Cycle-only paths are available for the exclusive use of cyclists and are therefore different to shared paths, which include other users such as pedestrians. Note however that the legal definition for cycle path is ‘part of the road that is physically separated from the roadway that is intended for the use of cyclists, but which may be used also by pedestrians.’ (Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 definition(external link))
In this guide, cycle-only paths are assumed to not be located within the road corridor; they can be situated adjacent to a road or through reserves and non-road corridors. The latter provides a route not available using the road network and therefore offer cyclists some advantage over motorists as it may result in a shorter route than what is available using the road network. These non-road corridor cycle-only paths are rare in New Zealand as most paths are shared with other users (shared paths).
There is a grey-area in the distinction between 'separated cycleways' and 'cycle-only paths'; and from a practical point of view, distinguishing between the two is not critical. Since examples of true cycle-only paths, as per the above definition, are rare in NZ, the photos below, which would be more correctly considered separated cycleways have been used to illustrate the most important aspects of a cycle-only path, i.e. that they are for the exclusive use of cyclists and physically separated from the roadway.
| Check whether cycle paths are a suitable facility for your target users and for the type of road. |
As the definition of cycle path permits pedestrians, there is no specific legislation for cycle only paths. At present, shared path legislation applies.
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Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A – Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths(external link) provides guidance on the design of cycle paths. Road controlling authorities may also have their own guidance in relation to design requirements in their local area.
Width
A key design aspect is the width of the path. Existing guidance often relates the required width of the shared path to the intended type of usage of the path, eg local connection vs. commuter path. As for any traffic infrastructure, user volumes should be considered in the determination of path width. Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A – Paths for Walking and Cycling(external link) provides guidance on the capacity of shared paths, including when it is preferable to use dual exclusive paths instead.
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Cycle path signs may be used as outlined in MOTSAM Part 1, Section 2-29 a and b(external link).
Markings
Road controlling authorities may mark cycle symbols at intervals along the cycle path. This is not a requirement but, as exclusive cycle paths are rare, it can be useful to do so to emphasise to people who are not cycling (motorcyclists, pedestrians or horse riders etc) that they are not entitled to use this path.
The cycle symbol can be as per the cycle lane symbol (see MOTSAM, Part 3, 2.11.4 ) with a scale factor of X = 20 mm; this results in a cycle logo 360 mm wide and 560 mm high.
In some situations, a specific marking (or sign) may help remind people of a particular behaviour required to make the path safe and enjoyable for all people using it. The Path behaviour markings: design guidance note provides guidance on when and where path behaviour markings can be used.
Path behaviour markings: design guidance note [PDF, 1.7 MB]
Barriers and fences
Barriers (to prevent falls) and fences may be necessary safety features on cycle routes, however they can be a hazard in their own right, or impact negatively on landscape values.
The Barriers and fences on cycling routes design guidance note provides guidance on barrier requirements for bridges and structures, fencing and edge treatments for paths, snag risk mitigation, and other design considerations.
Barriers and fences on cycling routes design guidance note [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Access control devices
When using access control devices such as bollards or other end of path treatments on shared paths, for example to restrict access by other vehicles, the placement of the device is very important in terms of path user safety. The devices need to be conspicuous and may require supporting pavement marking.
Design guidance can be found in the Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A – Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths(external link) and in the following standard drawings:
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