The task of encouraging cycling through the development of engineering and planning tools is challenging. Research is an excellent resource, to help ensure funds and efforts are directed at the areas that represent the best value for money. The following documents are offered to assist planners and engineers make informed decisions, in order to encourage cycling in the most cost effective manner:
Australia
- Rissel, C., Garrard, J., 2006, Cycling for active transport and recreation in Australia: Status review and future directions, Vol. 13, p. 49 – 63, World Transport Policy and Practice, UK.
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This paper reviews the position of the bicycle in Australia, as a form of transport and recreation. The paper identifies the various influences on people’s decision to ride and highlights gender differences in participation and requirements. It is a helpful tool for planners to better understand how to encourage greater cycling participation in Australia. - Bonham, J. & Jungho, S. (2008) Pedalling the city: intra-urban differences in cycling for the journey-to-work, pp. 25-40 ARRB - Road & Transport Research Vol 17 No 4 Dec 2008
Abstract: http://www.arrb.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=365
This paper is available for purchase from ARRB Group - Department of Planning, 2004, Planning guidelines for walking and cycling, Department of Planning, NSW Government, Sydney.
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These planning guidelines are designed to assist local government, community groups and the development sector to better plan for walking and cycling. The guidelines include information, concepts, case studies and illustrations aimed at facilitating the development of pedestrian and bicycle friendly communities.
- Roads and Traffic Authority, 2002, How to Prepare a Bike Plan: An Easy Three Stage Guide, Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW Government, Sydney.
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How to Prepare a Bike Plan is an informative, step-by-step guide for local government’s seeking to develop a bike plan. Although it is intended for NSW local councils, much of the content is easily transferable to other states and territories. - Rose, G., 2003, Bikes and travel behaviour change – a transport engineers perspective, Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University, Melbourne. Presentation at Connecting Cycling, Canberra, 20 - 21 November.
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This presentation explores the balance between travel behaviour change program such as TravelSmart, with other methods of encouragement, such as bicycle infrastructure improvements. - Ker, I., Huband, A., Veith, G., Taylor, J., 2006, Pedestrian-cyclist conflict minimisation on shared paths and footpaths, Research Report, Austroads, Sydney.
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This report investigates actual and potential conflict between cyclists and pedestrians. It outlines best practice solutions to minimise the potential for conflict between these modes of travel. These solutions cover engineering, traffic management and urban design concepts, as well as education and awareness strategies. - Katz, R., 2001, Forecasting demand for bicycle facilities, Austroads, Sydney.
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This report offers a review of the various methods used to forecast demand for bicycle infrastructure. It outlines the relative benefits and limitations of each method. - Australian Bicycle Council, website, Green Bicycle Lanes: Background, Australian practice and your feedback
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Introductory information covering the benefits of and the evidence for coloured bicycle lanes, as a means of improving road safety. This webpage outlines the current status of coloured bicycle lanes in most Australian states and the territories. - Austroads, 2001, Traffic flow models allowing for pedestrians and cyclists, Austroads, Sydney.
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This document begins by reviewing the literature on safety and mobility issues for pedestrians and cyclists. An investigation of traffic models is then undertaken, with particular attention given to pedestrians and cyclists. - Rose, G., 2003, Bikes and travel behaviour change – a transport engineers perspective, Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University, Melbourne. Presentation at Connecting Cycling, Canberra, 20 - 21 November.
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This presentation explores the balance between travel behaviour change program such as TravelSmart, with other methods of encouragement, such as bicycle infrastructure improvements. - Dodson, J., Sipe, R. and Gavin, N. 2006, Shocking the suburbs: Urban location, housing debt and oil vulnerability in the Australian city, Urban Research Program, Griffith University, Brisbane
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Shocking the suburbs outlines the vulnerability of Australian communities to rising fuel prices, automobile dependence and housing debt. It has important implications for land use planning, with particular emphasis on the creation of communities less dependent on motor vehicles and an increased role for the bicycle.
- Dodson, J., Sipe, R. and Gavin, N. 2005, Oil vulnerability in the Australian city, Urban Research Program, Griffith University, Brisbane
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Oil vulnerability in the Australian city documents the precarious position, particularly of outer suburban communities to future rises in the price of petrol. It provides a strong case for improvements to land use and transport planning that increase mode choice for the less dominant transport forms of walking, cycling and public transport. - Dodson, J., Sipe, R. and Gavin, N. 2006, Suburban shocks: Assessing locational vulnerability to rising household fuel and mortgage interest costs, Urban Research Program, Griffith University, Brisbane.
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This study undertakes a locational ‘vulnerability assessment for mortgage, petrol and inflation risks and expenses’ (VAMPIRE) to assess how potential adverse impacts from rising fuel costs would likely be distributed across Australian cities. The study uses ABS Census data to create a vulnerability index that can identify areas of greatest risk, and conversely, those areas where the impacts of rising fuel costs are likely to be less extensive. The study reflects on the capacity of existing urban structures and transport systems to accommodate behavioural responses to rising fuel costs and changing household financial pressures. The conclusions of the research identify a number of potential policy directions to address oil and mortgage vulnerability with an emphasis on equitable spatial provision of public transport services. - Vigitcanlar, T., Dodson, J., Gleeson, B., 2005, Sustainable Australia: Containing travel in master planned estates, Urban Research Program, Griffith University, Brisbane.
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This paper examines the relationship between urban form and travel pattern. It explains how land use planning can have a strong influence on travel behaviour – with high density, mixed use development acting to reduce car use and promoting alternative modes, including cycling, due to lower trip distances. It recommends a refocus of transports goal, from mobility to accessibility. - Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 2001, Integrating Land Use and Transport: Improving Transport Choice – Guidelines for planning and development, Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, NSW Government, Sydney.
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Integrating Land Use and Transport covers a broad range of contemporary urban planning issues related to transport, including cycling. A strong emphasis is placed on planning with the aim of creating a wide variety of transport choices, with the view of reducing car use. - Queensland Transport, 2006, Bicycle riding and new subdivision design, Queensland Transport, Queensland Government, Brisbane.
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Highlights the importance of considering factors affecting cyclist’s amenity in the development of subdivisions. An important introductory resource for local government and developers. - Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2005, Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian Government, Melbourne.
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The Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria aim to assist government bodies, developers, designers and property owners by providing them with the information required to create environments that improve both actual and perceived safety. Many of the key concepts support the development of bicycle friendly design, due to cycling’s positive effect on community safety in such areas as passive surveillance. - Litman, T., 2007, Evaluating Transportation Land Use Impacts, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Victoria, Canada.
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This paper examines how transport planning choices affect land use, and the economic, social and environmental impacts of these decisions. It outlines particular methods to ensure that planning decision are made to support rather than hinder economic, social and environmental objectives.
- Austroads, 2001, Traffic flow models allowing for pedestrians and cyclists, Austroads, Sydney.
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This document begins by reviewing the literature on safety and mobility issues for pedestrians and cyclists. An investigation of traffic models is then undertaken, with particular attention given to pedestrians and cyclists. - Roads and Traffic Authority, 2005, NSW Bicycle Guidelines, Roads and Traffic Authority, Government of New South Wales, Sydney.
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This document is a detailed design manual covering a wide variety of infrastructure design issues. It is an important document for road designers, engineers and planners involved in the development of bicycle infrastructure. - Victoria Transport Policy Institute, 2007, Bicycle Parking: Bicycle Parking, Storage and Change Facilities, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Canada.
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This document offers a comprehensive guide to the multitude of factors requiring consideration when developing end of trip facilities. Provides a detailed description of the difference between short and long term bike parking and methods for estimating demand. - Ker, I., Yapp, S., Moore, P., 2005, Bus-Bike Interaction with the Road Network, Research Report, Austroads, Sydney.
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This report reviews the interaction between buses and bicycles within the road network and identifies measures to reduce the potential for conflict. - VicRoads, website, Cycling data and statistics
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An important introductory site to bicycle statistics for Victoria. Contains information on why collecting data is useful, cycle to work reports, the loop counter program and cycling in Melbourne 1976 – 2001. - VicRoads, 2001, Cycling to work in Melbourne 1976 - 2001, Victorian Government, Melbourne.
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Cycling to work in Melbourne is the most comprehensive report on work related cycle trips in Victoria. - VicRoads, 1999, Cycling in Melbourne: Bicycle ownership, use and demographics, 1997 – 1999, Victorian Government, Melbourne.
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This report outlines a number of key statistics on bicycle ownership and use in Melbourne, to serve as a practical, accessible and informative guide for anyone involved in transport planning in Melbourne. It may also serve as a useful starting point for those wishing to develop a cycling data resource manual for other areas. - Roads and Traffic Authority, 2003, Cycling in Sydney: bicycle ownership and use, New South Wales Government, Sydney
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A snap shot of Sydney’s bicycle ownership and usage levels, including the role of the bicycle in Sydney’s transport system. - Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (SA), website, Cycling facts and figures
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The site provides information on the number of cyclists entering Adelaide’s CBD in the AM peak hour over a number of years.
New Zealand
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Land Transport New Zealand, 2005, Regional Land Transport Guidelines, New Zealand Government, Christchurch.
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This report provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for those reviewing regional land transport strategies. Although it is written for Land Transport NZ staff, others may find it useful. -
Macbeth, A.G., Boulter, R., Ryan, P. S., 2005, New Zealand walking and cycling strategies - best practice, Research Report 274, Land Transport New Zealand, Wellington.
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This report offers a collection of New Zealand and some international walking and cycling strategies, highlighting examples of best practice. It aims to simplify the task of developing walking and cycling strategies, as well as reviewing existing documents. - Land Transport Safety Authority, 2004, Cycle network and route planning guide, New Zealand Government, Christchurch.
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This comprehensive guidebook aims to promote a consistent approach to planning for cycling in New Zealand – although it has widely applicable recommendations. This guide is intended to assist planners and other professionals improve bicycle friendly design and amenity. - Campbell, D., Jurisich, I., Dunn, R., 2006, Improved multi-lane roundabout design for cyclists, Research Report 287, Land Transport New Zealand, Wellington.
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This report highlights safety concerns for cyclists at multi-lane roundabouts and develops recommendations to improve their safety performance. - Walton, D., Dravitzki, V.K., Cleland, B.S., Thomas, J. A., Jackett, R., 2005, Balancing the needs of cyclists and motorists, Research Report No. 273, Land Transport New Zealand, Wellington.
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This report highlights common points of conflict between the needs of cyclists and motorists. It provides recommendations on road designs to minimise these points of conflict by offering a balance between the needs of both road users.
International
- NYC Dept. City Planning (Spring 2009), “Bike-Share Opportunities in New York City”
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or go to the website where various smaller sections of the document can be downloaded Visit Site
The document analyzes existing bike-share models and current New York City bicyclist demographics and demand to assess the potential for a New York City Bike-Share Program. In addition, an overview of potential funding options and recommendations for program implementation, including suggested program size and phasing, bike-station siting, fees, safety and theft reduction, are also discussed. - Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, (2009) CASE STUDY COMPENDIUM, January, 2009
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This PBIC Case Study Compendium contains a collection of brief, original case studies developed by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). The case studies, or success stories, cover pedestrian and bicycle projects and programs from across the US and abroad, including engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, planning, health promotion, and comprehensive safety initiatives. They are intended to provide ideas and spur thinking about potential activities communities can undertake to further support bicycling and walking. Each case study provides a context in which the program or project takes place, a description of the pedestrian and/or bicycle issues faced, as well as how the community sought to address their concerns through various measures. Finally, a results section describes the successes and lessons learned from the planning or implementation of the activity. When available, data are provided to support results. - GTZ SUTP and the Interface for Cycling Expertise (I-Ce), (2009) "Cycling-inclusive Policy Development: A Handbook" download (19MB) - you will need to register to get the free download (instructions are on the website)
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This handbook provides detailed information on how to develop cycling-friendly policies and facilities. It can help you, as a planner, engineer, community leader of advocate to enrich your own ideas about the future traffic and transport system where you live and work. It has been written by 12 authors who are experts in different fields of cycling-inclusive development. - Spicycles, (2009) CYCLING ON THE RISE - Public Bicycles and Other European Experiences (3.6 Meg)
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When the Spicycles project was launched in 2006, cycling was not the “hot” mode of transport that it has become today. As project partners, we wanted to gather experience related to specific areas of cycling policy. We were keen to explore how key elements such as communication and awareness raising, and the building of local partnerships, might increase themodal share of cycling. We had big expectations at the beginning of the project regarding cycling planning, but could not have predicted the explosion in the popularity of public bicycle systems that has taken place during Spicycles. - Litman, T., Blair, R., Demopoulos, B., Eddy, N., Fritzel, A., Laidlaw, D., Maddox, H., Forster, K., 2002, Pedestrian and bicycle planning: A guide to best practice, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Victoria, Canada.
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A thorough guide to best practice pedestrian and bicycle planning. This is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to achieve better planning outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists. An extensive list of references allows for convenient research opportunities. - Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Centre, undated, Bikeability checklist, Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Centre, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.
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A practical guide designed to evaluate the bicycle friendliness of particular localities. Although it was developed in the United States, the majority of the content is relevant to the Australian context. - European Conference of Ministers, 2004, Implementing Sustainable Urban Travel Policies: Moving Ahead, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris.
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This paper provides an overview of national level policies aimed at encouraging cycling. It highlights the importance of national level policy commitment concerning cycling, to ensure an appropriate framework is in place for the development of more detailed, localised actions. - Danish Roads Directorate, 2000, Collection of Cycle Concepts, Government of Denmark, Copenhagen.
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The Collection of Cycle Concepts is a comprehensive Danish publication on cycling. It offers a wide ranging, yet detailed analysis and discussion on promotion, urban planning, facility design, signage and parking. Although some of it is specific to Denmark, much of the content is internationally relevant. - Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Centre, website, Policy and Planning
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United States orientated, web based information centre covering a wide variety of topics on walking and cycling issues. This Policy and Planning link offers links to a large number of US walking and cycling strategy documents, as well as the benefits of cycling. - Pucher, J., Buehler, R., 2006, Why Canadians cycle more than Americans: A comparative analysis of bicycling trends and policies, Transport Policy, Vol. 13, p. 265 – 279.
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This research paper, although North American focused, offers an important explanation of how transport and land use policies influence rates of cycling. - Pucher, J., Dijkstra, L., 2003, Promoting safe walking and cycling to improve public health: Lessons from the Netherlands and Germany, American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 93, No. 9.
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This research paper assesses the public health consequences of unsafe and unattractive walking and cycling amenity. It does this through an examination of conditions in US cities and compares them to the Netherlands and Germany. This paper is instructive to Australian and New Zealand planners, although it is written with a US and European focus. - League of American Bicyclists, 2006, Bicycle Friendly Communities: Enhancing Cities Through Cycling.
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Presents case studies of the top performing US cities, in terms of bicycle friendliness. Highlights the wide range of initiatives possible to improve conditions for cyclists and thereby enhance the liveability of urban environments.
- The European Network for Cycling Expertise, undated, Cycling and Planning, The European Network for Cycling Expertise, Amsterdam.
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Cycling and Planning outlines the needs of cyclists, in terms of infrastructure and land use planning requirements. It describes the key criteria that must be satisfied in order to encourage people to cycle. Emphasis is placed on an integrated approach that accounts for both immediate infrastructure as well as broad land use planning concepts, such as urban density. - Pucher, J., Buehler, R., 2006, Why Canadians cycle more than Americans: A comparative analysis of bicycling trends and policies, Transport Policy, Vol. 13, p. 265 – 279.
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This research paper, although North American focused, offers an important explanation of how transport and land use policies influence rates of cycling. - Pucher, J., Dijkstra, L., 2003, Promoting safe walking and cycling to improve public health: Lessons from the Netherlands and Germany, American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 93, No. 9.
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This research paper assesses the public health consequences of unsafe and unattractive walking and cycling amenity. It does this through an examination of conditions in US cities and compares them to the Netherlands and Germany. This paper is instructive to Australian and New Zealand planners despite its US and European focus. - Transportation Research Board, 2005, Synthesis 4: Integration of Bicycles and Transit, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C.
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This report offers a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the US experience of combining bicycles with public transport services. A significant proportion of the document is of relevance to the Australian context, despite the fact that it is US based. - Zhang, W. and Gao, X. (2008) "Spatial differentiations of traffic satisfaction and its policy implications in Beijing", Habitat International, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 7 March 2008. Research paper available for purchase from Science Direct
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Deterioration of the urban traffic environment is one of the main external effects brought by the agglomeration of population and industry in metropolitan areas. The effect is accompanied not only by reduced efficiency of transportation systems, environmental problems, public health and safety problems, but also by severe social inequity. This paper presents an empirical analysis of the traffic problems in Beijing. - Zegras, P.C. (2007) "As if Kyoto mattered: The clean development mechanism and transportation", Energy Policy, Volume 35, Issue 10, October 2007, Pages 5136-5150. Research paper available for purchase from Science Direct
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Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the most rapidly growing anthropogenic source. In the future, the developing world will account for the largest share of transport GHG increases. Four basic components drive transportation energy consumption and GHG emissions: activities (A), mode share (S), fuel intensity (I) and fuel choice (F) (ASIF). Currently, the Kyoto Protocol's clean development mechanism (CDM) serves as the main international market-based tool designed to reduce GHG emissions from the developing world.
- Cherry, C. and Cervero, R. (2007) "Use characteristics and mode choice behavior of electric bike users in China", Transport Policy, Volume 14, Issue 3, May 2007, Pages 247-257. Research paper available for purchase from Science Direct
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In 2005, 10 million electric bikes were produced in China. Strong domestic sales are projected for coming years, raising concerns about the sustainability and potential regulation of this fairly new mode. Policy makers are wrestling with developing policy on electric bikes with little information about who uses them, why they are used, and what factors influence electric bike travel. This paper probes these questions by surveying electric bike usage in two large Chinese cities, Kunming and Shanghai. Demographic comparisons are made between the different modes and cities as well as differences in travel patterns. - Martens, K. (2007) "Promoting bike-and-ride: The Dutch experience", Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Volume 41, Issue 4, May 2007, Pages 326-338. Research paper available for purchase from Science Direct
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The number of policy initiatives to promote the use of bike-and-ride, or the combined use of bicycle and public transport for one trip, has grown considerably over the past decade as part of the search for more sustainable transport solutions. This paper discusses the experiences with, and impacts of, such initiatives in the Netherlands. The Dutch measures to promote bicycle use in access trips have been generally successful. A country-wide program to upgrade regular and secure bicycle parking at train stations has led to an increase in user satisfaction and a growth in bicycles parked at stations.
