First guidelines for implementing European-level cycle routes

For the first time a set of guidelines is available outlining the standards by which international cycle routes should be created. The guidelines, published by Sustrans and TMS consultants on behalf of EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, give a proper basis for development of what will surely become the first truly sustainable Trans-European Network.

The new guidelines list the best existing technical practice from 12 countries (both within and outside the EU) and at European level. They thus provide a coherent framework for development of both on-road and greenway cycle routes, while endorsing the appropriate local standards.

Philip Insall, Sustrans' International Liaison Manager and editor of the new guidelines, said: "We have worked with colleagues in more than 20 countries to put together these guidelines to planning and building international cycle routes. The development of EuroVelo is a massively complicated task, but with the shift in European transport policies towards greener travel and the predictions of a Euro 20 billion cycle tourism market by 2020, we are confident of its success."

The EuroVelo guidelines is available from Sustrans online at www.sustransshop.co.uk.