11.6 Cycle Crossings

Where a street could create a significant barrier to cycling, either due to fast or high volumes of traffic, crossing facilities should be introduced to maintain a safe route.

However, pedestrians should still have priority in line with the user hierarchy (2.1).

Uncontrolled crossings are suitable for minor roads that are 30mph or under.

For busier roads the following crossing types are recommended. Crossings will often be located on the arms of junctions, and consideration should be given to wider movements, in line with the junction guidance below. Further guidance can be found in LTN 1/20, section 10.5.

Cycle priority crossings. These should be constructed as raised tables in line with the guidance in this document (5.3 and 5.11), with the appropriate markings to the Traffic Signs Manual. Where a segregated cycle track on a primary, high or secondary street crosses a side street a continuous crossing should be used (5.2).

Where the major arm of the junction is particularly busy, and queuing needs to be avoided, a ‘full setback’ crossing could be introduced which offsets the cycle track to allow space for a vehicle to wait and give way.

Parallel crossing. This is similar to a zebra crossing, with the addition of a parallel cycle lane.

These should be constructed as raised tables with markings and beacons to the latest Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD).

These can be either shared ‘toucan’ crossings, or separate pedestrian and cycle crossings. Further advice or design and timings is provided in LTN 1/20, and the Traffic Signs Manual.