Design review template

The Design Review is an essential part of demonstrating the design process and showing alignment or otherwise with Cycling by Design. It is an opportunity for designers to show how their design has been optimised, meets the objectives of the scheme, and provides the highest attainable Level of Service in relation to the core design principles.

A Design Review should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the project. The template provided in this appendix is supplied for guidance and it is emphasised that this can be adapted by designers, with the agreement of the Overseeing Organisation, to suit the needs of their project.

Further information on the Design Review is provided in section 2.8.

Project details

  • Project Title
  • Location – this should clearly identify the extents of the project and may include grid references.
  • Overseeing Organisation – this is likely to be the roads authority.
  • Design Organisation

Project background and proposals

Information included in this section may include, but is not limited to:

  • A description of the proposals
  • Design stage (where applicable)
  • The purpose of the project
  • Scheme objectives in terms of cycling and active travel
  • Existing conditions, in terms of facilities and adjacent infrastructure
  • Surrounding environment including, where relevant, existing traffic conditions
  • Current challenges to cycling

Achievement of Level of Service

Describe how the proposed design provides the highest attainable Level of Service against each of the core design principles. Demonstrate that a holistic and balanced approach has been taken, ensuring that all core design principles have been considered, and that the specific objectives of the scheme have been met.

Consider and discuss how the project:

  • provides a safe facility for all users;
  • provides a direct route to ensure that cycling is a desirable travel option, and which cycle users will be encouraged to use;
  • offers a comfortable experience to people cycling;
  • offers an attractive environment which people can enjoy and where they can feel secure;
  • provides a coherent facility which avoids complexity, is instinctive to use and provides consistency on routes;
  • is adaptable, and able to be developed in the future to meet changing travel needs.

Engagement undertaken

Discuss what engagement has been undertaken with stakeholders and community. Engaging with all relevant stakeholders throughout the planning and delivery process will be an important step towards meeting the Overseeing Organisation’s Public Sector Equality Duty.

Design area / element identification

The designer can sub-divide the project into sections or areas for the purpose of the Design Review. This can be done in any way that enables the designer to present the Design Review information clearly and logically.

The sub-division may be based on (for example) geographical areas, or key issues being addressed. There is no obligation to sub-divide the project, and on smaller schemes with fewer issues to discuss it may not be necessary.

Design area 1 (add more as needed)

Design area description

Describe the elements within this area of the design, its purpose and any specific challenges.

Diagrams including plans and cross sections may be helpful in illustrating the situation and the proposals.

Design compromises

Identify any compromises that have been made relating to the recommendations of Cycling by Design.

Refer to any relevant clause requirements which have not been met. This information may be presented in a table and/or illustrated on a diagram where this helps to provide clarity.

Impact of compromises on Level of Service

Discuss the impact of the compromises made. This may include but is not limited to:

  • Users who might be discouraged or excluded from the infrastructure as a result of the compromise;
  • Potential safety issues created for cycle users or other users and how this can be mitigated;
  • Potential accessibility issues created for cycle users or other users and how this can be mitigated;
  • Reductions in Level of Service in relation to any of the core design principles.

Reasons for compromises

Discuss the reasoning for any compromises that have been made. This should include, but not be limited to:

  • Constraints and challenges which have necessitated these compromises;
  • Impacts which would result if these compromises were not made;
  • Identification of any other design options that were considered to address the situation;
  • Demonstration that the proposals provide the most suitable solution in terms of meeting core design principles and scheme objectives;
  • The inter-relationship between any compromises which have been made, or how compromises in the design have enabled other objectives to be achieved;
  • Mitigation proposed to offset compromises and enhance design.

Project Outcomes

Discuss in the broader sense what is achieved by the project and how it contributes to encouraging people to travel more actively and sustainably, supporting the vision and priorities of the National Transport Strategy.

Signatories

Designer

  • Signature
  • Date

Overseeing Organisation

  • Signature
  • Date