By Charles Pekow — The United Nations has recognized the importance of cycling networks. The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) released the 38-page UNECE Cycling Network: Guide for Designating Cycle Route Networks, available in English, French, and Russian. The guide outlines clear steps for local, regional, and national governments to design effective cycling networks.
“Cycle route networks should be an important component of a mobility strategy of a country, region or a municipality. They need therefore to be, if not done so yet, an integral part of the infrastructure and mobility plans,” the guide states.
The document lays out foundational principles, starting with identifying different types of cyclists and their needs—from children and families to commuters and tourists—and recognizing that each group requires different types of infrastructure. A single network may include multiple forms of infrastructure to serve these various users.
The guide also details the full process of building a cycling network, from defining ambition and assembling a project team to monitoring the network after construction. UNECE breaks the effort into nine steps, including assessing needs, reviewing existing infrastructure, and conducting both informal and formal public consultations to gather feedback on completed facilities.
Among its specific recommendations, UNECE advises raising cycle crossings and installing signage that alerts motorists to cyclists approaching from both directions on two-way cycle tracks.
The guide is available for download at:
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