Strategy Behind the Standard
Coloured surfaces for cycle facilities are not prescribed by TSRGD and have no legal meaning. There is no obligation to use them and they may result in increased maintenance costs. They can be useful for emphasising cycle lane markings and to help remind motorists that the surface is either primarily or exclusively for the use of cyclists. They can also help cyclists to follow a route or position themselves in the appropriate part of a carriageway, to remind pedestrians and motorists to look out for cyclists at conflict points and help cyclists to follow a route or position themselves in the carriageway. Coloured surfaces have little or no effect at night.
Best Practice Guidance to be used by Essex Highways
Cycle Infrastructure Design LTN/120 – Chapter 6.7
ECC Recommendations
The choice of colour for cycle lanes is a matter for the local highway authority but, in the interests of consistency and simplifying maintenance, a single colour should be used for cycle infrastructure within a highway authority’s area.
Essex’s view is that all coloured surfacing used to demarcate cycle lanes should be red.
How the Standard Should be Applied
Coloured surfacing may be useful for the following:
- Cycle lanes across the mouth of junctions.
- Routes through complex junctions.
- Cycle lanes alongside on-street car parking (in addition to the buffer strip); and
- Advanced stop line reservoirs and their feeder lanes, particularly central feeders.
Risk assessment should inform the approach in every case; surface colour should not be applied generally at all such locations.
Overlay materials should be specified and laid with care as they can result in a poor-quality riding surface, particularly if they are poorly maintained. Durability varies with materials, colour and method of application. Any coloured surfacing material should provide adequate skid resistance.
The use of coloured surfacing across the carriageway at the crossing point should be in accordance with CD 236: Surface course materials for construction.
Examples of Best Practice in Chelmsford
New Street, Chelmsford