Cycle Skills Network Audit Mark Strong Managing Consultant Transport Initiatives LLP 145 Islingword Road Brighton BN2 9SH Transport Practitioners Meeting 14 July 2009

What is a Cycle Skills Network Audit? Audit classifying the network of roads, paths and crossings usable - or potentially usable - by cyclists Methodology based around Bikeability - the UK National Cycle Training Standard Provides an assessment of the skill level needed to ride in relative safety Output is a GIS-based “Level of Service” plan of the network, showing which areas are most favourable for cycling.

Bikeability Levels Level 1: Beginner Off-road cycle control skills Level 2: Intermediate Introduction to riding on roads with light traffic Level 3: Advanced On road riding in heavy traffic and using complex junctions Levels apply to cyclists of the same ability irrespective of age

Bloomsbury, Camden

Why is CSNA needed? “Cycling is far too dangerous!” It’s not. “There’s far too much traffic!” On some roads. “We need traffic-free cycle paths everywhere!” Bring on the contractors … after public consultation, objections, design issues, budget cuts …

Standard approach to cycling development Focus on infrastructure especially linear routes Many measures poor or over-engineered Large areas missed out Resources are relatively limited, even with new initiatives such as Cycling England’s “Cycle Towns”

Other problems Long time scales to complete network Incoherent networks Poor facilities partly due to focus on “whole route” approach

CSNA – an alternative approach Based on DfT guidance which recommends addressing on-road cycling first, with off-road measures only where this is not feasible Manual for Streets (2007) & Cycle Infrastructure Design (2008)

Alternative approach CSNA can help deliver a more effective way of providing for cyclists, making best use of the existing network ‘Routes for cyclists’ not ‘Cycle Routes’

7 CSNA levels Potential Level 1 Key motor traffic-free links not available to cyclists (due to legal or physical restrictions) Level 1Motor traffic-free routes open to cyclists Streets with extremely low levels of calmed traffic suitable for all cyclists (e.g. Home Zones) Off-peak Level 2 Roads that are suitable for cyclists at Level 2 during off-peak times only (classified Level 3 at peak times and Level 2 at others) Level 2.5Roads / cycle tracks suitable for cyclists at Bikeability Level 2, except for turning manoeuvres across traffic Level 3Roads / cycle tracks suitable only for cyclists at Bikeability Level 3 Level 3.5Roads where the level of risk is so high it is a barrier to even the most experienced cyclists Level 2Roads / cycle tracks suitable for cyclists at Bikeability Level 2

Potential Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Off-peak Level 2

Level 2.5

Level 3

Level 3.5

Crossings – Potential Level 1

Crossings – Level 1

Crossings – Level 2

Crossings – Level 3

Crossings – Level 3.5

Uses for CSNA

Producing skill-based cycling maps Identifying areas with greatest cycling accessibility Discovering key barriers to cycling and focusing development in these areas Travel plan development Targeting school and workplace cycle training

CSNA mapping

Horsham – existing network

Bloomsbury, Camden

Dun Laoghire-Rathdown (Dublin)

Accessibility

Southwater, West Sussex - barriers

Northolt, Ealing – Level 2 accessibility without using crossings

Northolt, Ealing – Level 2 accessibility using crossings

Further study

Horsham Cycling Review Isolated islands of “cycle-ability’ Many Level 2.5 & 3 roads All convenient radial routes at least Level 3

Horsham Cycling Review Few cohesive Level 1 routes for beginners

Cycling Environment Review System 2 Developed with TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) Based on five criteria for cycling provision Convenient Accessible Safe Comfortable Attractive CERS2

Detailed recommendations Example for radial route: DescriptionCSNA Level Recommended measures (if numbered, in order of preference) Practical- ity Pondtail Rd (Pondtail Drive – Pondtail Close) 3 1. Reallocate roadspace and remove centre line to provide cycle lanes (min 1.25m) in both directions and 2-way central lane (min 4.8m) for motor vehicle flow 2 2. Introduce cycle-friendly traffic calming measures3  Remove parking where this affects visibility at junctions 1 Pondtail Rd/ Pondtail Close roundabout 3 1. Redesign roundabout to continental design2 2. Reduce circulating space and entry/exit speeds by introducing hatching/overrun areas 1  Increase deflection northbound with cycle slip 2 Pondtail Rd junction with Warnham Rd 2 1. Signalise junction4 2. Move signalled crossing towards junction and convert to Toucan to allow use by cyclists 3 3. Convert crossing to Toucan w. linking cycle tracks2

Travel plans & training

Conclusion CSNA reveals potential for cycling Structured and incremental approach can bring results Making best use of existing network of roads and paths New shorter links to connect cycleable areas / overcome barriers Some new longer routes where appropriate

Contact Mark Strong for more details on Cycle Skills Network Audit: / Transport Initiatives LLP 145 Islingword Road Brighton BN2 9SH Transport Practitioners Meeting 14 July 2009