Cycling network
With a cycle traffic network or simply cycle traffic network , starting points (sources) and destination points are connected to form a traffic network for cycle traffic . In order to ensure that it can be used without gaps and detours, all paths and roads suitable for cycling are included in the planning. Only later in the planning process are individual desired lines or paths gradually weighed and excluded, also politically. Bicycle traffic networks therefore go beyond a network of bicycle lanes and other bicycle traffic facilities , are more comprehensive than a cycle path network , which often bypasses the mobility needs of everyday traffic. Typical features of the main routes of this network are a bicycle-friendly design and special, easily recognizable signposts .
The aim for leisure traffic is also to lead cyclists on interesting, often specially developed or car-free routes and to reduce the need for orientation using maps . Supraregional cycle paths therefore ideally run at ground level along romantic rivers and are linked to a cycle network nationally or Europe-wide .
Bicycle traffic concept
Cycle traffic networks are often planned as a cycle traffic concept that is intended to promote the use of bicycles in everyday life ( shifting traffic ) and, if necessary, also promotes cycle tourism . Such concepts are created by municipalities , districts , states , the federal government or organizations (e.g. tourism associations) and planning offices commissioned by them.
These urban planning concepts can also be designed as a traffic development plan for cycling. In addition to the conception, construction and designation of a network connecting source and destination points, a cycle traffic development plan often contains information on linking the cycle traffic network with other means of transport (e.g. bike and ride ), creating parking facilities , public relations work and setting standards for signposting and path construction, for bike rental concepts , for the maintenance and cleaning of paths, for funding opportunities and responsibilities in administration.
Classification
Classifications are assigned to routes in the cycle traffic network. The following distinction is common:
- international routes
- national routes (in Germany: D-Netz route )
- Long-distance cycle routes
- main regional routes
- regional connecting routes
- municipal routes, e.g. B. in the form of bike routes
- Below the routes mentioned there are roads and paths that are used for cycling. This network includes all roads and paths that can be used by bicycle, and thus almost the entire road and path network, with the exception of designated motorways and rare routes with a bicycle ban.
In large cities, municipal routes are still divided into city-wide main cycle routes or cycle routes, district or district routes (secondary routes).
In contrast to the road network regulated by law (federal, state or state roads, district roads, municipal roads), the classification of the cycle traffic network is mostly independent of the responsibility for the construction and maintenance of the paths. The creation and maintenance of long-distance cycle paths is usually the responsibility of the municipality.
Bicycle signposting
Bicycle traffic networks are often provided with bicycle signs. So z. B. the cycling network of North Rhine-Westphalia is marked with special cycle signs.
Signpost types
Cycle signposts are divided into main and intermediate signposts.
Main signposts are set up where routes of the cycle network cross, begin or end or where routes to destinations outside the cycle network are to be pointed out (e.g. train stations).
In addition to a directional arrow, main signposts contain information on the destinations and their distances. Usually the next main destination (e.g. next big city) and the next place and the distances to it are listed. There are also corresponding pictograms for prominent points such as train stations or churches.
Main signposts are either set up in front of a crossroads as table signposts in which the destinations of the routes of the coming crossing are listed on a sign one below the other with directional arrows and distance information, or they are arranged as arrow signposts directly at the intersection, with the destinations of a direction noted on their own signs and rotated in the appropriate direction.
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Intermediate signposts usually contain only one arrow, which is intended to show the course of a route at intersections and junctions at which no other routes of the cycle network cross or branch off. Texts or route pictograms are less common here.
When erecting and assembling tubular posts (usually 60.3 and 76 mm in diameter) for attaching the signposts, the industry standard for erection devices for standard traffic signs is important; the federal states issue guidelines and manuals for the different foundations and the attachment of signs and posts . Insertion plaques for the themed routes, floor markings, diversion signs and information boards complement the signposting.
Target-oriented bike signs
Usually, the signposting is goal-oriented , i.e. the main signposts indicate the destinations of cycling and the distances to these destinations. Ideally, the goal information consists of a combination of sub-goal and main goal. The sub-goal is z. B. the next place shown. The main destinations are usually larger cities that are also known nationwide.
Route-oriented bicycle signposting
Another option is route-oriented signposting , which is used to signpost cycling routes that are based on cultural, natural or geographical topics (e.g. frog cycle path, Upper Lusatian half-timbered houses cycle route and Spree cycle path in Lusatia). They are identified by names and symbols that are used in signposting and marketing.
Often goal-oriented and route-oriented signposting are combined, for example by showing the route's pictogram on the main signposts.
Bicycle hub system
A special form of target-oriented signposting is the node-related signposting .
As a basis for the signposting, the beginning, end and intersections of the paths of the cycle traffic network are numbered. The numbered nodes are given a label with the associated node number. For orientation at and between the junctions there are signs showing the neighboring junction numbers. In addition, overview maps with the surrounding network including the node numbers are set up at the nodes.
After studying the map, this form of signage can make orientation easier, as you only need to remember numbers for further orientation. So that orientation is also possible without studying maps, additional locations are usually also indicated in the junction system. A combination with route guidance is also possible.
The node system can be found nationwide, for example in Belgium and the Netherlands (“Knooppunt”), regionally in some German districts.
See also
Individual evidence
- ^ Freiburg im Breisgau, Radverkehrskonzept 2020 , accessed June 2, 2013
- ↑ City of Leipzig, draft: Radverkehrsentwicklungsplan 2010-2020 , accessed June 2, 2013
- ↑ Handbook on cycle route guidance in Hesse (PDF) ,habenobil-hessen.de, Hessian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport and Regional Development , accessed on March 2, 2020.