Distribution of Different Types of Cycle Lanes

Data: Cycle lanes and tracks from London’s Cycling Infrastructure Database (CID)

Cycle lanes are classified into 6 main categories base on TfL consultations. From ADVISORY to SEGREGATED (in the legend), the higher up the road the more suitable and safer it is for cycling.

SEGREGATED:Lane segregated by a continuous or near-continuous physical upstand (kerbs and/or segregating islands) along links.

STEPPED:Vertically separated cycle tracks at an intermediate level between the footway and main carriageway.

PARTIALLY SEGREGATED:A facility separated and protected by intermittently placed objects. These generally includes formal, mandatory lane markings.

MANDATORY:A marked lane for exclusive use of cyclists (with some exceptions) during the advertised hours of operation. It is an offence for other vehicles to enter, unless they are exempted.

SHARED:Cyclists may use the full width of the bus lane during and beyond its hours of operation. Applies to nearside, with-flow bus lanes, and should extend to contraflow and offside types.

ADVISORY:An area intended for, but not legally restricted to, cyclists’ use. Other vehicles are permitted to enter or cross it.