CYCLE TRAFFIC - A LITERATURE REVIEW ORIENTED TOWARDS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

This state-of-the-art is oriented towards the operation and maintenance of cycleways, with the emphasis on winter maintenance. It also covers the geometric and structural design of cycleways, cycle accidents, the cycle as a vehicle and choice of transport mode. Of all passenger journeys, approximately 60 percent are shorter than 5 km and just over 50 percent of these are made by car, despite the fact that most people consider there is no difficulty in cycling a distance less than 5 km. An increase in cycling, which in turn leads to a decrease in short car journeys, should yield environmental benefits together with improved health. The cycle flow during the summer is nearly three times greater than during the winter, largely due to the weather. Precipitation, low temperatures and strong winds all have a negative influence on cycling frequency. However, road conditions are also important. A cycleway with poor snow clearance means limited trafficability and a slippery cycleway increases the risk of fall accidents, which deters many from cycling in winter. Single accidents are the most common type of accident among cyclists and many are caused by poor surface conditions. In summer, it is mainly ruts, irregularities and cracks, together with sand, gravel and debris that cause accidents. In winter, there is an additional risk due to snow and ice. The methods and equipment used for cycleway maintenance are often not adapted to these and are the same as for roads and streets. In many cases, the equipment is too large and heavy, and can cause damage to cycleways at the same time as it is difficult to pass through narrow passages. In Sweden, it is generally the municipalities that are responsible for most of the paths and cycleways, and therefore most standards for operation of cycleways have been drawn up under municipal administration. During the summer, the primary requirement is put on evenness. Cycleways must never be so uneven that cyclists use the roads instead. During the winter, the main requirements apply to maximum permitted snow depth and minimum friction. (A)