Overview
Active Travel England's Route Check methodology provides a standardised framework for assessing cycling infrastructure quality and safety. The methodology evaluates routes against a comprehensive set of criteria, enabling consistent assessment across different projects and regions.
Why Route Checks Matter
- • Ensure cycling infrastructure meets safety and quality standards
- • Provide objective, evidence-based assessment criteria
- • Enable comparison and benchmarking across projects
- • Support funding decisions and design improvements
Core Methodology
The ATE Route Check methodology is built around systematic evaluation of active travel infrastructure across multiple dimensions. Each route is assessed using standardised metrics that consider safety, accessibility, comfort, directness, attractiveness and cohesion.
Assessment Framework
Safety Assessment (SA)
Evaluates potential conflict points, junction treatments, surface condition and hazard management.
Accessibility (ST)
Assesses provision for disabled users, including tactile surfaces, dropped kerbs and clear paths.
Street Place Making Check (SPM)
Evaluates the quality of street environments for walking and place-making, considering aesthetics and social value.
Path Check (PC)
Assesses off-road paths and trails for safety, accessibility and maintenance standards.
Path Place Making Check (PPM)
Evaluates the quality and attractiveness of path environments, considering natural features and amenities.
Junction Assessment Tool (JAT)
Detailed assessment of junction designs, priority arrangements and cycling provision at intersections.
Key Metrics
Route Check assessments use a structured scoring system with specific metrics for different infrastructure elements. Each metric has defined criteria and scoring thresholds.
Example: SA01 – Side Roads & Priority Junctions
Assesses treatment of side road junctions and priority arrangements, considering vehicle speeds, visibility and cyclist safety measures.
Example: SA03 – Carriageway Width Conflicts
Evaluates potential conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles due to insufficient carriageway width, considering traffic volumes and degree of protection for cyclists.
Assessment Process
A systematic approach to Route Check assessment ensures comprehensive coverage and consistent results. The process typically involves desk-based analysis, site visits and collaborative review.
Route Definition & Segmentation
Define route boundaries, identify key segments and establish assessment scope. Consider trip generators, junction locations and infrastructure changes.
Desk-Based Analysis
Gather mapping data, traffic information, collision records and design documentation. Use online tools for initial assessment where possible.
Site Survey
Conduct systematic site visits to verify desk-based findings and assess metrics requiring on-site observation. Document with photos and measurements.
Scoring & Review
Apply scoring criteria systematically, ensure consistency across segments and conduct peer review to validate assessments.
Common Challenges
Completing Active Travel England's Route Check tool is not always straightforward. Assessments involve complex judgments, repeated checks and interpretation of infrastructure in varied contexts. The main challenges include:
Time & Resource Burden
The tool requires detailed input across many criteria, which can be slow and repetitive, particularly for long or complex routes. Comprehensive assessments also demand significant staff time and can divert resources from design development.
Training & Context Understanding
Assessors must understand a wide range of infrastructure types, design standards, and local context. Without sufficient training, it is easy to misinterpret requirements.
Inconsistency & Double-Counting
Different assessors may apply criteria differently, or inadvertently record the same issue multiple times, leading to unreliable scores.
Data Gaps & Evidence Limitations
Key inputs such as traffic volumes, speeds or pedestrian activity are often unavailable, outdated, or inconsistent.
Manual vs. StreetVision
| Dimension | Manual (Spreadsheet) | StreetVision |
|---|---|---|
| Time to assess | Long; repetitive data entry | Faster via automation & guided workflow |
| Consistency | Varies by assessor | ATE-aligned scoring; standardised inputs |
| Data sources | Manual lookup from multiple systems | OSM/Google integration; centralised |
| Audit trail | Limited change history | Versioned, reviewable records |
| Collaboration | Emailing files; conflicts | Multi-user workspace with review |
| Reporting | Manual formatting/exports | One-click exports; consistent templates |
* Savings and improvements are indicative; validated figures will be published from Enterprise Design Partner Pilots.
Best Practices
Implementing best practices improves assessment quality, consistency and efficiency while ensuring reliable outcomes that support decision-making.
Establish Clear Protocols
- • Define assessment scope and boundaries clearly
- • Create standardised data collection templates
- • Establish review and quality assurance procedures
- • Document interpretation decisions for consistency
Use Technology Effectively
- • Leverage mapping tools and aerial imagery for desk-based analysis
- • Use mobile apps for efficient site data collection
- • Implement automated data processing where possible
- • Maintain digital audit trails for transparency
Ensure Quality Assurance
- • Conduct peer reviews of assessment outcomes
- • Calibrate assessor interpretations through training
- • Validate findings through multiple data sources
- • Document limitations and uncertainties
Tools & Resources
Various tools and resources support Route Check assessments, from official guidance to specialised software platforms.
Official Resources
Digital Tools
StreetVision Platform
Comprehensive Route Check automation with guided workflows, automated data collection and consistent scoring.
Learn about our Enterprise Design Partner Pilot →Data Sources
- • Ordnance Survey mapping and aerial imagery
- • OpenStreetMap for detailed infrastructure data
- • Local authority traffic count databases
- • STATS19 collision data
- • Google Street View for visual assessments
Need help with Route Check assessments?
StreetVision automates Route Check workflows, reduces assessment time and ensures consistent scoring. Join our Enterprise Design Partner Pilot to streamline your assessment process.