As part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Group of experts on cycling infrastructure, ECF was actively involved in the development of UNECE’s “Guide for designating cycle route networks.” An important part of the guide are quality requirements for cycling infrastructure, now published for easy reference as a separate report.
Better infrastructure attracts more users
Cycling facilities that meet a certain baseline of quality requirements are predictable and useful to cyclists. A consistent standard is also more self-explanatory and easier for other road users to understand, which helps to avoid conflicts and ensure safety for all. By contrast, low-quality cycling infrastructure is unlikely to bring the expected benefits; it will not be used, or it will be unsafe to use.
Snelbinder cycling bridge in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Universal principles
Opinions on what is low and what is high quality infrastructure may differ, depending on the local aspirations and comparisons with what already exists in the area. However, the basic physics of cycling is the same all around the world. For example, cyclists travel in curves, therefore a cycle track should not change direction at a right angle. Minimum curve radius depends on the forces of gravity and friction, not on the level of cycling culture.
Similarly, the relation between speed and distance travelled in a specific time does not change depending on local regulations. Some human capabilities, such as reaction time, are also relatively well established; therefore, we can determine the necessary sight distances and visibility splays.
Different users, different experiences
Following the aforementioned minimum criteria, making infrastructure fit-for-purpose depends on the type of users and volume of traffic which will then determine the specifications of the cycle route. Three user categories were recommended to streamline this process: active cyclists who require minimum parameters, occasional cyclists with higher safety and wayfinding parameters, and cyclists with additional needs due to their physical condition or bicycle setup.
Cycle routes combine different types of infrastructure into a smooth cycling experience. EuroVelo 17 near Mondragon, France.
How to use these guidelines
From selecting to customising infrastructure, the guide considers a gamut of factors to create safe and frictionless experiences for all types of cyclists while ensuring harmony with pedestrians and motorised traffic.
Here are some possible applications of the document:
Read the publication here.
Acknowledgements
The publication is an extract from the “Guide for designating cycle route networks”, a product of work of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Group of Experts on cycling infrastructure module. The content of this publication represents annexes II to IV of the UNECE Guide. The explanation of the classification of users and levels of service from Step 2 of the Guide has also been included.
See also
Aside from the cycle route network guide, the UNECE Group of Experts also developed “Definitions for cycling infrastructure,” published in January 2026. It presents a set of standardised definitions intended for broad international use. Access the report here.
Better infrastructure attracts more users
Cycling facilities that meet a certain baseline of quality requirements are predictable and useful to cyclists. A consistent standard is also more self-explanatory and easier for other road users to understand, which helps to avoid conflicts and ensure safety for all. By contrast, low-quality cycling infrastructure is unlikely to bring the expected benefits; it will not be used, or it will be unsafe to use.
Snelbinder cycling bridge in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Universal principles
Opinions on what is low and what is high quality infrastructure may differ, depending on the local aspirations and comparisons with what already exists in the area. However, the basic physics of cycling is the same all around the world. For example, cyclists travel in curves, therefore a cycle track should not change direction at a right angle. Minimum curve radius depends on the forces of gravity and friction, not on the level of cycling culture.
Similarly, the relation between speed and distance travelled in a specific time does not change depending on local regulations. Some human capabilities, such as reaction time, are also relatively well established; therefore, we can determine the necessary sight distances and visibility splays.
Different users, different experiences
Following the aforementioned minimum criteria, making infrastructure fit-for-purpose depends on the type of users and volume of traffic which will then determine the specifications of the cycle route. Three user categories were recommended to streamline this process: active cyclists who require minimum parameters, occasional cyclists with higher safety and wayfinding parameters, and cyclists with additional needs due to their physical condition or bicycle setup.
Cycle routes combine different types of infrastructure into a smooth cycling experience. EuroVelo 17 near Mondragon, France.
How to use these guidelines
From selecting to customising infrastructure, the guide considers a gamut of factors to create safe and frictionless experiences for all types of cyclists while ensuring harmony with pedestrians and motorised traffic.
Here are some possible applications of the document:
- High-level assessment of cycling infrastructure needs;
- Determining the type(s) of cycle infrastructure suitable for a specific location (necessary level of separation from other road users);
- A part of terms of reference for a design or design-and-build contract;
- Quick screening of a proposed design;
- Evaluating existing infrastructure, identifying most common safety and accessibility issues and estimating improvement needs.
Read the publication here.
Acknowledgements
The publication is an extract from the “Guide for designating cycle route networks”, a product of work of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Group of Experts on cycling infrastructure module. The content of this publication represents annexes II to IV of the UNECE Guide. The explanation of the classification of users and levels of service from Step 2 of the Guide has also been included.
See also
Aside from the cycle route network guide, the UNECE Group of Experts also developed “Definitions for cycling infrastructure,” published in January 2026. It presents a set of standardised definitions intended for broad international use. Access the report here.
