Sustrans  announced today the launch of their  Handbook for Cycle Friendly Design, on the very latest in best practice design for encouraging active travel.

The Handbook is the first in a library of guidance that Sustrans will make available throughout the remainder of 2014.

This Handbook, launched  on 2 May, is a very visual, condensed version of this library of guidance, which will provide easy access to the key information for transport professionals and practitioners, policy, health and planning directors and elected members, through to community and campaign groups and members of the public seeking increased influence over their local environment and public spaces.  

By adopting the principles contained within the Handbook those entrusted with power over our highways, public space and our children’s future can help to increase the current levels of walking and cycling within society and bring about much the needed improvements to public health and the environment.

Senior Project Officer, Paul Hilton, said:

“In keeping with Sustrans’ vision that 4 out of 5 journeys under five miles should be made by foot, bike or public transport, the emphasis is very much on urban focused solutions to overcoming the barriers that face non-motorised users navigating our towns and cities.

“Contained within is advice and guidance on a range of measures, encompassing a range of different situations and locations.”

Many of the innovative examples contained within the Handbook have involved bold decisions by the local highway authority, who are at the front line of scheme delivery.  In many cases Sustrans has either directly funded or helped develop these schemes in conjunction with the highway authority.

We have now amassed a wealth of experience across the organisation, through our delivery of the National Cycle Network, the Big Lottery funded Connect2 programme of walking and cycle paths, and numerous other cycling and walking infrastructure programmes throughout the UK during the past decade.

At a time when funding for measures to improve transport in the UK are aimed largely at road building, it is essential that another vision is put forward:  a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.