Marlborough Walking and Cycling Strategy Appendix E: Engineering (Infrastructure) E.1. The Walking and Cycling Network Both local and international experience indicates that developing connected facilities in a walking and cycling network better serves the needs of walkers and cyclists than isolated facilities. A walking and cycling network might include: Footpaths for walkers Safe crossing facilities for walkers and cyclists that minimise delay Cycle lanes marked on roads; Allocated cycle space at intersections; Off-street cycle paths (often dual-use with walkers); Cycle routes on local roads chosen for the low traffic environment (sign-posted but not marked with cycle lanes); and Wide paved shoulders for cyclists on more heavily-travelled rural roads and State Highways. Off-road paths in rural areas that traverse areas of natural and heritage value or provide linkages between roads suitable for cycle touring and walking. Places or facilities for resting for walkers and for cycle parking for cyclists. Published network maps of Blenheim, Picton and Central Wairau identifying walking and cycling routes are available on Council’s website and offices and from local i-SITES. a. Cycle routes, in particular, need to be continuous and should go where cyclists want to ride, such as town centres, shops, schools, and tourist or recreational destinations. The needs of walkers and cyclists and the desires of the walking and cycling community should drive the development of the network. Recreation and tourism maps of Marlborough or smaller geographic areas can also be used to publicise walking and cycling facilities. The UK Department for Transport’s “Encouraging Walking” publication6 contains a Checklist for the Local Walking Environment that contains the Five Cs for walking (comfortable, convenient, convivial, conspicuous, connected). These aspects can be assessed to determine the quality of the walking environment. European research7 that is equally applicable in New Zealand has identified five main requirements for cycling infrastructure: “Coherence – The cycling infrastructure should form a coherent entity, linking all trip origins and destinations; routes should be continuous and consistent in standard. “Directness – Routes should be as direct as possible, based on desire lines, since detours and delays will deter use. “Attractiveness – Routes must be attractive to cyclists on subjective as well as objective criteria. Lighting, personal safety, aesthetics, noise and integration with the surrounding area are important. “Safety – Designs should minimise casualties and perceived danger for cyclists and other road users. 6 Encouraging Walking: Advice to Local Authorities – Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, UK, 2000 7 Sign up for the bike – Design manual for a cycle-friendly infrastructure C.R.O.W. 1993 xiv