Cycling

This research study examined the behaviour of road users at Cycle Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs). ASLs are primarily a measure designed to increase cyclists’ safety by allowing cycle users to move away from traffic signals slightly in advance of motorised traffic. ASL facilities provide a second stop line in advance of the regular line. Between the two lines is an area (ASL reservoir) which is reserved for cyclists. This reservoir is sometimes surfaced with a coloured material. ASLs are legally accessed by cyclists via a feeder lane, which may be located at kerbside or centrally within the carriageway. The objective of the study was to obtain quantitative information on the behaviour of cyclists and other road users where there are Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs).

The Manual for Streets is a newly prepared guide for those who are responsible for the design of new streets or the re-presentation of existing streets. It supersedes Design Bulletin 32 and ‘Places, Streets and Movement’ and complements Planning Policy Statement 3:Housing and Planning PolicyWales. It was commissioned by the Department forTransport and the Department for Communities and Local Governmentand it is a response to criticism of the quality of housing developments. Its purpose is to encourage street designs which provide an agreeable ambience and influence behaviour for all classes of users – and to do this by achieving a fundamental shift in design culture. Local Authorities are recommended to embrace the principles set out in the Manual within their own standards and guidance.

This information sheet sets out the evidence supporting why walking and cycling are the best buy in transport investment.

Sustrans, on behalf of One North East, have conducted a study into the economic impacts of four National Cycle Network routes that form part of the National Cycle Network in the North East of England.

There is a need to transform the quality of residential streets, and this requires a new approach to their provision. The Manual is aimed at any organisation or discipline with an interest in residential streets, ranging from access officers to the emergency services. The importance of joint working among practitioners is a key feature of the Manual. Its scope is limited to residential and other lightly trafficked streets, although some of its principles may be applied to other road types where appropriate. It is not, however, meant to be used for trunk routes of any description, as these roads are covered by the Highways Agency’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Streets should not be designed just to accommodate the movement of motor vehicles - a prime consideration is that they meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.

This document, Guidance on Transport Assessment (GTA), is intended to assist stakeholders in determining whether an assessment may be required and, if so, what the level and scope of that assessment should be. It provides guidance on the content and preparation of TAs and TSs. However, it is not a statement of Government policy and therefore should be read in conjunction with, and in the context of, relevant Government policies, in particular those relating to transport and planning. It is also important to note that the decision to grant planning permission for a development proposal is based on several considerations. A TA focuses primarily on the transport implications of the development, and therefore the completion of a TA does not guarantee the granting of planning consent. This guidance applies to England only, and not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Developers should also have regard to any more specific current guidance issued by local authorities. In particular, developers operating in the vicinity of London should note the guidance issued by Transport for London (TfL). Planning applications meeting the criteria for referral to the Mayor should follow TfL’s Transport Assessment best practice guidance (May 2006) at www.tfl.gov.uk/transportasssessment

This information sheet emphasises the need to create suitable environments to enable people to fit physical activity into their daily lives by walking or cycling.

Travelwise NI is a Roads Service initiative to encourage the use of sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing. It is delivered in partnership with the Department of Education, DOE Road Safety Branch, Sustrans, Health Promotion Agency and Translink, and is targeted at Commuters, Employers (to devise a Travel Plan that meets a company's needs), and schools. .

Physical activity is now recognised as an important element of a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risks of ill-health and premature death. The Welsh Assembly Government recommends moderate intensity physical activity of at least 30 minutes, or an hour for children, on ‘five or more days a week’ as the minimum to maintain health(1). The trend, however, is for physical activity levels to decline, associated with labour saving devices and mechanisation, an increase in sedentary leisure activities, and increased use of private cars. This inactivity increases the risks to health from obesity, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, some cancers, and mental health problems.