Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Design manual for bicycle traffic

'Design Manual for Bicyle traffic' is latest version of ‘Sign up for the bike’, the standard manual for those who design for bicycle traffic.

A bicycle-friendly infrastructure is one that allows direct and comfortable cycling in a safe and attractive traffic environment. Only then is it possible to create an alternative to the car. High quality bicycle infrastructures lead to a larger share of bicycles in the modal split. This design manual describes the steps required to achieve such an infrastructure from the policy plan to promote cycling to the physical implementation of a bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Bicycle infrastructure comprises all the technical provisions intended for cyclists.

A recurrent theme runs throughout the design manual as an assignment for the designer: immerse yourself in the idea that the cyclist is the future user of the design; give form to the objectives; balance functionality, form and use. This is a creative challenge demanding more than just the use of templates; the process compels the designer to consider and formulate the consequences of choices in his design. Also read: Cycling in The Netherlands (go to 'bestand')





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