Five core principles are used to help guide the development of new cycleways. Each is important in creating routes that are safe, comfortable, and convenient for users – especially when also accounting for pedestrians and wheelers.

While the project team will endeavour to incorporate all of these principles effectively when designing this route, we asked respondents to the community consultation to outline the core principles that they feel would be most important to them when developing this active travel pathway. As the project team continues to explore a range of options, prioritising these principles may help guide decision-making in order to deliver a pathway that best suits the needs of the community.

Safety

Traffic (actual and perceived)

We endeavour to provide infrastructure that is safe for all those walking, wheeling, and cycling (the unofficial test is to ask whether it is safe for an unaccompanied 12 year old to use). By prioritising safety, designs may favour options that further remove the route from traffic by seeking alignments away from road corridors, looking to implement wider buffer strips between the path and carriageway, and exploring the potential for physical barriers in some instances.

Directness

Time and distance

Routes should provide a direct link between settlements to minimise travel time between origin and destination. Prioritising directness will demonstrate a desire for a direct link between Stanley and Luncarty, rather than a slightly diverted link along the A9 alignment.

Coherence

Easy to navigate

The route should be easy to navigate. Prioritising coherence will emphasise a need for consistent treatments across the route, and will demonstrate a need for clearer sight lines, prominent signage, and consistent widths and treatments.

Attractiveness

Enjoyable and secure

This refers to the creation of an enjoyable and secure route. By prioritising attractiveness, designs may focus on prioritising more visually attractive options, such as scenic routes, or through the addition of public art.

Comfort

Stress-free (i.e. smooth, wide, level)

Routes should be easy to use with good surfacing and ample width that reduces the potential for conflict between pathway users. Prioritising comfort will encourage choices that maintain a comfortable width, avoid steep gradients, and provide resting spots at various points along its length.