As a member of the Bicycle Association (BA), Falco has been working with both the BA and the Cycle Rail Working Group (CRWG) to help shape the new LTN 1/20 UK quality and security standards for public cycle parking. 

Announced at the beginning of 2020, the Local Transport Note (LTN) 1/20, is a Department for Transport (DfT) national guidance document that details standards expected of new cycle infrastructure.

The document embraces the principles of policy ‘Gear Change’ of July 2020, which set out the actions required to radically increase active travel.

LTN 1/20 sets out the minimum standards for local authorities and highway engineers when implementing new cycle infrastructure and includes, but not limited to, cycle crossings and junctions, cycle lanes, cycle tracks, cycle networks and of course - cycle parking.

The document identifies five core design principles which represent the key requirements to encourage more cycling and walking:

Coherent – Cyclists must be able to reach their destination with ease, utilising well connected routes, which are easy to navigate and free from obstruction.

Direct – Routes should navigate a cyclist with the quickest direction to travel from location to location.

Safe – The route must be safe and emphasis given for cyclists to feel safe.

Comfortable – Routes should have appropriate widths for cycles, well maintained surfaces and have minimal stopping and starting.

Attractive – Cycle infrastructure should contribute to the urban environment, be aesthetic, stimulating and clutter free.

Although a national guidance document, the LTN does not stop a local authority from creating their own design standards, but does provide a platform for which their own standards should be based upon.

Among the key requirements in the standard which help achieve these objectives are:

• Public cycle parking equipment must either be of proven design (e.g. Sheffield stands) or meet clear criteria.
• Spacing and layout criteria must be met, as must requirements around access, lighting and location
• All public cycle parking installations are required to include spaces for non-standard cycles (such as adapted cycles used by disabled people, or cargo bikes)
• Security of the hardware must be proven to nationally-recognised Secure by Design standards

The LTN 1/20 guide also contains two assessment tools for scoring schemes against the document’s standards – Cycle Level of Service (CLOS) and Junction Assessment Tool (JAT). Originally developed for the London Cycle Design Standards, the tools have been modified to use within the LTN 1/20 guidance document.

CLOS scores a project on a number of principals based upon the topics of cohesion, directness, safety, comfort and attractiveness. All road projects funded by the DfT must now have a CLOS rating of at least 70% to be considered for funding.

A copy of the LTN 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design document can be viewed by clicking here.

For more information about the LTN 1/20 cycle infrastructure design or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.