Cycle network and route planning guide - NZ Transport Agency

13 MONITORING
13.1 Introduction
This section describes the monitoring required, particularly once the implementation of the
cycle network plan has started.
13.2 Features to
monitor
The following features should be monitored
and included in an annual or biennial report
on cycle network development:
Physical works programmes.
Cycle use and modal share.
Cycle crashes.
Satisfaction levels regarding cycle facilities.
Cycle facilities’ condition.
Cycle network implementation.
LOS improvements.
13.3 Pragmatic
approach
For efficiency purposes, monitoring and
surveys of cycling should be integrated
with similar local authority or RCA activities
where possible.
13.4 Physical works
programmes
As discussed in section 12.2.1, physical
works programmes should be monitored
to identify opportunities to include
provisions for implementing sections of the
cycle network, or for otherwise satisfying
cyclists’ needs.
Planned general or reactive maintenance
works (including storm damage repair)
should be monitored on a monthly, or
as appropriate, basis. Meanwhile, the
infrastructure and maintenance works
programme of Transit New Zealand and
adjacent local authorities should be
monitored at least annually.
13.5 Cycle use
The number of cyclists using key
sections of the network should be
counted annually to:
• detect any changes in cycle use
that may affect cycle network
implementation priorities
• collect data to support funding
applications.
Installing continuous automated counters
on key routes provides some control data
for monitoring cycle use on the network.
This can also be used for scaling short-term
or seasonally affected counts and
for calculating modal split.
Individual locations do not need to be
counted every year. A rolling five-year
programme of cycle counts will be
adequate for monitoring and design
purposes.
Cyclists’ trip patterns are important clues to
the effectiveness of cycle network planning.
If these differ significantly from those
envisaged by network planners, it may
indicate the need for a change of approach.
13.6 Cycle crashes
Cycle crash data should be monitored
annually in order to detect:
• any new or growing hazards that
may require urgent attention, or an
adjustment to the cycle network
implementation priorities
• any problems associated with recently
completed cycle facilities
• whether cyclists’ safety is increasing or
decreasing.
13.7 Satisfaction
levels
A sample of all road users (including
pedestrians) should be surveyed annually
or biennially in order to identify the degree
of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with
provisions for cyclists in the study area.
This survey is probably best included in a
local authority’s residents’ survey, if it has
one. A more specific survey of cyclists is
also desirable.
13.8 Cycle facilities’
condition
The condition of existing cycle facilities
should be monitored and any necessary
maintenance programmed and carried out.
A system for cyclists to report hazards
could be implemented, for example by
freepost reply cards, email, the internet
or phone hotlines.
Some European towns pay cyclist
advocacy groups to conduct regular
condition surveys.
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