Chapter III – Practical studies

Cyclists

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We also considered the question of cyclists. Although in the mode of travel diagram for the year 2010 (Figure 77) there is an allocation of movements to pedal cycles, it must be admitted that it is a moot point how many cyclists there will be in 2010. In the United States the bicycle seems to play only a minor role, but we are inclined to think that it may well be retained in the more closely-developed conditions in this country, though probably in diminished numbers. The point does not greatly affect the amount of vehicular traffic for which the new network has to be designed, but it does affect the kind of roads to be provided. On this point we have no doubt at all that cyclists should not be admitted to primary networks, for obvious reasons of safety and the free flow of vehicular traffic. It would make the design of these roads far too complicated to build ‘cycle tracks’ into them, nor would this be likely to provide routes convenient for cyclists in any case. It would be very expensive, and probably impracticable, to build a completely separate system of tracks for cyclists.

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In the conditions that are likely to arise in the future, as vehicular traffic grows, we are inclined to think that it will become necessary to divert cycle traffic increasingly to the less busy roads. In many instances it may even be desirable to allow cyclists and pedestrians to use the same route, suitably sub-divided, especially at critical points where cycle and pedestrian routes cross over or under main distributors. After all, as far as vulnerability to motor traffic is concerned, pedal cyclists and pedestrians have a great deal in common.