Contra-flow cycling (2-way cycling in 1-way streets)
Briefing
Thursday, 8 January 2015
Contra-flow cycling (2-way cycling in 1-way streets)
Policy Key Facts
Evidence from Belgium suggests that, compared to the road network, the risk of injury is lower in a one-way street with contra-flow cycling or at crossroads including such a street.
Cycling UK View
- One-way systems put cyclists at a disadvantage, making their journeys longer and more stressful. Restoring two-way cycling on one-way streets can significantly improve the safety, convenience and attractiveness of cycling.
- Each local authority should review all its one-way streets, with the aim of progressively converting them either to two-way use (particularly for one-way systems on more major roads), or permitting contra-flow cycling (e.g. on narrower streets), unless it can be demonstrated that there are overriding hazards affecting cyclists.
- Contra-flow cycling should be facilitated through appropriate engineering treatments, depending on the traffic volumes, speeds and road widths involved.
- In many cases, e.g. on quieter roads, unsegregated two-way cycling on an unmarked road is an appropriate solution. More heavily trafficked one-way roads should be provided with contra-flow lanes.