Terminology
Cycle routes provide dedicated infrastructure for cyclists intended to separate cyclists physically from motorised traffic, and hence differ from Cycle lanes, located close to the carriageway and separated by markings or kerbstones, cf. section 4.3.a.

Cycle routes can be defined at two different levels:

• Cycle tracks or paths as dedicated single stretches psychically separated from the carriageway (by verges, vegetation or the like) and often located at a certain distance from the carriageway. Physical separation can also be achieved vertically by constructing the cycle route as pavements at a higher level than the traffic lane (paving tracks), but this is not a common solution. Cycle routes are often located at one side of the road and can be used in both directions, but they can also be one-way tracks. Cycle routes as stretches have to be complemented by managerial cycle priorities at junctions.
  
• Cycle routes as a network throughout the city that includes dedicated infrastructure both alongside the roads and at the intersections with vehicle traffic. At intersections cycle routes in this sense should preferably include infrastructure measures like cycle tunnels or bridges. Mostly cycle route networks also include different managerial measures like cycle lanes and priorities.

Routes for cyclists at both levels may be combined with routes for pedestrians. Paths or tracks for walking and cycling are dedicated roads for pedestrians and cycles used in the Nordic countries. Foot and cycle tracks are usually constructed on one side of the road only and will have traffic in both directions. To mix pedestrians and cyclists is only recommended on stretches with few pedestrians, or as a second best solution where space is scarce.

Recommended widths are:

• Cycle routes, tracks for cyclists only: 1.8 – 2.0 metres
  
• Tracks for walking and cycling: 3.0 metres
  When planning for cycling, one must take the different type of cyclists and trip destinations into account, cf. table 3. To be used cycle routes must be properly maintained. Gravel and ice on the surface may bring cyclists to prefer the vehicle roads to the cycle routes.

Cycle routes as stretches or piecemeal measures can achieve significant savings in cycle accidents, but in order to attract more people to cycle a comprehensive cycle route network solution is required rather than piecemeal measures. Other cycle measures for combination or inclusion in a network may be:

• Park and ride with cycle parking provided
  
• Cycle lanes and priorities
  
• Cycle parking provision
  
• Signposting bicycle routes in the city.

Several other infrastructure as well as management measures; like road maintenance, traffic calming and speed regulation will make it safer and attract more people to cycle as well. Combination with other transport measures intending to reduce car trips are recommended.

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Figure 1: Separated on-way separated cycle track/route in Genk in Belgium. Source: Adonis (1998). Copyright ã has to be achieved

Technology
Cycle routes require different technologies, most important is road building technology and special design for cycle routes, tracks, tunnels and bridges. Road design guidelines in many countries can give detailed information on the technology needed.

The report from the EU project ADONIS (1998) contains a catalogue on CD ROM with detailed descriptions of 60 cycle measures where technology, design and requirements etc. are treated. This catalogue is recommended for details. (ADONIS = Analysis and Development Of New Insight to Substitution of short car trips by cycling and walking.)

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