Uniformity of provision

'Uniformity of provision' is a design philosophy that means cycling infrastructure is suitable for all potential users, whether they are young or old, fast or slow, experienced or inexperienced. One design approach is employed for all potential users. Cycle tracks alongside main roads, for instance, should be of a suitable standard that existing, 'confident' cyclists would want to use them, as well as young children, or the elderly. 

The opposite of 'uniformity of provision' is dual provision, or two-tier provision, which envisages one design solution for existing 'confident' users, and a parallel alternative alongside it for the more nervous, or less confident. This might involve, for instance, cycling in bus lanes on a main road, with a shared use footway alongside which people who don't want to cycle with buses can use. Dual provision typically trades off convenience against comfort and safety.

Rather than designing separately for alleged different types of cyclists, uniformity of provision ensures one design solution that provides comfort, safety and convenience for all potential users.