1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Cyclenetwork planningCycle network planning is a process ofimproving community mobility by providinginterconnected routes and facilities basedon bicycle users’ needs (Bach and Diepens,2000). It aims to provide cyclists with safe,comfortable, direct routes from all originsto all destinations that:• link to form a network• retain existing cyclists• encourage more people to cycle.1.2 Cycleroute planningCycle route planning is the organisationof the most appropriate facilities andtreatments into a continuous path forcyclists that will take them safely andcomfortably for the greater part of theirjourney (Bach and Diepens, 2000). Facilitieswill differ depending on the environmentthrough which the route passes, anddifferent types of cyclists will needdifferent types of cycle route (Dorrestyn, 1996).Cycle route planning aims to provide cycleroutes that:• provide the highest level of service(LOS) for cyclists, including safety,convenience and comfort• provide operating space to cycle andother users• minimise conflicts with other users.(Cumming, Barber, Smithers, 1999; Jensen et al, 2000;Scottish Executive, 1999).1.3 PurposeThis guide aims to promote a consistent,world’s best practice approach to cyclenetwork and route planning throughoutNew Zealand. It sets out a process fordeciding what cycle provision, if any, isdesirable and where it is needed.The guide is intended to help peopleinvolved in cycle planning to developcycle networks that contribute to theoutcomes required by the New ZealandTransport Strategy and the nationalwalking and cycling strategy. It will alsohelp people preparing regional and localcycling strategies.1.4 Scope of guideThe guide covers all aspects of cyclenetwork and route planning, with a focuson the role and importance of cycleinfrastructure in cycling strategic plans,and on planning for cycling for transport.It expands on chapter 2 of the Guide totraffic engineering practice: Part 14: Bicycles(Austroads, 1999) and complements theNew Zealand supplement to that guide(CDS) (Transit New Zealand 2004).The cycle planning approaches andinterventions adopted will depend on thecircumstances at each location. With this inmind, the guide does not prescribe a singleapproach or intervention, but presentsa variety, along with their advantages,disadvantages and limitations and thecircumstances when each would be mostappropriate. It recognises that financial,technical and political factors may affectwhat can be achieved at any particularlocation or time.This is not an instruction manual, or aguide for cycling facility design, planninga mountain bike network or preparingcycling strategies. It is a best practiceguide to the process of cycle networkplanning, with tools that may help cycleplanners and communities. It does nothave the force of law.1.5 MethodologyThe project to develop this guide wasmanaged by the Land Transport SafetyAuthority (LTSA), as one of the Road Safetyto 2010 strategy projects. Consultantswere employed to develop the drafts. Astakeholder steering group (see page 2)guided its development and gave feedbackon the various drafts.The guide’s content was informed by areview of international literature on cyclenetwork and route planning. A separatereport on this is available on the LTSAwebsite at www.ltsa.govt.nz (Opus, 2003).A draft of the guide was released forpublic submissions before the New ZealandCycling Conference 2003.After the final draft was received from theconsultants an international expert peerreview was performed. The LTSA carried outsome final edits.1.6 Future revisionThe guide will be updated as cycle networkand route planning knowledge and practicedevelops. Priorities for research have beendeveloped. The LTSA has already starteda project on New Zealand-appropriatemethods for assessing the LOS providedfor cyclists, while assessing the latentdemand for cycling is another area thatneeds more work.1.7 Guide andprocess outlineFigure 1.1 (see opposite) provides anoutline of the guide’s three main sections:• The planning and policy context.• The principles of cycle network planning.• The cycle network planning process.1.8 Safer RoutesThe development of the Safer Routesprogramme is another LTSA Road Safety to2010 strategy project. Safer Routes appliesmany of the tools in this guide at a locationidentified by the community to be a highrisk for cyclists (and/or pedestrians). It thendevelops and implements an integratedpackage of engineering, enforcement andeducational interventions to address locallyidentified risk factors.The LTSA is currently trialling Safer Routesin a number of territorial local authorities,and developing guidelines for safe routesfacilitators. As part of the ongoing SaferRoutes programme LTSA can assist withthe funding of facilitators and provision ofexert advice. For more information on SaferRoutes contact your regional LTSA office.It is a best practice guide to the process ofcycle network planning, with tools that mayhelp cycle planners and communities.6
CONTEXTPRINCIPLESEstablish the planning and policy context (Ch.2)What is the environment for planning cycle networks?Cyclists’ needs (Ch.3)What are the different types of cyclist trips and for what skill levelare we designing?APPENDICESCycling strategic plans(Appendix 1)Possible locations for cycle routes (Ch.4)Where can cycle routes be developed?Possible cycle network approaches (Ch.5)What broad approach could be taken to cyclenetwork development?Possible cycle route components (Ch.6)What types of cycle provision or facility can be used to developa cycle route?PROCESSConsult oncycle networkdevelopment(Ch.14)Does the networkmeet the needs ofall stakeholders?Assess cycle demand (Ch.7)How many cyclists of what types now ride or wish toride and where?Identify possible cycle routes and provision (Ch.8)Which routes could be developed for cyclists and what types ofcycle provision do they need?Evaluate cycle route options (Ch.9)How good are existing and potential cycle routes?Develop the cycle network plan (Ch.10)What network is desired for cyclists?Prioritise cycle route implementation (Ch.11)Which cycle routes should be done first?Scaling cycle counts(Appendix 2)Sample questionnaire(Appendix 3)Bibliography(Appendix 4)Implement cycle network development (Ch.12)How should cycle routes be implemented?Monitor cycle network development (Ch.13)Is the cycle network achieving its aims?Figure 1.1: Outline of the guide and the cycle network and route planning process7
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