street-side buildings.

Through non-physical isolation using colored pavement bikes can be guided onto designated paths with their right-of-way made more explicit.

The measures aim to address the fact that bicycle lanes are beginning to dominate the pedestrian system, said a bureau official. There are currently at least 150,000 cyclists in Zhuhai every day, according to official statistics, which has raised the need for better road safety management.

The guidelines feature a seamless transfer from buses to bikes which asks a refined arrangement between bus stops, bike lanes and green spaces.