Britain's policy towards provision for cycling during the last two decades is outlined. Cycling facilities which have been implemented are then discussed. A number of towns and cities such as Nottingham, Bedford and Exeter have cycle networks planned and in others such as York and Cambridge a high level of cycling is accepted. The situation otherwise is fragmented. Details are given of the types of features that can be incorporated including special crossings, contraflow cycle lanes, cycle gaps, advanced stop lines for cyclists, traffic lights and detector loops. The quality of facilities is considered. Some are let down by poor detailing and facilities tacked on such as Milton Keyne's Redways suffer from bad gradients, sight lines and visibility. Other discouraging factors are outlined. The response of various groups of cyclists to facilities is discussed. The importance of construction and maintenance standards is stressed. The effects of combining cycling facilities with pedestrian, horseriding and motorcycling facilities is examined. The position of cycling within transport, planning and other policies and opportunities for pro-cycle planning are discussed. The author concludes that cycling is still not taken seriously in Britain and that conditions here are worse than anywhere in Europe, except for Belgium.
Abstract