Cycle network route planning guide

The cycle network planning process

Print version: Chapter 10: The cycle network plan (PDF, 90 KB, 2 pages)

The cycle network plan

PREPARE CYCLE NETWORK MAP AND PROJECT SCHEDULE
Map the primary cycle route network and any area-wide treatments.
Schedule the infrastructure projects.

10.1 The cycle network plan

Once cycle route options have been evaluated, the cycle network plan is prepared.

This should include:

• a map of the primary cycle route network
• a schedule of the cycle infrastructure projects required to develop it.

10.2 Cycle network map

While only some routes are identified and signed as forming the primary cycle route network, all roads and paths usable by cyclists are part of the total cycle network.

In addition to showing the primary cycle route network, cycle network maps should indicate any areas, such as town centres or schools, where area-wide treatments such as traffic management or 30 or 40 km/h zones are to be implemented. In some circumstances, such as in traffic-calmed areas or fully controlled grid networks, it could be preferable to make every road as cycle-friendly as possible and not to try to direct cyclists to particular routes.

10.3 Project schedule

The schedule should describe the works to be implemented and their estimated cost. Costs can be estimated initially using unit rates per kilometre for different types of facilities.

10.4 Network development cost

It is useful to have a rough-order cost for implementing the entire primary cycle route network.

This figure can be used to calculate the realistic annual expenditure required to complete the network in a reasonable timeframe, or the realistic timeframe to complete network development given the allocated funding. Without this information, a cycling strategic plan can stagnate with no clear council support for funding, and no likely timeframe for completion.

However, the cost of cycle network development may appear so high that it fails to get the necessary support. An alternative approach is to identify a limited network to be implemented over 10 years based on achievable funding.

The network development planning process, timelines and budget setting will need to dovetail with other planning processes such as asset management plans, annual plans and LTCCPs.

10.5 Sample maps

Figure 10.1 is from a detailed cycle network map for a city and shows:

• relevant land use - schools, reserves and retail centres
• graded cycle routes - highly trafficked, intermediate and recreational
• existing and proposed paths
• locations for intersection treatment and existing and proposed grade separated crossings.

Figure 10.1 Cycle route network plan

Source: City of Tea Tree Gully Bicycle Route Network (Dorrestyn & Co Pty Ltd, 1998)

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Page created: 1 October 2004