This information sheet is also available in large type. INFORMATION SHEET FF05 JUNE 1998 Disabled people and the National Cycle Network 1 Introduction Over 6 million people in Britain have some form of disability (1) and they often find themselves excluded from the activities that other people take for granted because their needs have not been addressed at the planning stages of key projects. In partnership with Sustrans, Local Authorities and other organisations all over the UK are developing the National Cycle Network which we believe will bring a whole range of benefits to many disabled people. This document addresses issues Smedley Toby relating to its use by disabled people. Traffic free routes benefit walkers and cyclists of all abilities and wheelchair users. We know that there are genuine concerns voiced by different users, and cyclists of all abilities and including disabled people, about wheelchair users. The routes which Definitions (3) shared use, and this document are likely to be most attractive are Where disability is referred to in this should be read in conjunction with newly constructed shared use paths information sheet, we mean: Sustrans’ Information Sheet and upgraded paths, which are Any restriction or limitation, resulting Shared Use Routes (2). described below. from an impairment, of ability to perform an activity within the range considered standard for a human being. 2 National Cycle 3 New paths Where disabled people are referred to, Network we mean: For over fifteen years, Sustrans has People who - use wheelchairs and specialised cycles been building paths free from motor - walk with difficulty, including those The National Cycle Network will be a traffic largely on disused railways with a psychological loss of function UK-wide 8,000 mile network of safe, and canal towpaths. It is sometimes - have heart and lung disorders high quality routes for cyclists which forgotten that a very large proportion - are blind and partially sighted will also greatly expand the facilities of those who like to walk - and - are deaf and hard of hearing. for walkers of all abilities. almost all wheelchair users - are In progress for completion by 2005, discouraged because of bad surfaces, the National Cycle Network is a steps and styles. Sustrans’ paths, in For some disabled cyclists they flagship project designed to help contrast, attract people of all abilities represent the only facilities to cycle generate widespread public and all ages, to mix and mingle in a any distance, whether for recreation enthusiasm for non-motorised travel. friendly and safe environment. or between home and workplace, school, or shops. Just over half of the network will be Sustrans’ paths are designed for on minor roads, and the remainder shared use by cyclists of all abilities, Over 1,000 miles of the National will be on routes generally free from walkers, those with prams and Cycle Network, already completed motor traffic. It is these traffic-free buggies, and wheelchair-users. and in use in different parts of the routes, designed for a mix of different These paths offer some of the most country, are shared use paths, users, which will be of most benefit extensive outdoor facilities for purpose-built by Sustrans or local to disabled people - including walkers disabled people in the UK. authorities (along railway paths, June 1998 ∑ 1 canal and riverside paths, urban users is being passed too closely by a Further details of the development of cycle tracks). Plans for the National speeding cyclist, combined with the new shared use routes have been Cycle Network include a substantial fear of being hit by one. published separately (6). additional mileage of purpose-built shared use paths. Sustrans accepts that, however low the actual risk of being hurt in an 7 Good design Sustrans itself was surprised at first accident, there is a perceived danger to discover just how popular its that affects users’ behaviour. If people routes were with walkers and perceive conditions to be unsafe they Good design is essential. Sustrans, wheelchair users. Of the million or will not use the route. Some user the Institution of Highways and more journeys made each year on the groups are concerned that for many Transportation, and the DETR have Bristol and Bath Railway Path for visually impaired and deafblind all published separate guidelines example, well over half are walkers, people the introduction of shared use which include advice on detailed and a significant number are facilities is leading to a perception of design for shared use paths (5,6,7,8). wheelchair users (4). Increasingly increasing danger in the pedestrian This section draws on information Sustrans’ paths are also being used environment, which in turn can from these guidelines on access by disabled cyclists, many of whom restrict their mobility. controls and facilities for visually are accompanied on tandems or impaired users. Reference should specialist cycles. There has been limited research be made to the full documents for carried out on shared use routes, and more details. much of the information available is 4 Upgraded routes anecdotal. However, in our experience of developing shared use Access Controls paths, potential problems can be There should be a presumption In addition to newly constructed minimised through early consultation, against the use of any barriers on paths, disabled people will benefit good design standards, and publicity shared use routes because of the from existing paths that will be and education. difficulties they can cause for access, upgraded to form part of the National and Sustrans is currently reviewing Cycle Network. Many canal and 6 Consultation the level of control on each access riverside paths, for example, are to its paths, with a view to reducing currently impassable to all but the the degree of restriction. In our hardiest walkers. Upgrading such In the planning and design of a experience a high level of usage is paths will make them more widely shared use path early consultation the best form of deterrent when accessible for disabled people and with different user groups is essential considering issues such as walkers with buggies and prams. to ensure that proper account is taken motorcycles, fly tipping and of their concerns. Sub-standard occupation by caravans. The Kennet and Avon towpath for shared use paths can be unpleasant example, from Bath to Devizes, was and dangerous for pedestrians and However, Sustrans recognises that previously a muddy track with stiles cyclists alike. there will be situations where access and steps. Its upgrading by Sustrans barriers in some form will be to a shared use path has led to a Consultation with residents, cycling, required, but it is important that huge increase in use by walkers and pedestrian and disabled access groups the level of restriction be as low as by wheelchair users. Now one of the will normally be undertaken through possible commensurate with the most popular attractions in the area, local authority channels, although problem to be tackled. Bollards it is sometimes so busy that cyclists Sustrans also welcomes direct contact should be the first choice of access have to get off and walk. with such groups. Consultation with control, to discourage access by disabled access groups should include motor vehicles. those representing people with 5 Safety sensory impairments. Proper Whatever form of access control is consultation is essential to ensure provided should be designed with that attention is paid to the details regard to the needs of disabled users. Cyclists, pedestrians, people with necessary for a successful route. Bollards should be at least one metre prams and buggies, wheelchair users, high and contain a contrasting strip and horse riders all benefit from Sustrans has published guidelines for near the top to help partially sighted routes free from motor traffic. the National Cycle Network, which people. They should be spaced to Although some authorities react at include design details for shared use allow access by wheelchairs and first against shared use, concerned paths. “National Cycle Network: cycles used by disabled people such that walkers will be at risk from Guidelines and Practical Details” (5) as “side by side” tricycles and cyclists, the risk to both groups is provides advice on the selection and specialised tandems. Bell or ball style overwhelmingly from motor traffic. design of routes, and sets out bollards should not be used as these examples of good practice. Feedback are difficult to detect by visually On paths free from motor traffic, the on these Guidelines is welcomed for impaired and deafblind people. main concern expressed by disabled the development of further editions. June 1998 ∑ 2 If motorcycles subsequently become a significant problem, then more restrictive forms of barrier should be considered, such as the ‘York’ style access control. Sustrans has recently revised the design for this, following trials with a wheelchair. The resultant barrier, with a wheelchair bypass, should be negotiable by most forms of wheelchair, including motorised versions. However, this type of barrier still creates considerable difficulties for non-standard cycles and wheelchairs. It also causes difficulties for tandems, tricycles, recumbent cycles, and cycles with child or luggage trailers. Julia Bayne Where there is a perceived problem In urban areas, segregration can benefit all users. with motorcyclists we therefore Visually Impaired People pedestrian and cycle sides. Guidance recommend that only part of a full on this is published by the DETR (11). barrier should be installed in the first Over one million adults are blind or instance, narrowing the access. partially sighted, and many of these Physical separation will not always The remainder should only be have additional disabilities, especially be necessary or desirable, and in rural installed if there really proves to be hearing loss (10). Sustrans’ shared use areas unsegregated paths will be the a problem after completion of the routes are in fact already well used norm.