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Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency

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6.17 Unpaved roads <strong>and</strong> paths<br />

Description<br />

Unpaved roads or paths can be acceptable to cyclists in some circumstances.<br />

Advantages<br />

The initial cost of establishing an<br />

unsealed facility is relatively low.<br />

Unsealed facilities help in integrated<br />

cycling with environmentally<br />

sensitive locations.<br />

Disadvantages<br />

Unsealed facilities can be hazardous,<br />

depending on gradient, crossfall <strong>and</strong><br />

surface media.<br />

They also require regular maintenance.<br />

Unpaved path, Ionia, Michigan, United States of America. (Photo: Dan Burden www.pedbikeimages.org)<br />

Recommendations<br />

In general, the surface must be well<br />

compacted <strong>and</strong> drained.<br />

The surface medium should be capable<br />

of self-repair.<br />

In steep terrain, erosion can be<br />

minimised <strong>and</strong> user safety maximised<br />

by using devices such as hairpin<br />

switchbacks for turns (International<br />

Mountain Bicycling Association, 2000).<br />

6.18 Suitability for cyclist types<br />

Most facilities are likely to benefit cyclists, but how much will depend on the cycling<br />

environment. Table 6.1 shows the relative benefits of the different facilities for cyclists<br />

with different skills. It is necessarily broad <strong>and</strong> subjective, <strong>and</strong> individual cyclists will vary.<br />

Interpret the table with caution, <strong>and</strong> use your own judgement.<br />

CYCLE FACILITY OPTION CHILD/NOVICE BASIC COMPETENCE EXPERIENCED<br />

Kerbside cycle lane<br />

55 55555 55555<br />

<strong>Cycle</strong> lane next to parking<br />

5 5555 5555<br />

Contra-flow cycle lane<br />

5 5555 55555<br />

Wide kerb side lane<br />

55 555 5555<br />

Sealed shoulder<br />

55 55555 555555<br />

Bus lane<br />

5 55 5555<br />

Transit lane<br />

5 55 5555<br />

Slow mixed traffic<br />

555 5555 55555<br />

Paths<br />

55555 5555 555<br />

Legend: Benefit: 5 minimal benefit, 555 moderate benefit, 55555 most benefit<br />

Table 6.1: Suitability of cycle facility option for different cyclist categories<br />

43

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