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How to use this site
The Swindon Cycle Map website has been created to assist all abilities of cyclists with planning the best route for their journeys.
The road network shown on the main map is graded according to the degree of skill and experience needed to cycle each route. If you are a beginner, or haven’t cycled for some time, you should build up your confidence and basic skills on the white roads where traffic is lighter and speeds are low.
Roads graded upwards to higher levels of skill and experience
White = 1
Yellow = 2
Blue = 3
Pink = 4
Brown = 5
As your cycling skills increase, so you can explore the yellow roads. Only when you are able to deal with heavier and faster traffic should you venture onto the blue and the pink routes. Only the most experienced and skilled cyclists should use the brown routes due to the volume of traffic, vehicle speeds and complex nature of junctions and turning arrangements.
Grading is based on the knowledge and experience of road conditions by local
cyclists. Grading takes into account the volume and speed of traffic, the amount of buses and goods vehicles as well as the complexity of the road system. e.g. multiple lane approaches to junctions and large roundabouts. Grading is partly subjective and can only apply to average road conditions. Roads may be a lot busier at peak travel times Monday to Friday but much less busy on a Sunday morning. Grading therefore refers to a mid point between these extremes. The following general
criteria are applicable.
White = Good for beginners. Low volumes of traffic. Low speeds. Few buses or goods vehicles.
Yellow = Generally good conditions for all abilities. Quieter roads. Low volumes of traffic except at some peak periods e.g. around schools. Some bus and goods vehicle movements.
Blue = Not suitable for beginners. Busier Roads. Moderate speeds. Some bus and goods vehicle movements. More complex road conditions. Suitable for cyclists with moderate skills.
Pink = Suitable for more confident and skilled cyclists. May include faster traffic, or narrow carriageways with high vehicle volumes.
Brown = Suitable only for the most experienced and confident cyclists. High speeds. High
volumes of traffic including goods vehicles. Complex junctions with multiple traffic lanes.
Off road cycle paths can be regarded as the equivalent of the White category but still require caution and use of appropriate speed especially at junctions. Wherever paths are shared with pedestrians, please be considerate, make sure that others are aware of you, and pass slowly leaving as much room as possible.
The best way to keep yourself safe – as well as to make cycling more enjoyable – is to learn how to share the roads with other traffic. This is not as difficult as it might at first seem and is well within the capabilities of most people. Cycle
training is available in Swindon for all age groups. Details are available on www.swindon.gov.uk/roadstransport/cycling
Let us have your feedback on the new style of map
e-mail: transportplanning@swindon.gov.uk
or write to Transport Planning, Swindon Borough Council,
Premier House, Station Road, Swindon SN1 1TZ