All walking and cycling infrastructure schemes will need to optimise usability and safety, while focussing on user needs and the opportunity to improve the built environment. Where possible all schemes will adhere to design standards, which are set out in the Government’s Local Transport Note and place a greater emphasis on segregation between modes.

Note: Types of improvements was originally published in the West of England LCWIP. Some references are taken from the London Cycling Design Standards manual.

Advanced Stop Line

A stop line for cyclists at traffic signals ahead of the stop line for general traffic, with a waiting area marked with a large cycle symbol and extending across some or all of the traffic lanes.

Advisory Cycle Lane

A dashed white line marking an area of the carriageway designated for the use of cyclists. Motor vehicles may need to cross the markings but generally should not enter the lane unless it is unavoidable.

Continuous Footway

A method of asserting pedestrian priority over vehicle turning movements at side junctions by continuing the footway material across the access mouth of the junction. This also provides strong visual priority to the pedestrian. A ‘continuous cycleway’ can be added in a similar way if a cycle lane is present.

Contraflow Cycle Route

A facility allowing cyclists to travel in the opposite direction to one-way motor traffic and can be implemented using lane markings, which may or may not have some other form of physical protection, or by using signing only.

Cycle Bypass

A form of physical separation for cycles enabling them to avoid a controlled feature for other road users – e.g. traffic signals.

Cycle Parking

The number, quality and range of types of cycle parking spaces must keep pace with the growing use of cycles in the West of England, but needs to also cater for the predicted future growth set out in the draft JLTP4. Cycle parking should be fit-for-purpose, secure, and well located, and take an inclusive approach to ensure all cycle users are catered for. We will consider cycle parking requirements as part of all proposed schemes.

Delineating

A physical feature that separates space used by cyclists and pedestrians, such as a kerb and a change surface material.

Public Realm Improvements

Measures that enhance the visual aesthetic and feel of an area which can include improvements like tree planting, street art, seating and other features to make public spaces more attractive.

Parallel Crossing

A dual-purpose crossing where cyclists are separated from pedestrians.

Quietway

Quietways are strategic walking and cycling routes using less heavily trafficked local streets and new or existing crossing facilities at major barriers.

Raised Table

A raised section of the carriageway, used to slow traffic and improve pedestrian crossing facilities.

Segregated Cycle Path

A cycle facility, physically separated from the areas used by cars and pedestrians. It may be next to, or completely away from the carriageway.

Shared Use Path

A route, path, or part of any public space which pedestrians and cyclists share but where motorised vehicles are not permitted. Specific permissions must be granted for cycles to use these spaces, and they are identified by the shared use sign – a blue circle containing white symbols of a pedestrian and cycle. In these spaces pedestrians have priority.

Signal Controlled Crossing

A traffic light controlled crossing which can be used by pedestrians, and in some cases also cyclists.

Single Stage Crossing

A crossing point where pedestrians and cyclists are able to cross a road or junction in one movement without having to wait at a pedestrian refuge island.

Tactile Paving

Paving that helps people with sight impairments to read the street environment by using changes in texture or colour.

Toucan Crossing

A type of crossing which allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross together. A Toucan crossing is wider than typical crossings, to allow cyclists to ride safely across.

Traffic Calming

Features which physically or psychologically slow traffic.

Wheeling

An equivalent alternative to foot/pedestrian-based mobility. Includes wheeled mobilities such as manual self- or assistant-propelled wheelchairs, including wheelchairs with power attachments or all-terrain attachments, powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters (three and four-wheeled) and rollators.

Wayfinding

Encompasses all of the ways in which people orient themselves and navigate from place to place.