Cycling

Traffic signal design is a science that has been developed through decades to a point where the maximum efficiency can be squeezed out of the most congested of junctions. Conflicting needs of all road users are measured, evaluated and optimised such that the ever-increasing and varying demands continue to be managed with ingenuity and perfection. But roads aren’t always busy. In many cases the very justification for signal control is based on a problem that may only exist for a couple of hours each weekday. Even the most congested networks have their quiet moment, yet, in a deserted city at 3 in the morning, signals still cycle for non-existent traffic. Any driver who ventures into this scenario may sit in frustration at a red light while the ‘intelligent’ control system optimises the signals for phantom conflicting demands. In other countries various techniques are applied to ‘demote’ signalised junctions to priority mode of operation, for example the flashing amber on main road/flashing red on minor road employed in some States of the USA, or signals that simply turn off overnight as in parts of Europe.

This report focuses on a project undertaken for the Department for Transport (Traffic Management Division) in March 2011 entitled Investigation of Options for Traffic Management Techniques for Cyclists at Signallised Junctions in the Urban Environment. It describes the outcome of a desktop study that investigates the techniques that are in common usage both in the UK and overseas for cyclist provision at traffic signals.

The purpose of this Toolkit is to set out best practice in the delivery of measures to encourage more people to choose Cycle-Rail and support those who have already made that choice. It is a suitable resource for TOCs bidding for new rail franchises and for those involved in the planning and delivery of specific Cycle-Rail projects. It is accompanied by additional guidance on the delivery of effective station travel plans. Whilst primarily aimed at network and station operators and organisations bidding for rail franchises, the intended audience also includes passenger transport executives (PTEs), local authorities and those involved in community rail projects. It should be read in conjunction with advice published by Network Rail and others, such as the Guide to Station Planning and Design. A list of useful documents, including the travel plan guidance, can be found at the back of this Toolkit.

As part of the ongoing evaluation of the Cycling City and Towns (CCT) programme, in-depth qualitative research was undertaken in 2010 with a sample of residents in the CCT programme areas to explore their experiences, attitudes and behaviours in relation to cycling and the cycling investment in their towns. The research aimed to provide evidence to help interpret the findings of the post-intervention survey when the results are available in 2013. In the shorter term, it aims to contribute to our understanding of cycling behaviours and how people may best be encouraged to consider cycling as a viable transport option. For more information on the CCT programme and its evaluation, please see the Department’s pages concerning evaluation of the Cycling City and Towns

This is the knowledge base of the European Road Safety Observatory. On this part of the website, you will find high quality information on important road safety subjects. The information is scientifically founded, easy to read and ready to use. For each subject the information consists of an overview of the magnitude of the problem, prevalence and countermeasures.

If an older person cannot get out and about locally, they are at risk of becoming a ‘prisoner in their own home’. This four-page, full-colour booklet gives an overview of all I'DGO One and I'DGO TOO research findings on why getting outdoors matters to older people and what key features of the environment help or hinder them in doing so, day-to-day. The text addresses how the design of gardens, streets, neighbourhoods and open spaces can make a difference to older people’s wellbeing and quality of life, covering topics such as: tactile paving; intelligent road crossings; ‘DIY’ and other shared space streets; residential outdoor space; access to neighbourhood green space; the provision of bus stops and shelters; and footpath design and maintenance. It also includes key messages and implications for professionals and policy makers, short notes on sample size and methodology and details of the research team and its partners.

This paper presents the results of analysis of the CCT Evaluation Baseline Survey results by independent expert Nick Cavill in collaboration with DfT social researchers. The analysis investigates the potential for delivering public health benefits through increasing cycling amongst different population groups. It then explores the size and characteristics of those groups to inform the targeting of cycling interventions. The results are relevant to local authorities who are making the case for investment in cycling, and considering how best to design schemes to realise the health benefits of cycling.

This report examines available data on the level of cycling to school since the introduction of the Bikeability cycle training scheme in England during 2006-07. The report draws on travel data from the school census and on Bikeability delivery data collected from local authorities that receive Department for Transport cycle training grants.

The Traffic Signs (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations and General Directions 2011 (SI 2011 No. 3041) further amends the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (“TSRGD 2002” – SI 2002 No. 3113) and came into force on 30 January 2012. Copies of the new SI are available from TSO at a price of £27.25 each. In addition to SI 2011 No. 3041, this Traffic Advisory Leaflet also contains guidance relating to the other sets of amendment regulations listed below, which came into force since the introduction of TSRGD 2002. Therefore, in addition to the current editions of Traffic Signs Manual, this document should be read in conjunction with the listed SIs and associated Traffic Advisory Leaflets, by all those involved in designing and implementing traffic management schemes and in road traffic regulation generally. While this Traffic Advisory Leaflet is intended to assist readers, it is neither legal advice nor a substitute for reference to the relevant legislation - and should not be relied on as such.

Transport for London (TfL) developed and published a Cycle Safety Action Plan that proposed a wide range of actions to improve cycle safety. These actions include, under the heading 'technology', working with the freight industry to identify the most cost-effective commercial vehicle safety measures that could be fitted either to new vehicles or to the existing fleet. The action specifically states that sideguards and motion sensors will be considered. This study has drawn together the findings of research literature, in particular three recent studies that consider heavy vehicle safety generally and/or sideguards specifically, and undertaken analysis of relevant accident data in order to inform consideration of the likely effectiveness of sideguards in terms of mitigating pedal cycle casualties in London and in GB as a whole.