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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6.16 <strong>Cycle</strong> path next to road<br />
Description<br />
This is a common facility in Europe,<br />
usually for one-way cycle traffic. The<br />
paths are generally paved in a different<br />
colour <strong>and</strong> texture from adjoining<br />
sections of the berm, <strong>and</strong> may also be<br />
separated by a low kerb.<br />
Advantages<br />
<strong>Cycle</strong> paths next to roads can offer a<br />
low-stress environment that can be<br />
attractive to many cyclists.<br />
They can be particularly helpful for short<br />
lengths, such as at squeeze points in the<br />
road carriageway.<br />
One way cycle path next to road, Utrecht, The Netherl<strong>and</strong>s. (Photo: Tim Hughes)<br />
Disadvantages<br />
Under New Zeal<strong>and</strong> traffic law, cyclists<br />
on paths are required to give way to other<br />
traffic when crossing side roads. This<br />
results in delay for cyclists.<br />
Intersections are where cyclists are at<br />
the highest risk. In Europe, paths on<br />
berms have been shown to be less safe at<br />
junctions than if the cyclist was on the<br />
roadway. For this reason best European<br />
practice requires cycle tracks to return<br />
to the roadway before intersections.<br />
At signals, special cycle phases can be<br />
introduced for cycle paths, at the expense<br />
of complexity <strong>and</strong> delay to all road users.<br />
The benefits of cycle paths alongside<br />
a road between junctions can be<br />
negated by:<br />
• inadequate clearance for visibility at<br />
driveways<br />
• frequent or busy driveways<br />
• inadequate clearance from opening<br />
doors of parked vehicles<br />
• bus passengers boarding <strong>and</strong> alighting<br />
from the cycle path<br />
• pedestrians encroaching on the cycle<br />
path when the footpath is congested,<br />
or while waiting to cross<br />
• garbage awaiting collection<br />
obstructing the path.<br />
Where cyclists ride in both directions<br />
along paths, drivers using driveways <strong>and</strong><br />
side roads may not expect cycle traffic<br />
from both directions. Best European<br />
practice outlaws two-way cycle paths<br />
alongside roads with access from<br />
driveways <strong>and</strong> side roads.<br />
It is less convenient to turn right from a<br />
cycle path next to a road. Cyclists have<br />
to cross the whole traffic stream in one<br />
manoeuvre, whereas from a cycle lane<br />
they can first merge across to the centre.<br />
However, a right turn from a separate path<br />
may be safer.<br />
It is generally expensive to establish this<br />
facility, due to relocating kerblines.<br />
Conflict at bus stops, Copenhagen, Denmark.<br />
(Photo: Tim Hughes)<br />
Pedestrians obstruct cycle path while waiting to<br />
cross, Bielefeld, Germany. (Photo: Tim Hughes)<br />
Recommendations<br />
Between intersections, cycle paths next<br />
to roads can provide attractive <strong>and</strong> safe<br />
facilities for a wide range of cyclists,<br />
provided there is adequate space <strong>and</strong><br />
interference from other users is minimal.<br />
Carefully consider safety <strong>and</strong> delay at<br />
intersections, where it is usually preferable<br />
for the path to rejoin the roadway.<br />
<strong>Cycle</strong> path by Albany Highway, North Shore City, New Zeal<strong>and</strong>. (Photo: Tim Hughes)<br />
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