Cycle routes are designed to provide cyclists with safer routes and are principally indicated by signs and markings. They may be on the road, on footpaths either shared with or separated from pedestrians, or specially designated cycle paths.
Cycle maps
We have produced three cycle maps covering different parts of County Durham. The maps identify circular routes for recreational cycling as well as networks through and between town centres for trips to places such as work, shops or railway stations. The three maps available are:
- County Durham North - Skirting the Cities, Routes to Roam
- County Durham West - Hills and Hollows, Trees and Trails
- County Durham South - Villages and Towns, Tracks Without Trains
The free maps can be ordered by contacting pedalpower@durham.gov.uk
Different signs and markings you may see in County Durham include:
Separated footpaths
These are footpaths that have an area for cyclists and an area for pedestrians to use, usually separated off by a thick white line for safety.
Toucan signals
These are special traffic signals, similar to pelican crossings. They have a red man and green man to show when it is safe to cross, but they also have an extra signal - a green cycle. This means that cyclists need not dismount, but can cross over at the same time as pedestrians.
Advanced cycle stop lines
Within ordinary signalled traffic junctions, there are two sets of stop lines on each approach. The one further from the signals is for general traffic and the one nearer to the signals is for cyclists. This is to give space for cyclists wishing to turn right to safely move from the nearside to the offside.
Contra-flow cycle lanes
When a one-way street is introduced, motorists aren't inconvenienced very much, but cyclists may have to travel much further. A contra-flow cycle lane lets a cyclist travel against the flow of the one-way street in safety, and offers a more convenient and direct route.
The problem is that for a safe contra-flow lane, the cyclists must be separated at each end from the oncoming traffic by a traffic island. This can only be done if the road is wide enough. It may also need to have a parking ban throughout the length of the contra-flow lane. This can be difficult in some residential areas with limited off-street parking.
Traffic signage
A full catalogue of traffic signage and road markings can be found on the Highway Code website, which includes those that are applicable to cyclists.
Driving or parking in cycle lanes
Drivers should not drive or park in a mandatory cycle lane marked by a solid white line. Drivers should not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable.
A vehicle driving or parking in a cycle lane may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice within Durham district, or a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) elsewhere in County Durham.
If you have received a Fixed Penalty Notice, you should call Durham Constabulary on 0845 606 365.