UK Cycling
Submitted by: Claire Harkin
Describe your idea. How does it work and who does it help?
Description:
Being new to cycling (after adopting the cycle to work scheme) i found it very hard to plan routes and find find out all the information I needed and as a GIS proffesional I found this lack of information surprising.
My idea is to have a one-stop-shop website which any user can access to plan their cycling route.
This would not be only for people wanting road routes such as myself but also cycling enthusiasts who cycle off road in their spare time.
My idea is to have a site where you look up not only existing information but also to use the concepts of 'neogeography' to allow users to plot their own favourite routes or existing cycle lanes they are aware of on roads which do not already show on the site.
The favourite routes could be classified by ease (easy, medium or hard) by length etc so a user could search routes.
Formaly organised routes rides could also be recorded here with contact details so that cyclists can get together for rides more easily.
Who does it help?
This idea would be useful to all cyclists of any level. It could also be used to gather information to report back to local authorities on the use of cycle routes within their authority. My town has recently been designated a "Cycling Demonstration Town" and as such the initiative could be started in my local area, spread to the other demonstration towns and then launched nationally.
This project would not only provide users access to all of the information they need in one place it will also aim to grow the amount and quality of this data making it a valuable resource. The aim of the project would be to use the data we have effectively and in a joined up fashion to encourage cycling across the country.
What information or services do you need?
Information needed:
Background Mapping
Streets directory - preferably the NSG which is a national database of all streets in the country update monthly by all highways authorities - althought his dataset does not include cycle lanes on roads in most cases it does include some cycle ways already.
Weather information - for the amateur cyclist planning routes for weekend excursions will depend largely on weather conditions. The existing weather information can be searched by postcode. We could link the start and end points of a route to the postcode sector they are in and provide a summary of the weather on the day of the ride on the route.
Postcode Sectors - see above
Address Database - the cyclist wanting to use the site to plan routes between building will need access to address information - this would preferably be the NLPG which is the most up to date and complete address datbase throughout England and Wales.
Naptan - a route may often run to a train or bus and restart at another location. Naptan data could be ised to make sure all nodes are present in the data
Streetworks - information on road closures would allow the user to change route. Further developement could be used to notify a user by email or text when their saved routes will be affected by streetworks.
Local cycling groups mapped to base mapping polygons - This would mean that after planning your route you could get see a link to any local cycling groups which are operating in that area. This would help to promote local groups.
Links:
Fixmystreet - so cyclists could easily report issues with highways they travel on
Route planner - so cyclists could easily plan non-cycling sections of their journeys
This is an idea in its infancy and as such the actual information needed may alter as the idea is developed. Particularly as one fo the first steps would be to canvass opinion from cyclists to find out what information would be useful to them.
Posted by phil on 13 November 2008 at 10:10 PM
www.journeyon.co.uk - Brighton & Hove's travel information portal allows users to plan cycle (or other) journeys by address, post code or just clicking a point on the map. Cycle or walk journeys take gradients and ability into account. Results, including a gradient map are displayed on Google Maps using locally captured data for off road routes and provide time, distance, calories and carbon footprint.
Posted by Mark Steed on 11 November 2008 at 11:57 AM
The main cycling group here in cambridge set up practically the same idea a while back:
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/map/
and me and work people have planned routes on it before, and there's a link to add photos of problems.
Judging from their website, it looks like they are about to launch a national version any day now..
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/80/article7.html
it says "CycleStreets: national online cycle journey planner and photomap"
Looks from other comments on this page like this cycling idea would definitely be duplicating other peoples stuff, so maybe it would be sensible to get in touch with them instead of making another 1?.
Posted by Martin Whitfield on 10 November 2008 at 08:23 PM
Claire,
You may like to look at this link to Cycling England: http://www.cyclingengland.co.uk/encouraging-cycling/journey-planner/
I think it would answer most of your needs and may be there sooner than you think. Best wishes.
Martin
Posted by Grant on 10 November 2008 at 07:36 PM
It's been done already:
http://www.opencyclemap.org/
By Dave Stubbs and Andy Allan using OpenStreetMap.org community data.
Posted by ew on 10 November 2008 at 07:35 PM
Here's a useful route mapping site from the USA:
http://www.cyclistnexus.com/intro/index.shtml
Posted by Anthony Cartmell on 10 November 2008 at 01:51 PM
I've been in touch with the CTC, who know a thing or two about cycling in the UK as they are the nation's largest cycling organisation. They would be keen to be involved with this project as it overlaps with many of their own plans for making cycling more accessible to the general public.
Posted by Shaun McDonald on 08 November 2008 at 09:07 AM
I would recommend routing over openstreetmap data, as you can then build a community around the site.
Posted by Kes on 10 September 2008 at 12:19 AM
Sounds like a great idea - what would be good to do with the weather info is to have a 'chance of getting rained on' function.. something like you say you cycle from A to B between 9 and 10 every day, and if it's likely to rain the site lets you know so you can take the train/bus or whatever - similar to the journeycheck feature offered by some train operating companies at http://www.journeycheck.com/firstscotrail/home.
Most weather forecasts generalise the whole day as wet even though there can be spells of sunshine before and after work.
Posted by Claire Harkin on 12 August 2008 at 11:55 AM
Hi Darryl,
the sites you've suggested certainly are similar to my idea (and don't worry I don't think you are trying to detract from the idea). But whether by design or use they seem to map only entire cycle routes - i.e. a suggested bike ride. My idea is to map all possible routes. So by mapping the cycle lanes themselves rather than your own route in your area other users could plan their journey knowing where the cycle lanes are. Some other sites which ask users to add their own data such as http://www.npemap.org.uk/ for postcode data have shown that there is potential to gain masses of information in this way.
John and Anthony,
Thanks for your encouragement, if by a stroke of incredible luck this competition led to me starting this up I'll be sure to get in contact,
Claire
Posted by on 24 July 2008 at 09:49 PM
It would be handy to shame local authorities about their attempts at cycle lane humour.
It is easily proven that on average every time a cyclist stops is the equivalent of cycling approximately an additional 100 metres. It follows that if a cyclist stops unnecessarily ten times, it's the same as cycling an additional unnecessary kilometre. It is little wonder that cyclists hate to stop. It is about time that transport planning recognised this fact and changed traffic priorities accordingly.
http://www.wolvesonwheels.co.uk/docs/why%20cyclists%20won't%20stop.pdf
Cycling 'Facilities'
Cyclists need to demand why do so many cycle lanes stop within ten metres or so, forcing the cyclist to STOP and rejoin the traffic, often in a place that makes using the cycle lane even more dangerous than staying on the road? Methinks this is more a matter of paperwork quotas than provision of a useful, safe, practical, and integrated network of cycle facilities. Did I say 'integrated', I'm sorry, but that is a lie.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/September2001.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/December2006.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/April2007.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/May2007.htm
The authorities need to explain why cycling facilities bedevilled by crumbling and deteriorating surfaces, often buckled by tree-roots & etc., which slows-down cyclists and makes the facilities very uncomfortable to use and sometimes even dangerous. Cycle lanes are infrequently, if ever swept. Alongside roads also they gather debris and litter including broken glass which renders them dangerous to use.
Cycle lane designers need to explain why many cycle lanes too narrow to use, or sprinkled liberally with a variety of hazards that are seemingly intended to make them unusable and dangerous for cyclists? e.g. Cycle lanes that are routed close to parked cars within the dangerous 'dooring'-zone; paths that run for a few tens of metres only to return cyclists to the main highway round a blind bend; or paths obstructed by bus stops, pot-holed and disintegrating surfaces, trees, lamp posts, litter bins, bollards & etc. Sometimes cyclists using dedicated paths even encounter, railings bollards and fences deliberately placed on the path to prevent improper use by motorcyclists, rendering the path unusable!
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/March2001.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/October2001.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/February2003.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/June2004.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/November2004.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/March2005.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/May2006.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/August2006.htm
It seems that irony is the underlying principle where cycling facility design is concerned.
The government need to explain why cycle lanes are not integrated into a continuous network? Instead they appear no more planned than a jumbled hotch-potch of tiny isolated fragments. It's like describing a pot of cooked chopped spaghetti dumped on the floor 'planned'. The shortest cycle lane in the UK is ONE metre long with a 45% bend, yes, it's too short for a bicycle, perhaps it's intended for unicyclists? Truly a triumph of futility over practicality.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/October2004.htm
This facility is even visible on Google Maps! It's a bit fuzzy, but it's there!
It located on a triangular traffic island at the junction between Armouries Way and Black Bull Street A653.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Many cycle lanes were never 'designed', it is patently clear that many are an afterthought, seemingly without any consultation with cyclists' groups or consideration for any practical use? e.g. cycle lanes that are physically blocked [by fence
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/May2005.htm
by railings
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/September2004.htm
by fence
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/November2007.htm].
Bicycle facility designers in the UK are complete rubbish!
They obviously don't ride bikes and certainly never ask cyclists about what they've allegedly 'designed'!
Posted by on 24 July 2008 at 09:49 PM
It would be handy to shame local authorities about their attempts at cycle lane humour.
It is easily proven that on average every time a cyclist stops is the equivalent of cycling approximately an additional 100 metres. It follows that if a cyclist stops unnecessarily ten times, it's the same as cycling an additional unnecessary kilometre. It is little wonder that cyclists hate to stop. It is about time that transport planning recognised this fact and changed traffic priorities accordingly.
http://www.wolvesonwheels.co.uk/docs/why%20cyclists%20won't%20stop.pdf
Cycling 'Facilities'
Cyclists need to demand why do so many cycle lanes stop within ten metres or so, forcing the cyclist to STOP and rejoin the traffic, often in a place that makes using the cycle lane even more dangerous than staying on the road? Methinks this is more a matter of paperwork quotas than provision of a useful, safe, practical, and integrated network of cycle facilities. Did I say 'integrated', I'm sorry, but that is a lie.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/September2001.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/December2006.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/April2007.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/May2007.htm
The authorities need to explain why cycling facilities bedevilled by crumbling and deteriorating surfaces, often buckled by tree-roots & etc., which slows-down cyclists and makes the facilities very uncomfortable to use and sometimes even dangerous. Cycle lanes are infrequently, if ever swept. Alongside roads also they gather debris and litter including broken glass which renders them dangerous to use.
Cycle lane designers need to explain why many cycle lanes too narrow to use, or sprinkled liberally with a variety of hazards that are seemingly intended to make them unusable and dangerous for cyclists? e.g. Cycle lanes that are routed close to parked cars within the dangerous 'dooring'-zone; paths that run for a few tens of metres only to return cyclists to the main highway round a blind bend; or paths obstructed by bus stops, pot-holed and disintegrating surfaces, trees, lamp posts, litter bins, bollards & etc. Sometimes cyclists using dedicated paths even encounter, railings bollards and fences deliberately placed on the path to prevent improper use by motorcyclists, rendering the path unusable!
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/March2001.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/October2001.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/February2003.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/June2004.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/November2004.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/March2005.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/May2006.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/August2006.htm
It seems that irony is the underlying principle where cycling facility design is concerned.
The government need to explain why cycle lanes are not integrated into a continuous network? Instead they appear no more planned than a jumbled hotch-potch of tiny isolated fragments. It's like describing a pot of cooked chopped spaghetti dumped on the floor 'planned'. The shortest cycle lane in the UK is ONE metre long with a 45% bend, yes, it's too short for a bicycle, perhaps it's intended for unicyclists? Truly a triumph of futility over practicality.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/October2004.htm
This facility is even visible on Google Maps! It's a bit fuzzy, but it's there!
It located on a triangular traffic island at the junction between Armouries Way and Black Bull Street A653.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Many cycle lanes were never 'designed', it is patently clear that many are an afterthought, seemingly without any consultation with cyclists' groups or consideration for any practical use? e.g. cycle lanes that are physically blocked [by fence
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/May2005.htm
by railings
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/September2004.htm
by fence
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/November2007.htm].
Bicycle facility designers in the UK are complete rubbish!
They obviously don't ride bikes and certainly never ask cyclists about what they've allegedly 'designed'!
Posted by Anthony Cartmell on 07 July 2008 at 10:14 PM
The OS OpenSpace API is certainly promising, but can't be used if there's the tiniest sniff of anyone making any financial gain from it. This probably precludes organisations like Sustrans and the CTC from using it under the current Terms of Use.
Posted by darrylxxx on 06 July 2008 at 08:46 PM
And these two http://www.bikemap.net/ & http://beta.mapmyride.com/ . Your project got me interested to see if there was anything existing, not to knock it! :-)
Posted by darrylxxx on 04 July 2008 at 11:04 PM
Hi Claire, I came across this today http://www.gravitystorm.co.uk/osm/ is this more like what you had in mind? Darryl
Posted by John Coleman on 04 July 2008 at 10:32 PM
Oops sorry, wheresthepath is at
http://wheresthepath.googlepages.com/wheresthepath.htm
It currently throws 'Your browser does not support vector rendering' via Firefox3 or Safari but that's just a temporary bugette due to OpenLayers and OpenSpace. Use Firefox2 or IE meantime.
John.
Posted by John Coleman on 04 July 2008 at 05:09 PM
Sustrans is good (I am a Sustrans 'Volunteer Ranger') but they use Google for online mapping and that is sub-optimal compared with Ordnance Survey OpenSpace, which is also right in the spirit of this project.
Have a look at my site at http://dalriada.org.uk/openspace/OpenViewer.php which allows people to post cycle routes they have digitised using a site like my companion site RouteEditor or, more recently, a site like the great wheresthepath site at http://wheresthepath.googlepages.com. The latter supports export of open standard GPX route files and the former supports their import and overlay.
I have used links to markers on my OpenViewer site in eMails to the local authority about route faults eg http://dalriada.org.uk/openspace/OpenViewer.php?r=1&s=4&m=5 . That sounds like a good idea until you learn that IT security rules prevent my council addressees from browsing the link!
All this is by way of encouragement, a good, open, all-UK, mash-up site for cyclists would be very useful and I don't think anyone has pulled it off yet. Go for it.
PS maybe you could get OS Digital Terrain Model data to work out elevation profiles, that would help me choose which route to try next!
Posted by Anthony Cartmell on 04 July 2008 at 01:18 PM
Ah, you beat me to it :)
There are some tricky issues to deal with to create a useful cycle journey planner, but nothing impossible to overcome. I am the creator of the current CTC mapping database (http://www.ctc-maps.org.uk), which includes a large database of routes recommended by CTC members over the years.
While the Sustrans routes should obviously be included in the resulting database, they are a mere drop in the ocean compared to the miles of public road that cyclists can use.
You might find that my other CTC site, http://www.fillthathole.org.uk would be more useful for reporting road defects than (the otherwise excellent) FixMyStreet.
I'd be very happy to assist with such a project, having found some of the potential pitfalls in my work so far. I'm a keen and experienced cyclist, and long-term CTC member, so have a good understanding of the issues. I'm not a GIS expert, but I'm quite handy with web-based neoGIS :)
Posted by Claire Harkin on 04 July 2008 at 10:58 AM
Hi Darryl,
its true that you can search for cycle routes on the sustrans site however when I search for my area I only find one national cycle route within a 5 mile radius of my house. I would say that probably 40% of the roads in and around my area have designated cycle lanes on them. I can't find a way of finding these online along with all the other information I would like.
Sustrans do a very good job though and I wouldn't want to dismiss their hard work.
I think the ability for users to plot all of these cycle lanes themselves would end up with a fantatsic resource.
Thanks for your comments
Claire
Posted by darrylxxx on 03 July 2008 at 10:45 PM
Have a look at http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1091003946875 - they do some of what you suggest...