Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency

4.3 Urban arterial roads
Description
Arterial roads are the main roads in an area. Their main function is to provide for
through-traffic rather than access to adjoining properties, but many important
destinations are found along them.
Minor arterial roads, with lower traffic volumes and speeds, are typically single lane
each way and can usually be adapted to provide for cyclists of basic competence both
between intersections (called mid-block) and at intersections.
Major arterial roads are busier and faster, and typically have multiple lanes. They are
not appropriate for cyclists of basic competence unless they have more effective
separation and facilities to turn right, such as hook turns.
Rifle Range Road, Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes)
Advantages
Arterial roads are generally well used
by cyclists and have several benefits
for those experienced and comfortable
enough in using them. They need to be
made as safe as possible.
Most arterial roads are flatter than
surrounding local roads and have better
surface conditions and maintenance
standards. They are coherent and direct,
and intersections favour the major flow
of traffic.
Arterial roads often have safety
advantages for competent cyclists
because of fewer side roads and
driveways and because major
intersections are controlled.
Disadvantages
High traffic volumes and speeds make
arterial roads unattractive for less confident
cyclists and those riding for pleasure.
Cyclists are more exposed to traffic fumes
on these roads, although tests have shown
they inhale less air pollution than car
occupants (Koorey 2004).
Even where cycle lanes are provided, urban
arterial roads are unsuitable for children and
novices until they achieve basic competence.
The main constraints to developing cycle
routes on arterial roads are insufficient
space at intersections, parking demands,
and conflict with adjacent commercial
activities. The trade-offs may involve
politically unpalatable decisions.
Recommendations
Arterial roads will be used by many
cyclists and will need cycle provision
aimed as far as possible at cyclists with
basic competence.
Alternative routes merely supplement
the arterial routes and rarely eliminate
the need for cycle provision on
the latter.
Wherever possible, arterial roads should
be planned with cycle facilities from the
outset — or retrofitted to bring them up
to best practice standard.
4.4 Urban backstreets
Description
Many cyclists undertaking inter-suburban trips prefer quiet routes, especially if they
are not confident mixing with busy traffic. Local or collector road routes can provide
this as long as they form a coherent pattern. Commuter cyclists will use them only if
they are as convenient as the most direct route.
Advantages
Grid-based road systems, characteristic of older cities, lend themselves to backstreet
cycle routes.
Backstreets are more readily available than off-road paths and do not require extra
land, unless there are missing links that obstruct direct routes.
As destinations are served directly from these routes, they can enable cyclists to avoid
particularly daunting arterial roads. They can also offer a lower-stress and enjoyable
cycling experience owing to the streetscape and other attractions, and can be quite
suitable as part of a leisure or tourist route.
Disadvantages
To attract significant numbers of cyclists, backstreet cycle routes need to be safer and
more convenient than the arterial road network, but this is rarely possible. Compared
with arterial roads, these routes usually have more hazards from side roads, driveways,
parked cars and give-way requirements at intersections with busier roads.
Crash records on backstreet routes appear to be no better than those on arterial roads
(United Kingdom Government, 1995).
Backstreet route terminates into cycle only path
crossing arterial road at signals, Cambridge,
United Kingdom. (Photo: Tim Hughes)
Recommendations
Use backstreet routes where they are safer
and more convenient than the arterials
they parallel.
Use backstreet routes in dual networks to
give a choice for those who prefer them.
Pay careful attention to intersections
between backstreets and arterial roads.
Traffic signals may be necessary.
Consider traffic calming these routes.
Signpost them well.
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