Taxonomy of active travel

Roads in the ACT are graded into a hierarchy.

1. Highway
2. Arterial
3. Major Collector
4. Minor Collector
5. Local Access Street

Now active travel infrastructure has a similar hierarchy. Figure 2 shows the system by which “paths” are designated by a function and placed in a hierarchy. The Active Travel Framework describes a standardised system for naming active travel infrastructure (nomenclature). The hierarchy and divisions is typical of the taxonomy found in the natural sciences. It is not frivolous but serves to create a specific language that can be then linked to specific standards. The standards are defined to create good infrastructure that satisfies the needs of the different active travel user groups. These standards are codified into statutory documents such as the Estate Development Code (EDC). The quality and consistency of our city is dependent on standards and the practitioners that apply them. 

Active Travel Route (ATR) nomenclature and abbreviations are introduced in figure 2. For the purpose of this introduction, the figure has a narrow focus on just cyclists. The Active Travel Route (ATR) nomenclature covers all user groups.

Abbreviations worth knowing.

• LCR – Local Community Routes
• MCR – Main Community Route

Hierarchy of paths compared to traditional road hierarchy

Road	Cycle separated path (off-road)	Cycle lane (on-road)
Highway	PCR
Arterial Road	MCR	MORCR
Major Collector	LCR	LORCR
Minor Collector	ACR	AORCR
Local Access Street	Mixed Street	Mixed Street

The active travel hierarchy applies to for other active travel types too. Canberra bike focuses on cycling so the only important ones for us are PCR, MCR, LCR and ACR.

Type	Location to roads	Cycle	Equestrian	Walking
Verge	off-road	PCR, MCR, LCR, ACR	ER	ACR, APR
Exclusive cycle lane	on-road	MORCR, LORCR, ORCR
Cycle training, racing	on-road	PCTR, PCRR
Recreation	off-road	RR, PRT	ET, PRT	RR, PRT