Matthew Harridge - Wayfinding

The Value of Wayfinding
AITPM National Conference
Matt Harridge, O’Brien Traffic
August 2014

Suite 2, 22 Gillman Street
Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123
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W: obrientraffic.com
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING TRAFFIC PLANNING ROAD SAFETY TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENTS TRANSPORT PLANNING
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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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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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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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 Trail
Wigan, 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
– was well promoted
– well connected, and
– a destination in its own right.

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•Lower Maribyrnong Trail
– similar potential, BUT
– Poor signing of linkages; and
– No promotion.

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•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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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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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

Matt Harridge
Director – O’Brien Traffic
Principal Transportation Engineer – City of Glen Eira
matt@obrientraffic.com
www.obrientraffic.com

Matthew Harridge - Wayfinding

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