Active Travel

Improving Austroads Guidance for Cycling and Micromobility Planning

Publication no: AP-R724-25
ISBN: 978-1-922994-59-2
Published: 14 March 2025

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This report recommends improvements to the current cycling and micromobility planning guidance in Austroads Guide to Traffic Management (AGTM). It proposes strategic changes to the guide based on best practice literature, addresses gaps identified by key stakeholders, and recommends specific changes based on a detailed review of the current content.
The overarching recommendations are to:

Provide stronger links to best practice cycle planning and design principles.
Recognise that considered terminology can help deliver projects.
Update the scope of the AGTM to consider wider micromobility options.

These overarching recommendations are accompanied by recommendations that relate to most parts of the AGTM. The report presents the research to support the recommendations.

This report also introduces three key tools to assist planners and decision-makers:

Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) Tool (Excel file |259 Kb) – Assesses the quality of cycling routes by evaluating factors such as safety and comfort, ensuring infrastructure meets user needs.
An All Ages and Abilities (AAA) Cycle Facility Selection Tool (Excel file |156 Kb) – Helps planners choose the most suitable cycling facilities based on local context and traffic conditions.
Crossing Selection Guide (Excel file |148 Kb) – Assists in determining the most appropriate crossing type for people on bikes, considering speed limits and site-specific factors.

Watch a recording of the webinar to learn more.

Summary
1. Introduction
- 1.1 Purpose
- 1.2 Scope
- 1.3 Methodology
- 1.4 Report structure
2. Consultation
3. Literature Review
- 3.1 Conclusions drawn from literature
4. Detailed Review of AGTM
5. Strategic Additions to the Guidance
- 5.1 Consistent principles for planning the cycle network
- 5.2 Considered terminology can help deliver projects
  - 5.2.1 Definitions of users and vehicles for cycling and micromobility planning
  - 5.2.2 Definitions of vehicle, traffic and road
- 5.3 Planning considerations for e-scooters and other evolving micromobility
6. Strategic Changes to Guidance
- 6.1 Moving to ‘vision and validate’ from ‘predict and provide’
  - 6.1.1 Moving towards vision and validate: A long-term plan
- 6.2 A call for consistency: evaluating bicycle network performance
  - 6.2.1 Expanding data horizons for cycle network planning
- 6.3 Reasons for collecting data about cycling and micromobility
  - 6.3.1 Evaluation methods
- 6.4 Improved guidance on consultation and engagement techniques
- 6.5 Supporting projects with behaviour change programs
- 6.6 Planning for a variety of riders and the appropriate infrastructure – user typologies
- 6.7 Increased use and application of a Cycling Level of Service tool
- 6.8 Road space requirements for bicycles and micromobility riders – an all ages and abilities cycle facility selection tool
- 6.9 Addressing conflict between people walking and cycling
- 6.10 Improved focus on safety and priority at intersections
  - 6.10.1 Intersections and crossings
  - 6.10.2 Roundabouts
- 6.11 Inclusion of private and shared micromobility in activity centres
- 6.12 Local street treatment priorities for cycling and micromobility
- 6.13 Planning for bicycle wayfinding and signage
- 6.14 Mobility hub parking
- 6.15 More emphasis on active transport within traffic impact assessments
- 6.16 Safe System focus
7. Case Studies and Examples
- 7.1 Providing a bicycle network for micromobility – Brisbane’s CityLink cycleway
- 7.2 Adopting a principles-based approach to evaluating and engaging on cycling projects – the Activation, Consultation and Evaluation (ACE) case study
- 7.3 Planning for all ages and abilities (AAA) – a cycling network plan for Greater Hobart
- 7.4 Wagga Wagga active travel plan
- 7.5 Considering a protected intersection – the case of the Albert and Lansdowne intersection
- 7.6 Improving local streets through Safe Active Streets, WA
- 7.7 Pop-up bicycle lanes – Phillipson Street, Wangaratta, Victoria
- 7.8 Adaptable cycle planning – Pitt Street cycleway, Sydney, NSW
- 7.9 Adjustable bicycle lanes – City of Melbourne, Victoria
8. Recommendations for Future Updates to the AGRD
9. Conclusion
References
Appendix A Cycling Level of Service Tool
Appendix B An All Ages and Abilities Cycle Facility Selection Tool
Appendix C Crossing Selection Guide