CYCLE NETWORK AND ROUTE PLANNING GUIDE

3 CYCLISTS’ NEEDS3.1 IntroductionSatisfying cyclists’ needs and providing a high level of service (LOS) for cyclists are vital tomaximising cycling. These needs vary according to cyclists’ skill levels and their trip purposes.One type of cycle provision may not suit all cyclists using a particular part of the cycle network.This chapter discusses:• the purpose of cycling• cyclists’ skill levels• general route requirements• cyclists’ trip types and their preferredroute characteristics• complementary facilities.3.2 The purposeof cyclingCycling generally has two main purposes:• utility• leisure.Utility cycling involves making a journeyfor the main purpose of doing an activityat the journey’s end, such as work,education or shopping. Time is often animportant consideration.Leisure cycling is done for the journey itself.Leisure cyclists include sports trainingcyclists, recreation riders and cycle tourists.They also include children playing on theirbikes near their homes.3.3 Cyclists’skill levelsFor the purpose of planning, cyclists maybe grouped into three skill levels:• child/novice• basic competence• experienced.3.3.1 Child/noviceThese are children and beginner adults.Depending on their age, children haveserious knowledge, perceptual and cognitivelimitations in relation to roads (Crossing, 1987).They can be unpredictable, do not havea good appreciation of road hazards andare generally unfamiliar with road rules.However, children as young as eight do notpose as high a risk as adolescents as theyhave a reduced tendency for deliberate risktakingbehaviours.Cycling for recreation on rural road shoulder, Prestons Road, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes)Novice cyclist, Oriental Parade, Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo: Juliet Rama)14