Recreational Cycle Route Planning and Development

Course Aim

To equip learners with the knowledge and skills to aid the planning and development of recreational cycle routes in Ireland.

Course Topics

• National and local policy for cycling infrastructure provision

• Technical guidance/standards

• International context and trends for cycling route development.

• The different types of cyclists - and the different types of bicycles/cycles (and main accessories).

• What is a good recreational cycling trail?

• Key issues and considerations for planning cycling routes

• The process for cycling route planning and development.

• Estimating the indicative costs for planning, developing and maintaining a recreational cycling route

Course will be delivered over two days with classroom sessions and a site visit by bicycle to observe cycling friendly infrastructure.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, participants will be able to:

•   Describe the strategic policy context for cycle route development in Ireland

•   Comment on broad developments/trends in the international field of recreational cycle route development

•   Describe the needs and expectations of different types of cyclists

•   Demonstrate an understanding of the features and characteristics of a recreational cycling trail which is ‘fit for purpose’

•   Comment on common mistakes in cycling trail design

• Outline key considerations which need to be addressed when planning and developing recreational cycling trails including legal, statutory, environmental, planning issues etc.

•   Assess the viability of a proposal for development

•   Apply a step-by-step process to a cycle route project

Target Audience

This course is suitable for individuals working in the recreation/tourism/transport/cycling areas but will be of particular interest to:

• Those involved with and/ or are responsible for planning and developing cycle routes.

• Those involved in funding and or approving cycle route projects.

• Staff within Local Authorities (including Cycling Officers) and other state agencies with a role related to cycling

• Rural/Community Development representatives