CTC Route Data Sheet

The following is an extract from the Guidance Notes to the Cyclists' Touring Club Cycle Route Data Collection Sheets

1. Route Name
Give the route an appropriate name. This may be an existing descriptive name or a name you feel is representative of the routes location and main characteristics i.e. "Lower Dumfries West Hills Farm Route"

2. Route Description
Provide a general description of the route. This text should highlight key points such as location, terrain, climb, etc. and any distinguishing landmarks or local points of interest i.e. "An Arduous route starting and finishing on public roads, but with long forest road and hill path centre section. OS maps are essential"

3 - 6 As Indicated on Questionnaire.

7. Shared / Segregated
Describes the cycleway in terms of type of road / off-road / mixture. If it is mixed (part road, part segregated cycleway) an approximate percentage of each should be noted. Whether it is mixed or all on-road the road classification should be noted (A class, B class, unclassified).

8.Terrain
Describe the type of ground cycle route is on. If the route is on-road it is likely to be gentle, if it is a stony, bumpy cycleway it may be classed as demanding etc.

9. Difficulty Level
Difficulty levels can be expressed in two groups, where levels 1 to 4 are on road and 5 to 8 off road. Attributes that can be considered are shown in the tables below.

Table 1 : Difficulty Level (on road)

Level Length Climb Traffic Time
1 up to 15Km short shallow hills little traffic less than 3 hrs
2 up to 70Km not very long climbs some busy sections single day
3 up to 100km some long climb some busy sections many days
4 any length any climb all traffic conditions many days

Table 2: Difficulty Level (off road)

Level Trail Types Target Length Max. Climb Gradient Surface/Width Acceptable Hazards
5 Railtrails, towpaths, reservoir trails, estate or forestry tracks, Traffic quietened roads 5-10km <50m Shalow climbs an d descents capable of being ridden by children and non fit adults Blacktop or compacted limestone or gravel. Essentially smooth with few loose surfaces. Minimum 2 - 3m width. The target should be nil. Any unavoidable hazards should be identified in promotional literature and through notices at trail head and site of hazard.
6 As for level 5 plus bridleways, byways and unsurfaced unclassified roads. Lightly trafficked lanes. 10-20km <100m Shallow/moderate climbs+/- short sections of steeper climbs which may have to be walked. Mostly sealed surfaces. <10% earth based single track of width <2m. Some loose surfaces, ruts, potholes and/or tree roots may be expected.
7 Any usable trail with pushing or portage unlikely to exceed 2% of total distance. 10-50km <500m A wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature. Any combination of widths and surfaces. The route should be judged on the basis that a reasonably experienced rider, riding within his/her level of skill and prevailing ground conditions, would not be expected to fall.
8 Any combination, but with the expectation of technical riding or a combination of unforgiving terrain, considerable distances or climbs. <100km <1000m Any ridable gradient. May include "drop offs" Expected to include at least 30% single track and 70% offroad riding with challenging surfaces Hazards are expected, as assessed and agreed by an expert user. Falling off will be expected!

10. User Group
Based on attributes such as difficulty and length etc. define expected user group based on the ranges shown in Table 3 below.

Table 3: User Group

Range

Expected User Group
1 Young children and new cyclists
2 experienced and mixed age group
3 leisure cyclist
4 Cycle club
5 Cycle touring (point to point)

11. Environmental Quality
Mostly concerned with air pollution levels. (Very poor may describe city centre roads with no segregation whereas very good could describe a segregated cycleway in open countryside.)

12. Detail any Linking Routes
Name/describe any other routes which link to or cross this route at any point along its length.

13. Stopping points / Amenities
Details such as locations, features, of shops, toilets, public houses, cycle shops, garages, etc. on the route or within a short walk/cycle from the route.

14. Public Transport Links
Details of interchange locations or nearby rail/bus stations/stops.

15. Seasonality
Notes of attributes that may cause problems in particular weather conditions. (i.e Mud tracks - unsuitable in Autumn/Winter)

16. Local Parking Provision
Details of any parking provided at either end of route or intermediate locations (note : whether secure, cost, space etc…)

17. Detailed Route Sections
Split the route into valid sections either by junctions, type of track, changes in direction. Describe each section by the attributes listed on the data collection sheet.