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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6.17 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 />
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