A vibrant and informal narrow street for spending time, often featuring local art and culture, and with shared or restricted access to motor vehicles.

Many laneways have evolved from service accesses (back of house) to being places where people want to spend time. Some are now predominantly places for staying, complete with active frontages, while others retain last-mile freight and vehicle access to properties. All civic lanes are important for walking and cycling connections as they are generally safer and more comfortable than surrounding streets.

Common issues

• conflicts between vehicles, particularly trucks and people walking
• extensive clutter restricting access for people walking and cycling
• people feeling unsafe at night due to a lack of surveillance and poor edge design
• maintaining access for freight and servicing.

Design solutions

[1] Places to stop and rest (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[2] Timed vehicle access (Freight and Servicing Last Mile Toolkit)

[3] Shared zones (NSW Speed Zoning Standard, TS 03631)

[4] Public art (Beyond the Pavement, TS 01592)

[5] Street lighting (Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces, AS1742 Series)

[6] Short-term last mile freight and servicing access (Freight and Servicing Last Mile Toolkit)

The design solutions library includes a full list of appropriate design solutions for civic lanes.