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Sustrans has launched ‘Sustrans’ Design Manual: Handbook for Cycle-Friendly Design.’
The handbook has been endorsed by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Transport Planning Society and provides a concise and visual guide to cycle-friendly design.
The aim of the handbook is to make key design guidance readily accessible to a wide range of engineers and planners in the hope it will inform best practise across the sector, said Sustrans.
The guidance encourages planners to develop designs that reflect how people are taught to cycle through National Standards Training. It features Sustrans’ ‘Top Ten Tips’ for user-focused design and presents innovative cycling facilities rarely used in the UK but established practice in other countries, such as two-stage right turns at traffic signals, Cycle Streets (designed to encourage cyclists to assume priority over motor traffic) and hybrid cycle lanes.
Sustrans’ Transport Engineering Manager and the guide’s lead author, Tony Russell, said:
“This tool-box of ideas aims to help highway authorities to achieve a significant increase in levels of cycling and walking by cycle-proofing the UK’s infrastructure.
“Infrastructure designers must have the needs of cyclists and pedestrians in mind from the very earliest stages if we are to create environments where people feel safe to travel on foot and by bike.
“The key to success is to ensure that our streets and public spaces are suitable for people of all ages and all abilities to get around without a car.”
The design manual has been developed from Sustrans’ experiences of working with local authorities to deliver best practice infrastructure, particularly the Connect2 project, and is funded by the Big Lottery.
All directors of Public Health, Planning and Transport will receive a hard copy of the handbook, with further printed copies and web downloads available free of charge. It will be supported by more detailed web-based guidance over the coming months.
