It’s often said that Raglan is a small town with a big heart. One place that this is demonstrated is the way people drive their cars in Bow Street. Although the ‘raised crossings’ say the pedestrians have to give way to traffic, Raglan drivers always pause and let the pedestrians cross first. And where people cross Wainui Road from The Shack over to the Sands, drivers stop well back from the compulsory stop and wave the walkers across. I like the way this happens even though the road signs dictate that the reverse should happen.
When I first moved to Raglan I asked how come it was that there were no designated pedestrian crossings in Bow Street and that cars and trucks had the right of way. The reason given was that Bow Street and Wallis Streets were part of the state highway network and Transit (NZTA) would not allow any pedestrian crossings to go in. A few years later the state highway designation was removed and State Highway 23 shortened back to the town boundary just East of the Manukau Road intersection. Waikato District Council took over management of Bow Street and it became a regular town street.
A few years ago, Waikato District Council did a study on a bypass for Raglan. Three alternatives were considered. Two were rejected as not being affordable. The third option of widening Bankart St was selected and now a good deal of the traffic for Raglan West and the Whaanga Coast uses this road rather than go through Bow Street.
The way that Raglanders drive with care in Bow Street at low speeds, ignoring the quirky Council signs and giving way to people walking across the streets is great. I’ve noticed though that this is really confusing to visitors who drive and obey the normal meaning of these road signs. It seems that every day more and more people are discovering the magic of Raglan and visitor numbers are increasing. This causes a problem as locals drive one way in Bow Street and the visitors drive the another way.
I believe that the time is right to officially recognise and protect the way Raglanders drive in and walk across Bow Street by designating Bow Street and the adjacent area of Wainui Road as a shared zone with people walking having priority and cars limited to a speed of 10 kmph. This would make it clear to visitors, just how they are expected to drive in Bow Street.
Rodger Gallagher
Agreed, although there are several other places where a pedestrian and vehicle shared area should be recognised. ie; Cliff street, wharf, and Kopua (leading to the camping ground).
I’m always amazed on trips to the USA, that if a pedestrian approaches the side of a rood, then motorists stop and let them cross, even on busy suburban streets. My American friends tell me that this behaviour is drummed into them when they have driving lessons before they get their driving license. Yes areas in Raglan are needed where cars give way to walkers. Let’s start with Bow St.
This isnt America. People walk in the streets because they can sue the driver if the driver makes contact with them. Is that what you want?
What I want is the present way that people behave and respect each other in Bow Street to continue. Changing to a shared zone would make this clear to visitors. Shared zones work well in many other towns in New Zealand without any accidents. In Raglan’s case the right behaviour by locals is already taking place.
Is it that hard to wait for cars to cross the road, dont you have something worthwhile to do. Its been the same for as long as Ive been here and havent heard a single complaint. Why is it so hard to cross the street otherwise?
Leave things as they are, except maybe banning the parking warden from Raglan.
There are more urgent areas in Raglan that need work done, e.g. Norrie Ave all the way to school.
The safety of the children of Raglan should become a priority, not the tourists.
Yes that what I’m saying. Keep things the way and protect the children from the tourists.