Bicycle Network: Good Design Guides

The results are in with some interesting results

July 07. Over a 1,000 people completed the Bike Path Navigation Survey with clear findings on what they think of the current Melbourne offroad network and what they need.

The consistent theme of those surveyed was about clarity at 'decision points' such as intersections of paths and roads. Clear directions at intersections with other bike paths and major roads was seen as crucial with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 with the current network rated as a 2.5 in this regard.

Consistency of linemarking, path surface, and signage across the path network was rated as very important with an average score of 4.2 out of 5.

Mid path signage was not considered a high priority (with the exception of marking which bridge or similar the path was going under) however "how important to you is it that the path speaks for itself and does not change surface, direction, width or markings suddenly" scored a 4 out of 5.

Central line marking really made a difference to the majority of riders.
In between major intersections how important to you is it that the main path is always obvious, i.e. the path speaks for itself and does not change surface, direction, width or markings suddenly? 4 out of 5

Maps of the network were percieved as valuable as most riders surveyed felt they needed to preplan their routes due to a lack of confidence in being able to navigate their journey successfully. 

Half of respondents said "I prepare thoroughly using maps before I go riding on new paths because I am not confident I will find my way".

Bike Path Navigation Survey

June 07. VicRoads are currently looking to improve navigation on Melbourne's bike paths and would like to know your thoughts. Your input to the survey will guide councils and government agencies on what is needed to improve navigation on the path network.

Our survey has just closed, thanks to all those who responded. Winners of the prizes will be contacted and announced shortly. 

Guidelines for improving signage and line marking

In 2003 Parks Victoria commissioned Bicycle Network Victoria to look at ways to improve signage and navigation on the Metropolitan Trail Network.

The report, Signage Audit of the Metropolitan Trail Network, identifies the following treatments to make it easier to use trails without becoming lost:

• Mark a broken centre line along the entire length of each arterial trail. The photo (above) shows how marking a centre line through an intersection helps people to stay on the main trail, even when there are no signs. It is a simple and effective way to improve navigation.
• Install directional signage at intersections where two arterial trails meet using the Parks Victoria green plank signs. Include key destinations and distances on the signs.

In 2003 there were 44 existing arterial trail intersections on Melbourne's Metropolitan Trail Network. Of these 28 have inadequate or no signage.

Bicycle Network Victoria has written to Port Phillip, Docklands, Boroondara, Maribyrnong, Knox, Melbourne, Yarra and Stonnington Councils requesting that they mark centre lines and install signage on the arterial trail intersections in their municipality. The photo (below) is a good example of signage and linemarking installed by the City of Yarra at Dights Falls on the Main Yarra Trail based on the Parks Victoria audit.

A copy of the report can be downloaded (right). It has been divided into several sections.

Line marking guidelines

Vic Roads Cycle Notes No. 10 states 'Australian Standard AS 1742.9, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Part 9, Bicycle Facilities, describes shared path centre lines as being white, 80mm wide, 1 metre long and at 7m spacings.'

However, at a meeting in July 2004 with Parks Victoria and the Cities of Yarra, Stonnington and Melbourne where we were discussing centre line marking on the Capital City Trail we agreed that the Australian standards were spaced too far apart and agreed that 4m spacing was better than 7m spacings.

The broken centre line specifications were agreed to be:

• White paint for one metre out of every four metres. It was thought that this specification was one third of that used on local roads, as cyclists generally travel at one third the speed of a car (20km/hr).

• Short life paint to be used over long-life paint for initial installation. This allows the line to be removed if required, for example where an intersection is realigned or if marking is done incorrectly the first time.