UK Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians need roads with them in mind

Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians would prefer improvements on Highways England's (HE's) road network to be open to all types of user – but safely, with areas of greater risk identified and appropriate interventions made, according to a new report from Transport Focus (TF). The independent watchdog engaged with these road users across the UK who stressed the importance of the network in affecting their everyday lives. Key findings showed that safety is of crucial importance to all three groups when
January 12, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians would prefer improvements on 8101 Highways England's (HE's) road network to be open to all types of user – but safely, with areas of greater risk identified and appropriate interventions made, according to a new report from Transport Focus (TF). The independent watchdog engaged with these road users across the UK who stressed the importance of the network in affecting their everyday lives.

Key findings showed that safety is of crucial importance to all three groups when interacting with the network; whether crossing or travelling along it. Research on its usage indicates that 5% of those who cycle regularly, and 14% of those who walk, will go on, next to, or across motorways or major A roads when they do these activities. The primary concern for pedestrians was on the lack of footpaths, especially in more rural areas. In addition, these users have also stated that they are willing to take part in further research into their needs and concerns.

TF will now carry out a new survey to measure the level of satisfaction with journeys among cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians, which will be piloted in two areas of the UK later this year. It is based on the report’s conclusion that are enough cyclists and pedestrians that use the network to make a quantitative satisfaction survey feasible. The views of equestrians can be gathered qualitatively due to their small numbers.

These road users are from Dover, Manchester, Newcastle, Shoreham, York, Didcot, Lowestoft and Hastings.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of TF, said: “Our new survey will help improve understanding cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians’ priorities and make sure England’s major roads are not a barrier to their journeys. This insight should help Highways England and the Government to focus investment and effort on things that make a real difference for these road users”, Smith added.

A copy of the report can be found %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external here Transport Focus website link false https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/research-publications/publications/cyclists-pedestrians-equestrians-measuring-satisfaction-highways-englands-network/ false false%>.

Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • WDM demonstrates wet road skid monitoring system at Intertraffic
    February 6, 2014
    The latest version of a specialist survey machine that has helped save thousands of lives around the world by monitoring the wet road skid resistance of pavement surfaces will be appearing at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2014. The Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine (SCRIM) began life more than four decades ago, but has been continually developed to meet modern day requirements by UK company WDM. WDM is the sole licensed manufacturer worldwide of SCRIM, working under licence to the UK Transp
    Read More
  • Early bird registrations open for ITS Europe
    March 20, 2019
    ITS Europe has opened early bird registrations for this year’s congress taking place in Eindhoven from the 3-6 June. Under the theme ‘Fulfilling ITS Promises’, the European Programme Committee is presenting seven topics. These include deploying new mobility services – from experiments to experience; a breath of fresh air; connected, cooperative and automated mobility; enhancing the efficiency of freight transport; enablers of digital infrastructure; transport network operations; and disruption start-ups &
    Read More
  • Bounce back with Berry’s spring steel buffer
    March 21, 2018
    Oops! Another small knock to your car in the car park. But thanks to the new spring steel buffer from Berry, it is the barrier that yields this time and not your vehicle’s bodywork. A key feature of the buffer is its deflection – typically around 300mm, according to Berry, part of the Hill & Smith group. This means that impact forces are absorbed by the buffers rather than transmitted directly to the mounting bolts or towards deformation of the railing system. They usually require one or two 20mm bolts.
    Read More
  • Zenuity gets green light to trial self-driving cars on Swedish highways
    January 30, 2019
    Zenuity, a joint venture between vehicle solution manufacturer Veoneer and Volvo Cars, is to trial self-driving cars on Swedish highways at a maximum speed of 80km/h. Dennis Nobelius, CEO at Zenuity, says the vehicles will collect important data and improve the company’s safety functions to make unsupervised cars a reality. Transportstyrelsen, the Swedish transport agency, has approved the trials which will take place on the E4 between Stockholm and Malmö; Road 40 between Jönköping and Gothenburg; a
    Read More

Highlighted Content