[OSM-talk] Cycle route planning using OSM

[Ian Sergeant]

Perhaps what we need to start with is a wiki guide to how to use the
currently accepted tags and features of OSM to be cycle friendly.  Once the
page is up, it will be a focus for developing consensus for how to collect
the data and for determining if any new features are really required, and
subsequently how to best render it for cyclists.

If there are no objections - I could put this up as a base, and work from
there.  If I have got anything wrong, then I guess it only reinforces the
need tor the resource, so we can build a consensus on the "right" way.

I'm sure people who have done more extensive work with cycleways would be
able to add constructively to it.

--
Building a Bicycle Friendly OSM

No two cyclists agree on what makes a perfect cycling route.  For some it
is the fastest route, regardless of traffic volume, speed, or cycle
facilities.  For others a low stress route is the preferred alternative.
The best result for cyclists is capturing the best quality data, with as
much information relevant to all cyclists as possible.

This can be done by considering the following points:

1. Enter Cycleways

Use

highway=cycleway

cycleway=track

Only enter cycleways that are usable.

2. Identify Shortcuts

Where two roads don't connect for cars, but cyclists can get through,
construct a short segment/way as cycleway to show that there is a path for
cyclists.

3. Identify Low Traffic Streets

Use

maxspeed=

on roads to identify low speed roads

Use

highway=residential

to identify roads through residential areas

Use

lanes=1

to identify single lane roads

Use width=

for nice wide roads, or when roads are squeeze.

4. Identify on-road cycle facilities

Contruct a new way over the segments where a good on-road cycle lane
exists, of good width and free from obstruction.

Use

highway=cycleway
cycleway=lane

Construct a new way over the segments where a contra-flow cycle facility
exists

highway=cycleway
cycleway=opposite_lane

5. Identify where bicycle restrictions exist

On motorways and tunnels where bicycles are not permitted.  Indicate this

bicycle=no

On pedestrian links, indicate if they are not passable by bicycle with

bicycle=no

6. Identify track surface unsuitable for road bikes

surface=unpaved

---
How does that sound for a start?

Ian.