Strategy behind the Standard
To ensure that there is a standard use of language throughout all reports within ECC, Essex Highways and other departments the following terms have been determined to be used as standard.
Best Practice Guidance to be used by Essex Highways.
(1) Cycle Infrastructure Design LTN 1/20
(2) Footway and Cycletrack Management Group: Cycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Definitions (2017)
(3) Highways Act 1980 Section 329
(4) The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016
(5) CD 195 Designing for Cycle Traffic
ECC Terminology Recommendations:
People who cycle: In order to encourage those designing and proposing cycling infrastructure to consider accessibility for all who may choose to use a bike, using the term ‘people who cycle’ is now encouraged. Therefore the recommendation is not to refer to ‘cyclists’ but to use ‘people who cycle’ or ‘people who choose to cycle’ instead. e.g The Broomfield Road sustainable travel corridor will include provision for people who cycle.
Cycle: Types of Cycle include standard cycles, solo tricycles, hand-cranked cycles, tandem cycles, recumbent cycles, trailer cycles (tandems with a hinge, usually with the rear seat to carry a child), cycle rickshaws, cycles towing trailers, electrically-assisted pedal cycles, cargo cycles, cargo tricycles, hand cranked cycles and cycles that conform to the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations (1983). It does not include mopeds, stand-on scooters or other powered two-wheeled vehicles. (1)
Cycle Network: A set of connected cycle routes that can be legally used by cycle traffic. (5)
Cycle Route: Any infrastructure that can be legally used by cycle traffic, including cycle tracks, hybrid cycle tracks, cycle lanes, light segregated cycle lanes and carriageways. (5)
Cycle Track: a route for cycling within the highway boundary that are physically separated from motor vehicles and pedestrians, such as by a kerb, verge, level difference or material delineation. Paths away from the highway that have been designated for cycling are variously described as cycle tracks, cycle paths, greenways and towpaths. Off-carriageway cycling provision may either be physically segregated from pedestrian facilities or a common surface may be shared. Cycle tracks may be newly constructed or created through conversion of a footway or footpath (Footway Conversion). (1)
Carriageway: a way constituting or comprised in a highway, being a way (other than a cycle track) over which the public have a right of way for the passage of vehicles (3)
Cycleway: A cycleway is a road, route, or path for cyclists. As it is an ambiguous term, we are discouraging its use. Please use either Cycle Track or Cycle Lane instead.
Footpath: a highway over which the public have a right of way on foot only, not being a footway (3)
Footway: a way comprised in a highway which also comprises a carriageway, being a way over which the public have a right of way on foot only (3)
Hybrid Cycle Track: (Alternatively known as a Stepped Cycle Track) A cycle track which is raised above the carriageway surface, but sits below the level of the footway. (1)
Non Shared Use Cycle Track: A cycle track separate from the main carriageway for use only by people who cycle. Cycle tracks may be newly constructed or created through conversion of a footway or footpath. (Footway Conversion) (1)
Segregated dedicated use Cycle Track/Footpath/way: People who cycle and pedestrians have separately defined alignments at footpath/way/verge level, with segregation by kerb, verge or some other feature. (2)
Segregated shared use: People who cycle and pedestrians have separately defined alignments at footway/verge level, with segregation by raised white line, kerb, verge or some other feature. (2)
Unsegregated Shared Use: Cyclists and pedestrians have shared alignment at footway/verge level, with no segregation between modes. (2)
Shared Footway and Cycle Track: A way within the boundaries of a highway which also includes a carriageway, over which the public has a right of way on foot and by pedal cycle (2)
Remote Cycle Track: A Cycle Track that is a separate highway in his own right (2)
Cycle Lane: Areas of the carriageway reserved for the use of pedal cycles. (1)
Advisory Cycle Lane: Cycle lanes marked with a broken white line to TSRGD diagram 1004 which indicates that other moving vehicles should not enter unless it is unavoidable. (1)
Light Segregated Cycle Lane: A mandatory cycle lane with intermittent physical features placed alongside the edge to provide additional protection from motor traffic. (1)
Mandatory Cycle Lane: A cycle lane marked with a continuous white line to TSRGD diagram 1049B, which prohibits driving in a cycle lane. (1)
Quietway: A network of interconnected cycle routes on quiet residential streets, where priority is given to cyclists and pedestrians over motorised traffic
How the Standard should be applied
This Terminology should be used and referred to whenever detailing a cycle scheme or report, to ensure consistent language throughout and to minimise confusion.