Making neighbourhoods

DESIGN safe for cycling

GUIDELINES 2.0 Dec 2020
 PRINCIPLES OF A CYCLE FRIENDLY CITY
SAFETY CONTINUITY COMFORT SECURITY ACCESSIBILITY

Source: PennDOT Source: Macon Connects Source: downtownseattle.com Source: Barry Rueger Source: P. Sainath

Road infrastructure End-to-end Elements that Elements that Increasing access to

that ensures safe connectivity without enhance the cycling increase personal cycles through public
cycling obstructions experience security programs
Contents

Preparing the base plan 4 Reduce unwanted traffic 24

1. Create a baseplan 1. Choose which street to close
2. Conduct a handlebar survey 2. Choose which point on the street to close
3. Choose the right materials
Goals for a cycling safe neighbourhood 12 4. Redesign reclaimed space

Improve personal security 32

Improve neighbourhood connections 14 1. Improve street lighting
1. Unsafe intersections 2. Add new family friendly activities
2. Unsafe mid-block crossings 3. Make the community feel secure to cycle
3. Grade separated crossings 4. Maintain security through enforcement
4. Adding new linkages

Traffic calm streets 19

1. Vertical displacement elements
2. Horizontal displacement elements
 PREPARING THE BASE PLAN
Before we begin the planning of the safe-cycling neighbourhood,
here are 3 steps we must do to gather the base data and pain
points

1. CREATE A BASE PLAN

2. CONDUCT A HANDLEBAR SURVEY

1. CREATE THE BASE
PLAN Mark the boundary of the neighbourhood

1. Identify the boundary of the

neighbourhood by:
Arterial streets - Arterial roads that surround
mark the north, the neighbourhood
east and south - Natural barriers around the
boundary neighbourhood

2. Demarcate all streets within

the boundary

3. Consider the other side of

The canal marks major roads to ensure safe
the west connections/crossings to
boundary of the cyclists between different
neighbourhood neighbourhoods.

4. Consider a total area of 3-5

kmsq
1. CREATE THE BASE
PLAN Let’s zoom in...

Zooming in! Let’s zoom in to a 1 km sq area to

see how to make it safe for cycling!

This process can be repeated to

scale up across the entire
neighbourhood.
1. CREATE THE BASE
PLAN Street hierarchy

Source: Migratingmiss

Arterial Streets Collector Streets Local Streets

Arterial streets provide intra-city long Collector streets connect traffic from local Local streets provide access to private
distance travel. They connect various streets to arterial streets. They also properties in a neighbourhood. They are
parts of the city. They have high traffic provide connection between different not meant to provide through-movement
volume and high vehicle speeds. They neighbourhoods within one locality. They for vehicles outside the neighbourhood. As
usually have public bus transport or IPT may or may not have public bus transport per IRC:86 the speed on local streets
route service. or IPT route service. should be not more than 30kmph.
1. CREATE THE BASE
PLAN Map the street hierarchy

Each street type provides specific function

in the overall street network. Knowing the
street type and its function in the
neighbourhood will inform planning and
design.

Mapping Streets
Arterial Streets

Collector streets

Local streets
1. CREATE THE BASE
PLAN Map the Public Transport

Mapping Public Transport

Bus Route Roads

Metro / Suburban Rail Line

Bus Stops

Metro / Suburban Rail Station

Auto Rickshaw Stand

*Major IPT stops may be mapped.

Mapping of public transport can help to

integrate cycle network with public
transport, provide cycle parking and inform
the design of street section.
2. CONDUCT A HANDLEBAR
SURVEY
Conduct a handlebar survey
across the neighbourhood to
identify the key pain points
such as:

● Fast moving vehicles

● Fear of being eve-teased /

attacked

● Unsafe intersections

● Unmanaged parking

And others…
Some questions to ask on the handlebar survey:

1. Is it safe and comfortable to walk on this street, even if it has a footpath?

2. Is it safe to cycle on this street, even if it has a cycle lane?
3. Is it safe and convenient to cycle across the intersection?
2. CONDUCT A HANDLEBAR
SURVEY Map the pain points

Alcohol shop
s
Cana

Unsafe intersections
l
fron

Fast moving vehicles

t

Unmanaged parking

Fear of being eve-teased / being attacked

Goals for a cycling safe neighbourhood

IMPROVE TRAFFIC CALM REDUCE UNWANTED IMPROVE PERSONAL

NEIGHBOURHOOD STREETS TRAFFIC SECURITY
CONNECTIONS
Source: Aviewfromcyclepath.com Source: NACTO Source: NACTO Source: I love
cycling SF
On which streets do these goals apply?

ACROSS THE
ARTERIAL STREETS* COLLECTOR STREETS LOCAL STREETS NEIGHBOURHOOD

1. IMPROVE NEIGHBOURHOOD CONNECTIONS

4. IMPROVE
2. TRAFFIC CALM STREETS PERSONAL
SECURITY
3. REDUCE
UNWANTED TRAFFIC

*Protected cycle lanes must be provided on arterial streets. Please refer Design Guidebook 1 for more details on protected
cycle lanes. In case your city has arterial streets with limited right of way width, traffic calming can be considered.
1. IMPROVE NEIGHBOURHOOD CONNECTIONS
Cyclists are most unsafe at intersections between arterial streets. Calming
these intersections is vital to make the overall neighbourhood safe for
cycling. Further, connections between collector streets and within local
streets must also be made safe for cycling.

A. SAFE INTERSECTIONS

B. SAFE MID-BLOCK CROSSINGS

C. GRADE SEPARATED CROSSINGS

D. ADD NEW LINKAGES

A. SAFE INTERSECTIONS For safe connections within and across neighbourhoods

For more details on

making an
intersection safe for
cycling, please refer
Design Guidebook 1

Source: The trentorian

B. SAFE MIDBLOCK CROSSINGS Frequent and safe crossing opportunities

For more details on

making an intersection
safe for cycling, please
refer Design Guidebook 1

.4 m
Min 2

Source: Bathesda magazine

C. GRADE SEPARATED
CROSSINGS Connecting different levels for cyclists
Foot over bridges and
subways are very
inconvenient for
pedestrians and cyclists.
They prefer at-grade
crossings.

If your city already has

footover bridges and
subways, we recommend to
provide a cycling ramp
along the stairs to make it
accessible for cyclists.

Read this blog to know why

grade crossings are better
than cross-over bridges

Source: Cyclehoop Source: Pimpakarn Rattanathumawat

D. ADDING NEW
LINKAGES Creating shortcut routes for cyclists
Cyclists and pedestrians prefer shortest
routes. Large urban blocks increase
cycling and walking distance, and can
discourage one to cycle or walk.

Identify only cycle and walk

thoroughfares through large campuses,
institutions, office complex, parks etc.

1. Talk to the relevant owners to seek

permissions for such thoroughfares

2. Speak to the residents to understand

the implications of making new
linkages accessible

3. Close both ends with bollards to

ensure the linkage is only for walking
and cycling

4. Ensure women and children feel

secure in the new linkage (refer to
section 4 for more details) NMT link through Park (Conceptual), Erode, India
 2. TRAFFIC-CALMED STREETS
Well-designed traffic-calmed streets provide a safe environment to cyclists when they
share road space with motorized vehicles. The goal is to ensure that traffic speeds
remain below 30 kmph through traffic-calming design elements.

1. VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT ELEMENTS

Elements that act as vertical additions to the street to calm traffic:
● Speed humps
● Speed bumps
● Speed tables
● Speed cushions

2. HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT ELEMENTS

Elements that adjust the horizontal ROW of the street to calm traffic:
● Chicanes
 Key guidelines on traffic calming elements
● When cycles and motor vehicles share road
space, ensure that vehicle move at under 30
kmph.
● When pedestrians also share the space, ensure
that vehicle move at under 15 kmph.
● Add traffic calming elements once every 50-150m
based on adjoining land-use. Close spacing will
ensure more safer speeds especially around
schools, markets, hospitals etc.

● All intersections should be calmed (refer Design

Guidebook 1).
● Provide traffic calming element before all
pedestrian midblock crossing

● Traffic calming elements can be avoided at

mid-blocks on streets with intersection within
every 100m

● Avoid traffic calming elements in front of

property entrances
● Ensure traffic calming elements are clearly visible
through road markings as per IRC:35 to avoid
road mishap. Source: Aviewfromcyclepath.com
1. TYPES OF VERTICAL
DISPLACEMENT ELEMENTS
Speed humps Speed bumps Speed table Speed cushions

Source: San
Francisco Source:https://safety.f
Chronicle hwa.dot.gov/c Source:
Source: NACTO
Streetsblog SF Source: NACTO

● Speed humps slow provide ● Speed bumps are commonly ● These are trapezoidal traffic ● They allow cycles and
smoother transition along with used. They are more steeper calming elements that slow down emergency vehicles/bus to pass
slowing down speeds. than speed humps that helps to vehicles. They can also double as unaffected through gaps, while
further calm speeds below crossings and provide comfortable reducing vehicle speeds
● Suitable for all street types, 20kmph. pedestrian and wheelchair access physically. It will psychologically
however the geometry will vary at the same level as footpath. reduce the speeds of heavy
based on desired speeds. (For ● Suitable for streets with high vehicles and 2-wheelers.
more details refer next page). pedestrian footfall or streets ● Suitable for any street type,
where pedestrians share the especially streets with footpaths ● Suitable for streets with public
space with motorists. for barrier-free movement. bus transport route.
● Not suitable for streets with
See how speed humps help public bus transport route, as it See how speed cushions help
traffic calm streets. here will be discomfort to the reduce speed of vehicles, here
passengers.
1. TYPES OF VERTICAL
DISPLACEMENT ELEMENTS
Speed humps Speed bumps Speed table Speed cushions
Total 6m carriageway width

0.8-1m 0.8-1m
(10-12.5% (10-12.5%
slope) Min 2.5m slope) 3m

Chord Length - 3.5m Chord Length - 0.7-0.9m

h=10 cm
h=7-8 cm 10 cm 3m
0.6 m

Cross Section Cross Section 10-12.5% 1.8 m 3m

Radius - 15m slope
16% slope
0.6 m
Cross Section

Plan

● The center height of the speed ● Speed bumps are usually ● The center height of the speed ● The center height of the speed
hump to be 10cm. Height less around 7-8cm high and 0.7-0.9m table to be 0.1m. The approach cushion to be 7cm high.
than 10cm will mean faster wide. slope to be 10-12.5%. (Refer
IRC:99, Table 3.2) ● The width of speed cushion to
speeds. be 1.8-2m.
● They can be uncomfortable for
● Provide hump with chord the cyclists, hence it is ● When designed as pedestrian
crossing, ensure the top level ● The approach slope to be
length of 3.5m and radius of recommended to provide
is at the same level as 10-12.5%. The side slopes of
15m for speeds of about parabolic speed bumps or
footpath at 15 cm. The the cushion to be around 16%.
25-30kmph. (Refer IRC:99-2018, provide gap of about 0.9-1m at
Table 3.1) the kerb side to allow cyclists to approach slope to be 10%. ● The gap from the kerb to be
pass. 0.6 - 0.75m.
2. TYPES OF HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT
ELEMENTS - CHICANES
Chicanes are angular deflections created in streets. This can be created by strategically placing diversions in
the form of bollards, planters, traffic cones, parking etc.

● Angular parking here breaks the

● Suitable for local streets, linear travel movement of
should be avoided on vehicles.
streets with public
transport ● An angle of 45 deg ensures a
zig-zag movement of vehicles
● Chicane are also suitable to
locations that do not have ● Ensure walking space is
access to public open space available
within walking distance. ● On-street public spaces can be
● On narrow streets, consider carved out and provided with
shared streets where seating and play elements.
cyclists and pedestrians
can use the same space
safely along with motorists.
Provide speed humps at Please refer IRC 099 (2018) for technical details
every 50-75m, to ensure
speeds are within 15 kmph.
See how chicanes work
in a neighbourhood,
here
 3. REDUCE UNWANTED TRAFFIC
Reducing unwanted traffic is an invisible method to make cycling safe. Not all streets are meant to
allow through-movement of motorized vehicular traffic. Collector streets in neighbourhood can provide
vehicle-through movement, whereas inner streets can limit vehicle movement only to access
properties. However, all streets allow through-movement of cyclists and pedestrians. This helps to
make neighbourhood safe, peaceful and liveable. It is especially safe for children and elderly.

A. CHOOSE THE RIGHT STREET TO CLOSE

B. CHOOSE THE RIGHT POINT ON THE STREET

C. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIALS

D. REDESIGN RECLAIMED SPACE

A. CHOOSE THE RIGHT
STREET TO CLOSE
Streets that allow unwanted traffic to cut across the neighbourhood creating traffic chaos which is unsafe for cyclists!

It is so chaotic and
noisy!!

I would never let my

kids cycle, walk or
play on this street!
HONK HONK!!

It is impossible to
walk or cycle safely
on this street!

Source: The Hindu

A. CHOOSE THE RIGHT
STREET TO CLOSE

How traffic evaporates!

When cycling and

walking are made safe
Vehicular through traffic from the ● Identify the local streets that
and convenient — and
local street (orange) can be rerouted permit vehicular through
driving inconvenient —
to the collector street (blue) OR it can movement
people often skip the evaporate! Hence we can close the
car and choose to cycle local street to through traffic... ● Talk to residents to identify the
or walk instead, streets that are frequented by
especially for short unwanted traffic
trips.
● Assess whether the through
traffic can be closed for that
street

Local street with vehicular through movement

Collector street with vehicular through movement

B. CHOOSE THE RIGHT POINT ON THE STREET TO CLOSE

● Filter the traffic a few blocks inside the

neighbourhood so residents can enter
the neighbourhood but outside
vehicles can not cut across it.

● Do not close key routes used by the

residents to enter and exit the
neighbourhood.

● Do not close routes used by emergency

vehicles i.e. ambulances, fire fighting
trucks etc.

● Conduct focused group discussions

with the residents to understand the
impact of closing the street on their
movement and to reduce push back.

Bollards / planters to stop thoroughfare

movement

Sign: No through traffic

Street with filtered traffic

B. CHOOSE THE RIGHT POINT ON THE STREET TO CLOSE Bollards can be placed in multiple ways...

Filtering traffic at intersections Filtering traffic at intersections

Reducing unwanted through traffic Reducing unwanted through traffic
in both directions in one direction

Traffic calming
Reclaimed space
elements
where there are no
property
entrances

Source: BBCC

Forced left turn for Cyclists can ride

vehicles as through the
through traffic is bollards
not permitted
across the
intersection

Residential vehicular traffic Source: Air quality news

B. CHOOSE THE RIGHT POINT ON THE STREET TO CLOSE Bollards can be placed in multiple ways...

Filtering traffic at mid-blocks

Reclaimed space where

there are no property
entrances

Traffic calming
elements
C. CHOOSE THE RIGHT
MATERIALS

● Use planters, bollards, cycle gates

or any other elements to close
the street to through traffic.

● Add a ‘No through traffic’ sign at

the entry points to the street so
vehicles do not enter expecting to
cut across the neighbourhood

Watch how traffic

re-routing
transformed a
neighbourhood in
the Netherlands
here

Source: SFMTA
D. REDESIGNING RECLAIMED
SPACE
Streets that do not allow through-traffic can be repurposed for better walking, cycling and liveability elements. This allows
residents to enjoy the street space and make it safe for all.

Before: After: Carr

iage
Street welcomes cars to move fast - Reduced carriageway way
recla
and park haphazardly! im
- Traffic calming elements added activ ed for p
ities edes
trian

Source: Modernising street design in Utrecht Overvecht NL

 4. IMPROVE PERSONAL SECURITY
Design streets to make women and children feel safe to cycle at all times, even after
it gets dark. Lively neighbourhoods with several family friendly activities provide
‘eyes on the street’ and encourage these vulnerable groups to cycle safely.

● IMPROVE STREET LIGHTING

● ADD NEW FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

● MAKE THE COMMUNITY FEEL SAFE TO CYCLE

● MAINTAIN SECURITY THROUGH ENFORCEMENT

STREET
LIGHTING Improve street lighting to enhance personal security
● Good street lighting ensure that all road users can see and be
seen. It also increases personal security especially for women
and children.

● Street lighting should be placed such that tree foliage does not
obstruct proper illumination.
Standards for pedestrian and cycling lighting -

Lux Spacing Height

30 lux 12-16 m 3 to 6 m

3 to 6 m

Tall lights obstructed by trees Pedestrian scale lighting

Source: I love cycling SF
ADD NEW FAMILY FRIENDLY
ACTIVITIES
Streets that have good visibility ensure cyclists safety. Introduce 'eyes on street' by activating the street space.

Dead parking
space
Space reclaimed by
using bright paint,
planters, shade,
and seating. It
invites people to
spend time on the
street and makes it
safe for all!

Before After Source: The NY Times

MAKE THE COMMUNITY
FEEL SECURE TO CYCLE Host training camps, discussions and more..
To further improve personal security, here
are some initiatives that can be considered:

● Cycle training: Training makes women

more confident to cycle hence increases
the number of women cyclists on the
streets, hence improving overall women
security.

● Cycling events: Women and children

feel more confident when they cycle in
groups. This is why cycle rallies,
cyclothons etc. improve the overall
confidence and security of these
vulnerable user groups.

● Community group discussions: Hosting

such discussions with women cyclists
to understand the barriers they face
would make women feel heard hence
encourage them to cycle within
neighbourhoods.
Such discussions can also facilitate
relationships between local
communities and enforcement agencies
MAINTAIN SECURITY THROUGH ENFORCEMENT

● Identify spaces with

frequent ‘anti-social’
activities in the
neighbourhood such as
- Parking lots
- Dead alleys etc.
- Alcohol shop zones
- Dead canal fronts

● Provide strict on-ground

enforcement to eradicate
all anti-social activities
especially during night
time.

Source: The hindu

 Other resources for designing cycling friendly
interventions

Refer to Design Guidelines 1 for more details on the the essentials of

cycling interventions

Check the feasibility of the designs on site using the

Site Analysis Guide.

Engage with your community to incorporate their feedback and

suggestions!
 Thank you
Website - https://bit.ly/3ju3ZCY
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