3.3 Networks and Quality of Service
Cycle track on bridge (Copenhagen)
In order to have a high level of take up of any transport mode, there must be a high level of provision, i.e. a high Quality of Service
Therefore, the cycle network must be user focused, addressing the 5 Needs of the Cyclist and providing a sufficiently high Quality of Service.
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3.3.1 Network Planning and the Needs of Cyclists
The Cycle Network should address the 5 Needs of the Cyclist. The first three needs, namely Safety, Coherence and Directness are considered central to network planning. Comfort and Attractiveness are not considered as significant factors in network planning, but remain important requirements at route and link level.
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3.3.2 Network Planning and Importance of Directness
Directness is the most important requirement for network planning. Because of the effort and time involved, cyclists are highly intolerant of detours and additional journey length, etc. Major trip patterns should be as close to “as the crow flies” as possible.
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3.3.3 Quality of Service Map
Advisory cycle lane should be mandatory
It is recommended that the designer prepare a Map of the Quality of Service (QOS) for the cycle network. Ideally, for routes serving primary destinations, the QOS should increase closer to the destination. The highest QOS should be in the immediate vicinity of the primary destination itself.
Typical primary destinations are:- City and town centres
- Public transport hubs – railway, metro, tram and bus stations
- Employment zones
- Second-level schools and higher education institutions
- Leisure and sports facilities (football fields, parks, cinema, etc.)
- Tourism and recreational centres (hub towns and villages, scenic amenities, cycle trails, etc.)