Strategy behind the Standard
New housing development provides a major opportunity to create new and improved cycle infrastructure.
It is recommended that the movement framework for a new development is based on the place and movement user hierarchy. The passage of people on foot and cycle has previously been neglected in development planning. Applying the place and movement hierarchy will lead to a more holistic design that will encourage an increase in cycling, walking and the use of public transport.
Established cycling and walking routes are fundamental to achieving more sustainable patterns of movement and to reducing people’s reliance on the car.
Best Practice Guidance to be used by Essex Highways
When planning a new development in Essex, please refer to the Essex Design Guide
Cycle Infrastructure Design LTN 1/20 – Chapter 14 – Appropriate cycle facilities should be provided within all new and improved highways in accordance with the guidance contained in this document.
Manual for the Streets – Chapter 6.4 – This document provides guidance on the planning of transport networks for new developments.
ECC Recommendations
Cycling facilities should be regarded as an essential component of the site access and any off-site highway improvements that may be necessary. Sites should have both internal permeability and external connectivity that encourages walking and cycling.
All possible opportunities should be taken to create direct routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
Adequate public and private cycle parking should be provided, commensurate with usage targets and be placed closer to the entrances than car parking. Provision will vary with the type of development. See our page on Cycle Parking here or Section 11 of The Cycle Infrastructure Design LTN 1/20.
Most residential/minor streets in new developments, including smaller schemes, will be suitable for cycling in mixed traffic as the speed and volume of motor traffic will be low. In situations where it is necessary to include segregated routes for pedestrians and cyclists they should be away from the carriageway, barrier-free, well overlooked and relatively wide to avoid any sense of confinement.
How the Standard should be applied
The standard should be applied when designing any new developments or when reviewing existing infrastructure that needs updating. It is important that cycle infrastructure requirements are embedded into local authority planning, design and highway adoption policies and processes. This will ensure that good quality cycle infrastructure is delivered in all new developments, new highways and highway improvement schemes.
Developments that do not adequately make provision for cycling in their transport proposals should not be approved.