Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency

6.4 Kerbside cycle lane
Description
This is a cycle lane marked beside a kerb,
exclusively for cyclist use. The markings
comprise an edge line and cycle symbols
at regular intervals.
Advantages
All road users are likely to recognise the
cycle lane and expect to find cyclists there.
It provides a degree of separation between
motor traffic and cyclists.
It highlights cyclists’ rights to the road.
Disadvantages
This facility restricts car parking.
Unless swept regularly, debris from the
adjacent traffic lanes will accumulate
in the cycle lane.
It may not provide enough protection
for inexperienced cyclists.
Recommendations
As long as car parking issues can be
resolved, kerbside cycle lanes are the
favoured facility for roads.
Cycle lanes are preferred at the
kerbside rather than adjacent to parked
cars, so that cyclists can avoid opening
car doors and pedestrians darting out
from between parked cars.
Kerbside cycle lanes should apply
permanently. Temporary applications,
such as during daily traffic peaks, do
not offer enough provision for cyclists
outside those periods.
Kerbside cycle lane, East Coast Road, North Shore City, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes)
6.5 Cycle lane next to parking
Description
Cycle lanes comprising an edge line and regularly spaced cycle symbols can be
provided next to marked parallel parking.
Advantages
This facility eliminates the need for parking restrictions and benefits other road
users as it:
• increases drivers’ ease of parking and entering and leaving parked vehicles
• effectively reduces the road-crossing distance for pedestrians
• improves the channelling of traffic, encouraging a more orderly and predictable
traffic flow.
Disadvantages
A significant carriageway width is required.
When parking demand is low, motor vehicles will occasionally travel in the lane.
Some cyclists could still ride into an opening car door.
Car parking manoeuvres could inconvenience cyclists, and potentially cause conflicts.
Angle parking is not suitable next to a cycle lane unless there is extra clearance for
parking manoeuvres.
Debris swept from the adjacent traffic lanes accumulates in the cycle lane
and requires sweeping. Traditional gutter sweeping misses this, so it needs
special attention.
Recommendations
If the road is wide and parking restrictions are unlikely to be acceptable, a cycle lane
next to parking is likely to be an appropriate choice.
Kerbs protruding the width of the parking bay should be constructed at intervals to
discourage vehicles travelling over unoccupied parking spaces.
Cycle lane next to parking, Marshland Road,
Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes)
Cycle lane outside angle parking, Greers Road,
Christchurch, New Zealand. Note: clearance is barely
sufficient. (Photo: Tim Hughes)
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