11 ways to get Britain cycle friendly

In a recent study of mass cycling in cities, experts have found ways cycling could finally take off in the UK.

Phil Jones Associates and Urban Movement were appointed by Transport for London examined 14 cities to find which one we could imitate. They found that whilst there is no real ‘template’ to follow, there are conditions needed to create in order to make cycling an accepted mode of travel. 

1. There is clear political and technical pro-cycling leadership
2. Cycling is considered as a desirable mode of transport worthy of investment
3. Increasing cycle mode share is seen as an important method in decreasing car use, though not at the detriment of pedestrian or public transport use or safety
4. Loss of traffic capacity or parking to create better cycling facilities is not a veto
5. There is dedicated, fit for purpose space for cycling, typically of one of these three types:
•    Cycle lanes or tracks on busier streets with appropriate separation and protection from the motor traffic
•    Quiet streets with 20mph or lower speed limits and restrictions on motor access
•    Motor traffic-free Cycleways/greenways that are predominantly away from the main highway e.g. in parks or along disused railway lines
6. Where the aim is to grow cycling rapidly, simple, cheap and effective means of securing space for cycling have been used as first steps
7. There is clarity about the overall cycling network with connectedness, legibility and continuity being key attributes
8. There is clear, widely accepted and well-used guidance on the design of cycling infrastructure
9. The frequency of occasions when cyclists need to give way or stop is minimised
10. Where the cycling mode share is greater, the driving culture is respectful of cycling
11. Making better provision for cycling is an ongoing challenge, with growth in cycling and future urban growth requiring clear forward planning

John Dales of Urban Movement said, “Some cities, such as New York and Seville have shown that it is possible to grow cycling levels significantly over just a few years by employing pragmatic, relatively inexpensive, and sometimes intentionally interim measures of securing space for cycling.

“Spatial separation and protection from motor traffic is seen as one of the most crucial and quickest methods for increasing cycle use; while there is also clear recognition that the value of good infrastructure is undermined if provision gives up when the going gets tough.”

With Cycleways developments, cycle lanes and more 20mph limit roads, could a cycling friendly Britain be in our midst? Or do you think this list is missing some points? Join the conversation on Twitter.

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