Pedestrian-Cyclist Conflict Minimisation on Shared Paths and Footpaths

Research Report

This research report was published in 2006. Austroads commissioned ARRB to investigate actual and potential conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians and to develop best practice engineering, traffic management and urban design measures and education and awareness strategies to minimise conflict and to improve both perceived and actual safety on shared paths and footpaths.

The first stage of the project identified key issues associated with pedestrian/cyclist interaction and conflict through a literature review and consultation with key stakeholders. It also included a review of current practice in Australia and overseas.

Pedestrian-Cyclist Conflict Minimisation on Shared Paths and Footpaths | 1MB PDF

Factsheets

Following the publication of the research report, the Australian Bicycle Council published a series of 11 factsheets. They were developed to help planners and designers maximise the design potential of shared paths and minimise conflicts before they occur.

1. Is the path the problem? | 110KB PDF
Conflicts may arise as a result of path design and/or user behaviour issues. This factsheet provides information to support the identification of situations in which problems are likely to arise from path planning and design (especially capacity) being inappropriate for the type and level of usage.

2. Integrated policy, strategy and planning | 884KB PDF
Conflict can arise if path planning does not properly reflect higher level policies and strategies to promote walking and cycling as alternatives to motorised transport. This factsheet outlines appropriate integration of land use, movement planning, planning across all modes of transport, community development and economic/social development.

3. Urban design and place making | 1.16MB PDF
People are not just pedestrians or cyclists, but have other needs as users of places. This factsheet discusses urban design that considers the needs of all users (pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, people sitting down at a café etc.), including issues such as amenity, safety, security, comfort, permeability of design, legibility and sight lines.

4. Infrastructure planning | 265KB PDF
The planning of path networks is a key to user-attractive facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This factsheet outlines how planning can take into account these issues, including integration of planning, connected and permeable networks, traffic-free routes, on-road enhancements for experienced cyclists, reclaiming residential streets from the car and provision of separate facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

5. Infrastructure design | 580KB PDF
Path design has a direct influence on both the perception and reality of conflict between users (including between different types of pedestrian and between different types of cyclist). This note outlines the requirements of path design for all users, and for the long term, and to Austroads design guidelines. It includes issues such as pedestrian cyclist separation and differentiation of stopping places from movement.

6. Infrastructure construction and maintenance | 389KB PDF
Poor construction or maintenance can reduce the effective width of a path and force users into conflict with each other. This factsheet outlines how paths should be constructed and maintained to provide path continuity, quality control, pavement markings and responsiveness to hazards.

7. Information | 372KB PDF
Users who are unsure of where they are, how to get to their destination or what other users expect may unwittingly contribute to conflict. This factsheet describes how provision of quality maps, signage, line marking and point-of-use information can reduce the potential for conflict.

8. Education and awareness-raising | 184KB PDF
Users may not be aware of the needs of other users and what is appropriate behaviour in a shared environment. This factsheet discusses dissemination of information, including a Code of Conduct, and enhancing awareness of other users on paths.

9. Regulation and enforcement | 244KB PDF
Some traffic laws and local by-laws affect the use and usability of paths. These include restrictions on motor vehicles (including parking on/over paths) and the placement of material on footpaths, as well as the behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists. Enforcement may be the responsibility of the police and/or local government.

10. Travel behaviour Change | 51KB PDF
Travel behaviour change to reduce the level of private car use can enhance the extent to which space can be provided for non-car users and improve awareness of the other users. This factsheet outlines proven interventions that facilitate these objectives.

11. Resources | 57KB PDF
This factsheet identifies the key resource documents from the resource series.