{"id":47557,"date":"2022-11-18T11:55:47","date_gmt":"2022-11-18T11:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/?p=47557"},"modified":"2022-11-18T23:29:03","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T23:29:03","slug":"cycleway-effective-width","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/2022\/11\/cycleway-effective-width\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycleway Effective Width"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Bee Gees asked, \u201cHow deep is your love?\u201d, Patti Page \u201cHow Much is that doggy in the window?\u201d and I ask, \u201cHow wide is that cycleway?\u201d We were never provided with answers to the first two of those big questions, but I will endeavour to do so for the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, riddle me this; When is a cycleway narrower than it is wide? It might seem obvious but you\u2019ll no doubt know that you cannot ride on every centimetre of tarmac across the cycleway in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The &#8220;Effective width&#8221; refers to the usable width of a cycle path and this is determined by various features that we typically see alongside the route. In a lot of instances, the useable width is significantly less than the absolute width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch this video of a ride from the Roundhouse building of Derby College (The other DCG in town) heading towards the riverside gardens and see if you can spot anything that reduces the usable width of the cycleway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Cycleway - Effective Width\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WuFJKpiwTnI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what features did you see?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Walls and Fences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-19.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47562\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-19.png\" alt=\"A low wall with a high fence mounted on top immediately adjacent a cycleway \" class=\"wp-image-47562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-19.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-19-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-19-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-20.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" data-id=\"47563\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-20-150x150.png\" alt=\"Decorative low wall and decorative edging stones immediately adjacent a cycleway on both sides in an urban park\" class=\"wp-image-47563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-20-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-20-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-20.png 443w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Walls and high fences abut the edges of the cycleway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Clattering your handlebars against railings, clipping high kerbs with your pedals and riding right up against a wall could leave you with grazed knuckles, bruised elbows, bloodied knees and broken toes. In addition to the extra width required to accommodate handlebars, our natural instinct is to give some wiggle room between bars and wall or \u201ckerb shyness\u201d to use a highway term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lighting columns and signposts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-21.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47565\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-21.png\" alt=\"A photo of a narrow cycleway 1.8 metres in width on the approach to an underpass. A lighting column abuts the cycleway at the narrowest point on the cycleway\" class=\"wp-image-47565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-21.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-21-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-21-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-22.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47566\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-22.png\" alt=\"A cycleway bounded by railings on both sides. A lighting column sits inside the railings within the cycle path itself. \" class=\"wp-image-47566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-22.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-22-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-22-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Lighting columns and railings are the culprits here, further narrowing the path.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since lighting columns and signposts are typically higher than handlebar height, the rider must give them the same wide berth as they would for walls and fences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s particularly frustrating that lighting columns are positioned immediately adjacent to cycleways when there is usually plenty of space further away in the verge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vegetation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trees and bushes, if left unmanaged, can encroach the cycleway from the sides and above. Nobody wants a mouthful of leaves so we duck and dive around vegetation when we should be concentrating on the way ahead. Overhanging branches also impede vision ahead \u2013 This image doesn\u2019t really do justice on the hinderance this branch causes but it&#8217;s definitely due an early morning visit with a pair of loppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-23.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-23.png\" alt=\"A cycle way on a left hand curve with a large mature tree on the inside of the curve immediately adjacent the cycleway. View round curve is obscured by broad leaves at rider eye level.\" class=\"wp-image-47567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-23.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-23-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-23-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Overhanging vegetation on inside of curve \u2013 a hinderance here for the taller rider<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sight lines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only superheroes can see round corners so people on bikes invariably take a wider berth when negotiating blind corners or even slow down to a crawl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here we see a vertical wall hampering the view around a tight radius which is compounded by the overhanging vegetation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-24.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47568\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-24.png\" alt=\"A sharp right hand bend on a cycleway - A 1metre high brick wall is on the inside of the bend hindering the view around. \" class=\"wp-image-47568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-24.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-24-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-24-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-25.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47569\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-25.png\" alt=\"A view through an underpass with high concrete abutments - Beyond the underpass the cycleway turns sharply to the left and there is little to no sight line around the bend.\" class=\"wp-image-47569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-25.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-25-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-25-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Who\u2019s round the corner? Kill your speed, watch out for others and mind that puddle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Passing under Holmes bridge as well as being a popular hangout it\u2019s also where you\u2019re most likely to have a head on collision with a pedestrian or another cyclist such is the poor sighting around both sides of the underpass. And whether it\u2019s rained recently or not there are always those two puddles at each end to add further peril to your journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Puddles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of puddles, hollows in the tarmac surface collect water, leaves and other debris. The rider is naturally cautious of riding through puddles, not only to protect their designer trousers from splashes, but the puddle could be hiding a deeper hole or built-up silt may result in loss of traction. It is therefore perfectly valid that the presence of puddles reduces the effective width of a cycleway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-26.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-26.png\" alt=\"A view through an underpass where mud and debris has accumulated to form a 300mm wide slip hazard in an already narrow cycleway.\" class=\"wp-image-47570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-26.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-26-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-26-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The legendary silt trap under the Derwent railway bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manholes and gully grates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manhole covers are typically made of cast iron. Some effort is made to provide an anti-slip surface but on the whole, they\u2019re designed for car tyres and not higher-pressure thin bike tyres. Overtime, cast iron gets polished with the passage of traffic. Gully grates potentially are a hazard but can generally be ridden over, provided the openings run transverse to the direction of travel. All in all, as a rider I tend to avoid passing over them or making sudden movements if riding on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-27.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"295\" data-id=\"47572\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-27.png\" alt=\"Image of a square manhole cover in centre of cycleway\" class=\"wp-image-47572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-27.png 295w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-27-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-28.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"295\" data-id=\"47573\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-28.png\" alt=\"Image of a square manhole cover in centre of cycleway\" class=\"wp-image-47573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-28.png 295w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-28-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-29.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"295\" data-id=\"47574\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-29.png\" alt=\"Image of a circular manhole cover in centre of cycleway\" class=\"wp-image-47574\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-29.png 295w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-29-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">These beauties on the approach to Derwent Railway Bridge, are best kept off paths<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cycle lane alignment and geometry:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sharp right-angled bends cannot be negotiated on a bicycle without making a wider sweeping turn \u2013 The bridge over the Mill Fleam is a prime example where it\u2019s often difficult for two riders to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-30.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47575\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-30.png\" alt=\"A bridge with hand railing abuts a cycleway with railings at a 90-degree angle with no smooth alignment\" class=\"wp-image-47575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-30.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-30-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-30-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-31.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"47576\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-31.png\" alt=\"A cycleway alignment that is not smooth but made up by abrupt changes in direction.\" class=\"wp-image-47576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-31.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-31-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-31-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><a>Bikes don\u2019t do right angles<\/a> and kinks have no place on well-designed cycle paths<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pedestrian guard railing compounds the already restrictive alignments found on many crossing islands. It can often be impossible for users of tandems or adaptive cycles to negotiate the route which requires twisting and turning through a narrow passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Street Furniture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A helpful pointer sign, somewhere to dispose of one\u2019s rubbish or a place to rest those weary legs are all items of street furniture. But an overabundance and poor thought on their positioning has resulted in the term street <em>clutter<\/em> being coined. While there wasn\u2019t a lot to note on the ride in the video, it is a common annoyance that is encountered on a ride. Lighting columns, telecoms cabinets, bins, bollards, pedestrian guard rails and advertising boards are strewn across cycleways with little thought to the users of said paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-32.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-32.png\" alt=\"Benches and bins sit within a wide cycleway in an urban park\" class=\"wp-image-47578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-32.png 443w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-32-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-32-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bins, benches and&#8230;.decorative turtles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Parked cars<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although not seen in the video, which was traffic-free, the presence of cars parked along a route will narrow the effective width two-fold. Firstly we don\u2019t want our handlebars scuffing peoples\u2019 pride and joy and secondly you never know when someone might fling open their razor-edge car doors. Avoiding the door zone is something novice riders may learn the hard way, so leave a healthy buffer or build one in if you\u2019re an infrastructure designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So why is a reduced effective width something to be concerned about?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inhibits passing other users safely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slows down journeys by preventing riders from travelling at a consistent speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Braking and then accelerating back up a normal riding pace expends a lot of energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Riders on adaptive bicycles, trikes, hand cycles etc may not be able to physically pass other path users.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Riders&#8217; attention is on the surface rather than on other cycleway users and hazards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What can be done to improve the effective width?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good design is the key. New roads aren\u2019t designed with obstacles in so why should cycleways be any different?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good drainage to prevent build up for debris, ice and prevent surface degradation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Position lighting columns and street furniture at least 500mm from the cycleway<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set manholes and cabinets into the verge or use covers that are flush with the surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design an alignment that is smooth and flowing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use high-splay kerbs as they are more forgiving than traditional road kerbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where cycleways are designed adjacent to parked cars, a 500mm minimum buffer is required \u2013 (Although car doors open further than this)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manage vegetation high and low that encroaches within a metre of a cycleway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Requirements document. CD 195 <em>\u201cDesigning for cycle <\/em><i>traffic\u201d an<\/i>d \u201cGuidance and good practice document for cycle infrastructure LTN 1\/20\u201d acknowledges that effective widths are not always possible to achieve due to existing physical constraints but along virtually all of the route in the video, the effective width was always compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The figure below is from CD 195 and it illustrates the required allowance for each edge constraint when designing new cycleway infrastructure. In the same standard it notes that the required allowances for gullies (and manholes) shall be the width of the gully grate or manhole cover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Effectivewidth-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Effectivewidth-1.jpg\" alt=\"A diagram of the required allowances for various edge constraints adjacent to a cycleway. 200mm allowance for kerbs, 250mm allowance for features up to 600mm in height and a 500mm allowance for features above 600mm in height.\" class=\"wp-image-47585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Effectivewidth-1.jpg 771w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Effectivewidth-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Effectivewidth-1-768x577.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An extract from CD 195 &#8211; Design for Cycle Traffic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In effect for an existing route where there are sign posts, railings or walls on both sides of the cycleway, the width of the path is reduced by a whole metre! That&#8217;s a lot of wasted tarmac that will never see a bike tyre on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Closing remarks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riding a bike is more than about balance \u2013 With only a small contact patch between the tyres and the surface deciding where you put your front wheel in a smooth and timely manner is the difference between sliding into the verge or staying up right. Good cycleway design and implementation means there should be less focus on the front wheel and more on the views and other people around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What looks ok on an engineering drawing may not be used in the manner the designer intended. That\u2019s why it\u2019s vital that cycleway designers are themselves regular users of routes. On high-quality user-designed infrastructure you don\u2019t have to be hyper focussed on the surface and people&#8217;s commutes or rides to the shops become less stressful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Bee Gees asked, \u201cHow deep is your love?\u201d, Patti Page \u201cHow Much is that doggy in the window?\u201d and I ask, \u201cHow wide is that cycleway?\u201d We were never provided with answers to the first two of those big questions, but I will endeavour to do so for the latter. So, riddle me this;&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/2022\/11\/cycleway-effective-width\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Cycleway Effective Width<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":47575,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[50,49,48],"class_list":["post-47557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-cycleway","tag-effectivewidth","tag-ltn120","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/361"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47557"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47600,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47557\/revisions\/47600"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}