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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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