Direction Signing on the National Cycle Network

Home , National Cycle Network, National Cycle Route 21

INFORMATION SHEET FF26

Introduction missing or misleading signage is the main concern expressed by users on the This information sheet has been prepared Network. One missing sign can result in to provide assistance for people involved cyclists ending up on very busy roads and with signing sections of the Network and could put them off cycling forever. links to or away from it. In particular, it offers guidance on: Visitors need to have confidence that they will not get lost, and should be able to follow • the recommended standard of signs the route – in either direction – without needing a map. • the signs required and where they Figure 1: Clear destinations at Slochd summit should be located Clear signing towards and away from a network is as important as the signing along • reviewing newly signed routes the network itself. • the monitoring and maintenance of Signing also advertises the presence of signing. cyclists to other road users and advises them National Cycle that there is an alternative to using the car. Network and Signing Direction Signs The National Cycle Network is a It is essential, at frequent locations along comprehensive network of safe and the route, that signs include key Figure 2: Eastbourne seafront attractive places to cycle throughout the destinations and distances, and there UK, comprising of both National and should be consistency in the destinations Regional Routes. selected. Ideally, two main destinations should be shown, showing locations close 10,000 miles of National Route, together by (see figures 1 & 2). Typically, these will be with numerous links have been completed. the next village and town. Care may be One third of these routes are traffic-free needed to avoid erecting these in locations paths, while the rest follow quiet lanes or where they might encourage car drivers to traffic-calmed roads. The National Cycle follow the Network as a scenic route to their Network is co-ordinated by Sustrans, with destination. In Wales, bilingual versions of Figure 3: Good example of a bilingual the support of over 450 local authorities and signs should be used (see figure 3). sign at Bedwas,South Wales other partners. The common ingredients of all National and One of the key requirements in developing Regional cycle route signs are the bike safe and attractive places to cycle is symbol and route number. These are comprehensive direction signing that links directional, with the route number patch paths, tracks, lanes and roads together to behind the bicycle (as if it were a trailer) or make up the Network. immediately below. National Routes use a The attractiveness and utility of a route to red route number patch, in contrast to a potential users will, in part, depend on the blue patch for Regional Routes. In the case

quality, coherence, consistency and of an overlap of a Regional and a National Figure 4: Dartford, showing local frequency of the signs. Inadequate, Route, both a red and a blue patch appear destinations on and away from the route

Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity and works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport to benefit their health and the environment.

National Cycle Network Centre, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5DD

www.sustrans.org.uk Direction Signing on the National Cycle Network

on the sign. Self-adhesive number It should be noted that the cycle symbol patches may also be added to existing and the number patch are not recognised cycle route signs where there is room to do as tourism symbols and should not be so within the design rules. However, it will used on brown signs. usually be necessary to replace these signs in due course. The use of double- Link Signing sided signs at junctions on the route will Links are an essential component of the inform users not already on the National National Cycle Network and extend its Route that they can join it. In addition, end reach. Links of a particularly high standard mounted signs all fixed at the same level are treated as an integral part of the Figure 5: Small ‘x-height’ on National Route 11, Coe Fen, Cambridge generally look neater than face fixed signs, National Route itself, giving access to a whilst making little difference to the overall wide range of local destinations. cost. If the link is traffic free, the pedestrian Signs for the National Cycle Network are symbol should be included on signing included in the DfT Traffic Signs positioned behind the bicycle (and route Regulations & General Directions 2002 number patch if appropriate) (see figures 6 (TSRGD 2002) (1). The key diagrams are & 11). 2105.1, 2106.1, 2601.1, 2602.1, 2602.2 and permitted variant schedule 16 item 27. Towards the National Cycle Network One-off signs should be designed in Figure 6: Sign showing local accordance with ‘The Traffic Signs Signing towards the National Cycle destinations away from National Route 4, Goose Green Manual’, Chapter 7 (7). Network should show a local destination that can be safely and effectively reached The size of a sign is determined by its ‘x- using the National Cycle Network. It can height’, which is the height of the lower also be of benefit to include the local route case letter ‘x’. At on-road locations an x- name as a destination itself (see figure 7 & height of 35mm is likely to be necessary 11). Where a local name does not exist, for simple National Route direction signs, the National Cycle Network itself can be to ensure that the signs are visible. Where included as a destination. The bicycle destinations are included, and hence the symbol with the National or Regional sign larger, a smaller x-height may be Route number patch behind it should be acceptable. A number of authorities have Figure 7: Sign towards the Exe Cycle included with the route number in Route and National Route 2, Exeter successfully used an x-height of 25mm brackets, in accordance with TSRGD 2002 which is less obtrusive, particularly on (see figure 8). Where the link to a National traffic-free routes (see figure 5). Placing Route coincides with a Regional Route, the logo and route number beneath the the Regional Route number in a blue patch destinations will reduce the sign size. should be included as well as the National Care needs to be taken to ensure that the Route number in brackets in a red patch signs are large enough to be clearly visible (see figure 10). to potential users of the links at the speeds that they may be travelling, otherwise their Away from the National effectiveness is compromised. Further Cycle Network details are shown in the National Cycle Figure 8: Link sign to National Route 3 Network Guidelines (2), or Sustrans’ Traffic The signs should include useful local Engineer can assist with the development destinations such as community centres, of a signing scheme. schools, stations, shops or attractions (see figures 6 & 15). It is important that local knowledge is used to select destinations. The bicycle symbol should

Figure 10: Example of a sign on Figure 11: Example of sign on a Figure 9: Diagram 2602.1, TSRGD Regional Route 10 linked to the Bristol shared path linked to the Cuckoo Trail, 2002 to Bath Railway Path, National Route 4 National Route 21 www.sustrans.org.uk ork INFORMATION SHEET FF26

be used without a route number patch environmental factor, as it hides the back unless the link is also a regional route, in of the sign, diminishes the visibility of the which case the relevant blue route number post and avoids breaking the skyline. patch should be included. Confirmation Suitable backdrops might include a wall, signs could just use an abbreviated building, fence, hedge, embankment or destination such as ‘School’ in order to tree. Locations of signs should be agreed reduce the sign size. with the Highway Authority and/or landowner. The colour and material for the Signs at the Junction of a sign support should be appropriate for the Link and National Route location (see figure 15). Figure 12: Clear sign at junction of two routes, Portbury At junctions, it is particularly important that Signs should be designed and erected in the public know which way to turn along a way that will not require constant the main route, or if travelling along the maintenance. They should be fixed at the main route where to turn off for their same height as general traffic signs in destination. At these junctions finger posts such a way that they cannot be easily are particularly appropriate, where rotated, hit by passing vehicles or destinations and distances should be vandalised, either by using square poles given (see figure 12). or inserting self-tapping screws through the bracket into the pole. These have Joint Signing been successfully used on the Network in Where a National Route coincides with an Figure 13: Joint National Cycle many locations, such as in Northern Network and Byway sign, Dumfries existing signed cycle route, joint signing Ireland, Derby and East Sussex (see figure should be developed to cut down on sign 16). clutter. Signs fixed to round posts should be In the cases of the Trans Pennine Trail and secured with anti-rotational clips, so that the National Byway, the DfT agreed a set of they cannot be turned. joint signs incorporating the Trail logo. The inclusion of any logo still requires On-road Routes authorisation. In the case of joint signing On-road direction signing should generally with the National Byway, the signs should be provided at each junction where there be blue (see figure 13). is a change in direction, where cyclists Figure 14: Continuity sign on the Celtic Trail, National Route 4, St. David’s using a route have to give way, or where Locating Signs there is possible ambiguity. In addition, Along all routes, care must be taken to advance direction signing should be ensure that satisfactory signing is provided provided on the approach to a junction in both directions. The frequency and where the National Route turns off the location of signs should take account of main route – this is particularly important the ability of cyclists to follow the route where a right turn is involved (see should any one sign go missing. figure 17). Care should be taken to locate all signs so A continuity sign just past a junction will that they are clearly visible and legible to both confirm the route to users and assist approaching cyclists, who can then Figure 15: Example of a junction sign, cyclists joining the route. It will not in a rural area, National Route 3. prepare to make the appropriate normally be necessary to sign the route at Note: it is always best to include manoeuvre. Signs must be free from distances as well as destinations every side road it passes. On stretches of obstruction by foliage or parked vehicles. route with few junctions, additional A balance must be struck between the continuity signs should be considered, need for continuous signing and the visual approximately every 1.5km in rural areas clutter that signing can cause. Within and much more frequently in urban areas. sensitive areas, such as rural settings or In remote rural areas, it may be forests, care should be taken to ensure appropriate to extend the spacing of that direction signing meets the needs of continuity signs up to 5km, using existing visitors whilst being sympathetic to the poles wherever possible (see figure 18). In nature of the area. Positioning a sign urban areas, consideration should be against a backdrop is an important Figure 16: Sign using square pole, Northern Ireland www.sustrans.org.uk Direction Signing on the National Cycle Network

given to affixing signs on lamp columns, high pedestrian use or where this is with the prior agreement of the Highway expected, the pedestrian logo should Authority, to ensure continuity. Self- generally be included on the sign. Where a adhesive versions of these signs have path is signed as shared use (diagrams been successfully trialled in Leicester (see 956 or 957) (1), the number patch can be figure 19). added beneath the sign. If new posts are required, it is often better to use short, The opportunity should be taken to substantial square section timber posts rationalise existing signing in the process, with smaller signs fixed to them (see figure so as to minimise 22). sign clutter. The Figure 17: Sign in advance of junction, Shropshire most effective way In sensitive areas, abbreviated signs may to minimise clutter need to be used, in which case at the entry is to incorporate points to these areas, clear signs need to cycle signing into be erected indicating what symbol or logo highway signs, as the user should follow. shown in TSRGD Signs should normally be erected on 2002 Diagrams existing posts. In areas where there is Diag. 2105.1, TSRGD 2002 2105.1 & 2106.1. difficulty in finding suitable locations for If the signing is being rationalised, it is conventional signs, occasional use of

possible to use the more attractive more novel approaches should be Figure 18: Continuity sign using traditional finger post signs to show both considered. Throughout, the cycle symbol existing pole, Carrbridge cycle and road information (see figure 21). and route number should be retained. The This type of signing is particularly suitable same symbol and number should be where a number of cycle routes converge. included on information boards, bollards and elsewhere. Carriageway signs should normally be set back to give a clearance of at least 450mm Surface Markings from the edge of the carriageway. The This method of signing is often best level to fix a sign in the verge for overlooked, yet most cyclists and drivers visibility is between 900 and 1500 mm, spend much of their time focused on the although care must be taken not to surface in front of them. obstruct visibility splays with low level Figure 19: Example of self-adhesive continuity sign signs. Mounting a sign at this level also On Bodmin Moor, where the Council is not reduces its visual intrusion. However, permitted to erect sign poles, a system of where signs are erected on footways and signing the National Route using transverse to them, the mounting height carriageway markings was authorised by should allow a minimum of 2.1m clearance the Department for Transport (see figure for pedestrians and 2.3m for a cycle track. 23). A similar system is also in use in parts Mounting heights should also have regard of London. to possible vandalism/theft. Carriageway markings may also be useful Traffic-free Routes for guiding cyclists through complex junctions and residential streets in urban For routes free from motor traffic, the Figure 20: Existing junction sign with areas. More use should be made of Diag. signing of junctions and access points added route direction 1057 without lane markings, but with should follow similar principles as for on- occasional use of sign to Diag. 967 to let road junctions. However, x-heights should vehicle drivers know they are on a cycle not normally be greater than 30mm. route. Routes that form part of a network of paths, such as those through forests, Surface markings can also reduce both demand careful attention to signing and sign clutter and vandalism, and have been will have a higher frequency of signs than successfully used in Swindon with full a simple linear route, both to direct and colour markings used on traffic free routes reassure cyclists and other users. On a (see figure 24). multi-use path where there is already a

www.sustrans.org.uk ork INFORMATION SHEET FF26

The London Cycling Design Standards (4), directions with the assistance of the local Section 6.4, gives good advice on this Sustrans volunteer Rangers. This subject. independent assessment by a cyclist may pick up aspects of the signing that should Putting Up Signs be improved. It is also useful to use Only the Highway Authority has powers to someone who is not familiar with the route, erect signs on the public highway, which it who might identify gaps in the signing. can do directly or through an approved contractor. Elsewhere, signs may be Monitoring and erected by another party with the Figure 21: Integrated signing in Cumbria permission of the landowner. Sustrans Maintenance It is essential to establish at the outset who volunteer Rangers are working closely with is responsible for the maintenance of local authorities to assist in the signing and signing on each section of the route. maintenance of all Network routes. Maintaining the continuity of signing is When a new route is to be signed, a vital, and a route needs to be regularly sufficient lead in time should be allowed to monitored to identify missing or damaged ensure that all parties have signed their signs. Local Authorities will seldom have section of route prior to the official the resources to undertake this. This work opening, with particular reference to the lends itself to enlisting the assistance of timescale required by the Highway the Sustrans volunteer Rangers, with Figure 22: Confirmation sign fixed to a timber bollard, National Route 45 Authorities. To achieve this, the signing individuals or groups taking on schedule should be drawn up at least responsibility for specific sections of route three months before the opening date, to (see figure 25). allow time for sign design, manufacture Sustrans has a fault reporting system for and erection. volunteer Rangers, which can cover route faults as well as missing signs. Rangers fill Signing Schedule in the fault form, send them to the Local It is usual for the Highway Authority to Authority and copy them to the local compile a schedule of the signing required Sustrans manager. This provides a regular along a route. This will specify the update on the state of the route and in position, orientation, mounting height, size Figure 23: Road marking on National particular the signing. Rangers are asked Route 3, Bodmin Moor and fixing method of each sign, to put up temporary signs until the incorporating diagrams, drawings and Highway Authority can replace the original detailed notes as required. This will be or install a new sign (see figure 26). used when the signs are erected and can be useful for subsequent checking of the A full schedule of all standard signs signing along a route. A sample sign available to Sustrans volunteer Rangers schedule is available from Sustrans. together with the guidance issued to them can be obtained from the Sustrans Ranger The route will need to be signed in both Team at [email protected] directions. We recommend that, wherever possible, the full signing schedule be Other Opportunities Figure 24: Preformed thermoplastic compiled with the route being travelled in marking on traffic-free section of both directions, as it is easy to omit or National Route 45, manufactured by Mileposts and Waymarkers Preformed Markings SW mislocate signs facing “the other way”. As well as formal direction signs, there will Ideally this should be undertaken on a be other opportunities for marking the bicycle, but the use of a car may be route such as mileposts and information necessary on longer rural routes. boards. One thousand cast iron mileposts, incorporating the route number, have been Review Of Signing erected throughout the Network, which are When a route is initially signed, it is vital to maintained by local residents, schools and check that the signs have been erected as Sustrans volunteer Rangers. specified and any corrections made. We strongly recommend that the adequacy of the signing then be reviewed in both Figure 25: Volunteer Ranger removing graffiti on the C2C, National Route 72 www.sustrans.org.uk

Information Boards References

Map-based information boards should be 1. HMSO, 2002, Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2002 placed at key access points to traffic-free http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20023113.htm networks, to help people appreciate what 2. Sustrans and Ove Arup & Partners, 1997, opportunities they have and to familiarise The National Cycle Network: Guidelines and themselves with the locality (see figure 28). Practical Details, Issue 2 These boards should be positioned so http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=11 that the orientation is the same as the 00529418828&pID= direction of travel. There is also scope to 3. Institution of Highways & Transportation, Figure 26: Sustrans volunteer Ranger erect weatherproof perspex leaflet holders CTC, DOT and Bicycle Association, 1996, erecting signing on traffic-free section Cycle Friendly Infrastructure: Guidelines for of National Route 4 which can hold local leaflets or other Planning and Design information. http://www.iht.org/publications/technical/cyclefri endly.asp

Temporary Destination Signs 4. Transport for London, 2005, London Cycling Design Standards Sustrans volunteer Rangers recognise the http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cycles/company/standard considerable difficulty of adequately s.shtml signing the myriad of detailed 5. DOT & Welsh Office, 1987, Signing of Cycle destinations, which make up the everyday Facilities, Local Transport Note 2/87. journey. At a local level, they are able to 6. DfT, Department for Regional Development put up temporary destination signing of (Northern Ireland), Scottish Executive, Welsh Figure 27: Traditional style sign with the type shown here (see figure 29). Assemby Government, 2004, Traffic Signs destinations away from the route, These are very often on traffic-free routes. Manual, Chapter 4 (Warning Signs) Radstock http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/ The small destination detail is intended as documents/page/dft_roads_610049.pdf information for local people who do not yet 7. DfT, Department for Regional Development use the route, and may be encouraged to (Northern Ireland), Scottish Executive, Welsh do so if they realise it goes to local popular Assembly Government, 2003, Traffic Signs destinations. This is a low cost intervention Manual, Chapter 7 (The Design of Traffic that can assist local authorities in deciding Signs) http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/ if a more formal sign is needed. documents/page/dft_roads_610052.pdf

8. Sustrans, 2003, Signing Links to the National Cycle Network: Guidance for Figure 28: Integrated information We are grateful to all those who have Rangers. board on the Colliers Way, National contributed to the development of this Route 24 document and welcome further comments which should be addressed to the technical department at Sustrans.

Figure 29: Temporary destination sign, National Route 72

Further information

For further information on the National Cycle Network, visit www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk, or call the Information Line on 0845 113 0065