This chapter outlines the extensive experience gained in Nottingham in the field of cycle planning. The decision taken in 1981 to provide a 6 km cycle route funded by the Department of Transport Innovatory Scheme budget was followed by Nottingham's selection for one of the DoT's cycle route network experiments which covered the whole conurbation. Details are given of the aims of the cycle network experiments and of the schemes which made up the Nottingham network. Problems which delayed the project by a number of years are described. Details are given of the monitoring of the network which was carried out and the conclusions drawn from the results thus obtained. These results are discussed and possibilities for their wider application are assessed. Some of the findings include: a) the importance of considering cyclist/pedestrian conflicts; b) the need for transport and planning policies to complement any special facilities; and c) the increase in safety perceived by cyclists when using cycleways.
Abstract