Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency
Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency
Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency
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3.5 Cyclists’ trip types <strong>and</strong> requirements<br />
For the purposes of cycle <strong>planning</strong>, cyclist trip types can be grouped into:<br />
neighbourhood cycling<br />
commuter cycling<br />
sports adults<br />
recreation cycling<br />
touring cycling.<br />
3.5.1 Neighbourhood cycling<br />
Most neighbourhood cycling involves trips to local schools <strong>and</strong> shops, <strong>and</strong><br />
children playing on their bikes. Cyclist provision should therefore be based<br />
mostly around the needs of novices.<br />
Speeds are typically lower than 15 km/h. However, busy roads <strong>and</strong> short lengths of the<br />
primary cycle <strong>network</strong> may still need to be crossed to get to local destinations, <strong>and</strong> many<br />
potential destinations are along well trafficked arterial roads.<br />
The highest priority is ensuring a safe environment for children <strong>and</strong> novices in their local<br />
streets <strong>and</strong> around shops <strong>and</strong> schools.<br />
These cyclists prefer:<br />
• the highest degree of safety<br />
• comfort <strong>and</strong> personal security<br />
• low traffic speeds <strong>and</strong> traffic volumes<br />
• a good separation from traffic when local destinations require them to travel busy roads<br />
• minimal gradients<br />
• facilities for crossing busy roads, such as traffic signals<br />
• secure parking at destinations<br />
• good lighting for evening trips<br />
• screening from weather <strong>and</strong> wind integrated with the surrounding l<strong>and</strong>scape design.<br />
3.5.2 Commuter cycling<br />
Most commuter trips are done by high school students or adults commuting<br />
to work <strong>and</strong> tertiary education. However, for the purpose of this <strong>guide</strong> they<br />
include any longer-distance utility trip.<br />
For most of their length these trips are on arterial roads or other primary cycle <strong>route</strong>s.<br />
Regular commuters generally ride at speeds of 20 to 30 km/h. The New Zeal<strong>and</strong> Travel<br />
Survey 1997/98 (LTSA, 2000) indicates the median trip length for commuting cyclists is about<br />
five km. Most will choose a faster <strong>route</strong> at the expense of higher perceived safety, comfort<br />
<strong>and</strong> attractiveness. They are the main users of the primary cycle <strong>network</strong>.<br />
It is important to note that designs based on ensuring the repeat business of current,<br />
more experienced commuters may not attract new users with less confidence. As far as<br />
practical, across-town cycle facilities should cater for cyclists of basic competence, while<br />
maintaining the qualities valued by more experienced commuters.<br />
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