Cycle network and route planning guide

Print version: Appendix 1: Cycling strategic plans (PDF, 57 KB, 1 page)

Appendix 1: Cycling strategic plans

A1.1 Policy context

An outline of the relevant broader policies and strategies, which often contain the justification for preparing the cycling strategic plan (see chapter 2).

A1.2 Authorship and participation

A local authority or regional council usually authors a cycling strategy. However, other appropriate agencies should be closely involved and agree to any content that they are responsible for implementing. Other agencies include Transit New Zealand, local councils (regional/city/district), the LTSA, Transfund New Zealand and the New Zealand Police. Local cycling advocacy group(s), other road user groups, employers and cycle retailers will also need to be consulted.

A1.3 Cycling policy objectives

Brief statements setting out, in general terms, what is intended to be achieved.

A1.4 Targets

Targets against which achievement is measured could include:

• cycle use and modal share
• cyclist injuries and hospitalisations
• satisfaction levels regarding cycle facilities
• cycle facilities’ condition
• cycle network implementation
• LOS improvements
• the proportion of school pupils trained to basic competence each year.

A1.5 Actions

These will include both engineering and non-engineering actions. They will tend to be in generalised terms within the cycling strategic plans, and where necessary supplemented by other documents specifying the requirements. Typical elements include:

• cycle route network planning and implementation (the subject of this guide)
• educating cyclists in road rules, bicycle maintenance, safety precautions and practical skills in relation to other traffic
• educating motorists and pedestrians on the cyclists’ needs and likely behaviour
• educating cyclists and pedestrians on safe path sharing
• enforcing correct and appropriate behaviour by motorists and cyclists
• measures to overcome perceived negative aspects of cycling
• measures that integrate cycling with travel behaviour change programmes
• crash reduction studies focusing on cycle crash patterns
• measures to integrate cycling with public transport, such as secure parking at stations and cycle carriage on buses
• a cycle parking strategy and implementation programme (covering different types of parking demand)
• recommended actions by non-RCA agencies (for example, Police, regional council, schools, employers), sometimes with funding assistance
• an outline of the sources and roles of funding for implementation of the cycling strategic plan
• incorporating the network and any associated rules into the district plan
• a programme of signs for cycling facilities.

A1.6 Cycling data

The data needed to plan and implement the cycling strategic plan, including cycling usage and crash data.

A1.7 Liaison channels

An outline of the formal channels and processes (for example, cycling advisory group) by which politicians, officials (both within the RCA and between it and other governmental bodies) and cycling advocacy groups are consulted and involved in progressing the cycling strategic plan.

A1.8 Cycling engineering standards

An endorsement of Austroads’ Guide to traffic engineering practice: Part 14: Bicycles as amended by the New Zealand Cycling design supplement, with allowance for local variations.

A1.9 Cycle route network prioritisation criteria

A statement of how priorities are set for implementing cycling infrastructure projects.

A1.10 Cycle network plan

A map of the proposed network.

The timeframe and proposed investment by which the entire cycle route network will be implemented. This should include a general staged programme and description of the geographical areas and particular needs or problems that will be tackled.

A1.11 Short-term cycling route network implementation programme

A description of projects and detailed costings for the next three years of the cycle route network implementation programme. Costings should preferably be based on the outcome of formal project feasibility studies. On first adoption of a cycling strategic plan, the outcomes of such studies may not be available; in this case these elements should be incorporated in the cycling strategic plan at its first review.

A1.12 Review period

The term after which the cycling strategic plan will be reviewed. This will often be three years, but should align with the review periods and timings of other relevant RCA documents (such as LTCCPs).

A1.13 Monitoring indicators

Progress towards targets as measured by appropriate indicators should be included in an annual report. For a discussion on these see sections 13.5—13.10. In addition to these measures, the reach and effectiveness of cycling promotions and the number of school students that pass the basic competence road test following school cycle education could be monitored.

A1.14 For more information

A generic cycle strategic plan is available from the Environment Canterbury website www.ecan.govt.nz.

A discussion of the range of policies needed to support cycling is provided in Koorey, 2003.

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Page created: 1 October 2004