Strategy behind the Standard:
Cyclists joining the carriageway from an off-carriageway facility can be at risk of conflict with motor traffic. Cyclists leaving the carriageway can be at risk of losing control if their wheels hit an upstand such as a kerb, or if they have to slow down to make a sharp turn to join the cycle track.
Careful design and implementation can help to reduce these risks and provide smooth transitions between on and off-carriageway cycle routes.
Best Practice Guidance to be used by Essex Highways:
Cycle Infrastructure Design LTN 1/20 – Chapter 9
ECC Recommendations:
Where a cycle track merges back into a carriageway on a level or shared surface tactile ladder and tramline paving should be used. This may not be necessary where there is some physical separation between pedestrians and cyclists. Sites should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Where cyclists leave the carriageway on link sections, the design should enable them to avoid having to make a sharp turn. This may be achieved with a kerb-build out that is preceded by a section of mandatory cycle lane or taper markings.
Where the cycle track is immediately adjacent to the carriageway, such as stepped tracks or footway level cycle tracks, the kerb build out may precede the diverge point. Alternatively, protection may be offered simply by the kerbline of the existing verge/footway, with a gentle diverge away from the carriageway. Transitions between the cycle track and the carriageway should not be across a kerb.
Where cyclists leave the carriageway to access a crossing facility they will need to make a turn, usually of around 90 degrees, known as a ‘jug handle’ turn. The preferred arrangement will be for the jug handle cycle track to be at carriageway level to avoid conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.
There will inevitably be some places within existing highways where the ideal transition from the carriageway to the cycle track cannot be achieved due to site constraints. An arrow marking on the carriageway can assist with wayfinding in such circumstances. Where dropped kerbs are used, they must be laid flush with the carriageway surface and be of a sufficient length and width to prevent cyclists having to make a sharp turn.
Example of best practice in Chelmsford
Broomfield Rd., Chelmsford
How the Standard Should be Applied:
Sites should be assessed on a site-by-site basis with the impact on both cyclists and pedestrians being carefully considered.