junctions

Maintaining the continuity of cycle tracks is important if they are to provide an attractive alternative to being on road. Consideration should be given to the use of cycle priority crossings where they cross minor roads where daily traffic flows are below 2000 vehicles per day.

European experience suggests that where the cycle track is used solely by cyclists travelling in the same direction as vehicles on the adjacent traffic lane, returning cyclists to the carriageway before side road junctions can also be an effective solution.

All junction designs should seek to give priority to cyclists where practicable, and minimise delay and maximise cyclists’ safety and comfort in all cases (see also A08 Signal Controlled Junctions and A13 Roundabouts).

Where cycle tracks emerge onto the carriageway, suitable arrangements should be put in place to prevent parked vehicles obstructing access and to ensure adequate visibility (e.g. “Keep Clear” road markings, double yellow lines etc.) (see also A14 Corner Radii, B04 Junction and Forward Visibility and B05 Footway Crossings).

Adequate visibility (20m where the design speed is 12mph) should be provided or measures to manage speed considered (see also B08 Access and Speed Controls).

The decision to provide cycle lanes should be reached by reference to the hierarchy of provision (Local Transport Note 2/08 Table 1.2) and such tools as the CROW derived ‘speed/flow’ diagram (see below); they should not be seen as a universal solution. Where provided, they should be a minimum of 1.5m wide, continuous, made conspicuous across side roads at junctions and not abandon cyclists where roads become narrow, for example at right turning lanes.

The use of “CYCLISTS DISMOUNT” and “END OF ROUTE” signs should always be avoided unless there is a proven need.

The use of advance directions signs, particularly map-type where this will direct cyclists through complex junctions, can help cyclists conserve energy lost when stopping to read signs erected at junctions.

Adequate corner radii should be provided at junctions between cycle tracks (minimum 2m) and chamfered corners (min 1m) at the rear of footways crossed by cycle tracks, not 900 tie-ins. (see also A14 Corner Radii, B04 Junction and Forward Visibility, B05 Footway Crossings and B08 Access and Speed Controls).