This part of the Cycling Network Guidance (CNG) provides users with best practice guidance, either directly or through links to appropriate sources for all stages of design, from concept stage through to detailed design.
The diagram below shows the broad design process including how it overlaps with the planning process; at the concept/scheme design stage the design of cycle infrastructure needs to be considered to allow completion of the route or network planning.
The following topics are covered in the CNG for the design of facilities between intersections, and at intersections and crossings:
The design process should involve a multi-disciplinary approach where inputs, such as urban design and landscape architecture advice are sought early in the process to ensure a good outcome. The NZ Transport Agency has well developed guidance in this space, equally local authority design codes and guidelines would also apply, and should be reviewed in the planning, design and implementation of cycling (and walking) projects.
The New Zealand Urban Design Protocol(external link) provides a platform to make New Zealand towns and cities more successful through quality urban design. As a signatory to the Protocol the Transport Agency is working to ensure it plays its part in providing excellent outcomes for New Zealand and for its infrastructure projects. This requires projects to be developed and delivered utilising urban design best practice to achieve positive urban design outcomes. As well as the linkages to engineering-based design standards, projects and processes, the Cycling Network Guidance (CNG) considers Urban Design as vital to deliver quality outcomes. Bridging the Gap the transport Agency Urban Design guidelines includes the urban design requirements and process to achieve the Transport Agency’s desired urban design outcomes.
Historic and cultural heritage
The Considering historic heritage in walking and cycling projects information sheet provides guidance on heritage considerations in walking and cycling projects. A detailed assessment should be undertaken if any potential impact on historic or cultural heritage has been identified.
Design guidance is grouped into:
The guidance for each type of provision includes a description, legal considerations, design aspects, information on any relevant trials and selected case studies that may be useful to designers. Given the relationship between the facility type and the intersection type, the design process involves moving between the guidance sections.
For facilities between intersections the design guidance covers concept design aspects (such as width) that generally need to be considered early in the planning stage, and also detailed design considerations (such as signs and markings, and surfacing).
For intersections and crossings, the design guidance outlines the principles to be considered and the intersection details such as signage and markings.
The content covered in this design guidance was established as part of a best practice review [PDF, 5.6 MB] of the current national, local and international design guidance, post implementation studies and relevant research. The review found that good design guidance was available but identified some gaps in the guidance. It was concluded that many of the gaps can be addressed within two chapters of the Traffic Control Devices (TCD) Manual, these are Part 4: Intersections and Part 5: Between Intersections.
Until the TCD Manual Parts 4 and 5 are ready for use links to existing best practice guidance, such as aspects of MOTSAM and Austroads, are provided. In some cases where best practice guidance is not yet available interim guidance is provided within the CNG, this will be identified as such and may be subject to review processes.
Links are provided to the relevant Austroads guides, however these are only downable to organisations that have purchased the documents. The Cycling Aspects of Austroads(external link) Guide is a useful document that is freely available. In some cases links to local guidance developed by Road Controlling Authorities or international guidance will be provided. The international guidance should be used with caution given the contextual differences between countries.
Note that the NZ Supplement to the Austroads Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice, Part 14: Bicycles (referred to as ‘the NZ Supplement'), that had been developed in 2008 to reflect the specific New Zealand traffic regulations, is no longer available on the NZ Transport Agency's website. The relevant content has been incorporated into the TCD Manual or directly into the CNG.
CloseThe design process requires an understanding of bicycle rider requirements.
The Cycling Aspects of Austroads Guides(external link) (Chapter 3) provides information on bicycle design envelopes and clearances, surfaces, speed maintenance, sight lines and connectivity.
Close
The following specification details the requirements for the design, construction and maintenance of cycling and shared path facilities on the state highway network or local roads corridors that are maintained and managed by the NZ Transport Agency.
Specification for design, construction and maintenance of cycling and shared path facilities
Close
