HC Deb 14 February 1990 vol 167 c232W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations his Department has given to the impact on cyclists of the plans to dual trunk roads; and what steps will be taken to minimise the effects.

Mr. Atkins

In planning new trunk roads and improving existing ones, close attention is paid to the suitability of the route for cyclists and to the design of junctions and other locations where cyclists are known to be at particular risk. Published material is available for the guidance of highway planners and engineers.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further research and publications his Department intends to undertake in 1990 to encourage cycling.

Mr. Atkins

We are pressing ahead with implementation of the remaining aspects of the cycle routes programme of research and application studies.

Research continues into innovatory traffic engineering techniques to help cyclists. Currently, the main projects are concerned with finding further methods of improving safety on roundabouts; refining the use of advance stop lines for cyclists; and identifying a more efficient form of shared use crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.

Our aim in undertaking research and publishing technical guidance on cycling issues is to assist highway authorities and others in efforts to create safer conditions for cyclists.

So far, four local transport notes and 27 traffic advisory leaflets have been produced using the results from our cycling research. Further material on cycling will be published as the results of studies become available.