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Projects & Networks
Are there any other projects in England?
In addition to the demonstration areas there were two more Quiet Lanes projects in England that have been completed: Oxfordshire County Council "Countryways" - Chilterns AONB, and Wiltshire County Council Vale of Pewsey.
How do I know if I am on a Quiet Lanes Network?
The Quiet Lanes demonstration areas in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) have developed a traffic sign which can be used to notify users that they are entering or exiting a Quiet Lanes network. These signs are smaller than more traditional traffic signs and have been attached to small wooden posts.
Local Authorities who are currently developing Quiet Lanes projects will at present have to apply to DfT for special authorisation to use the Quiet Lanes Sign.
What is the connection between Quiet Lanes and Greenways?
Quiet Lanes are on-road routes which allow people to travel between destinations into and through the countryside. Greenways are off-road routes, managed to enable shared use by people of all abilities on foot, bike or horseback, for commuting, play or leisure. There may have to be some short on-road sections to link up a full Greenway route, But the Greenways, unlike Quiet Lanes, are essentially designed to be car free. Quiet Lanes and Greenway routes can be linked together to form networks of routes.
Are such networks feasible?
The main objective of Quiet Lanes and Greenways demonstration projects is to test our research. We would be foolish to think that Quiet Lanes could be created without meeting different views about all the checks and balances for local access, business needs and leisure. Local buses and HGV's may be using roads that we want walkers, cyclists and horse riders to feel freer on. That is why we are setting up demonstration projects to help test solutions.
As stated above Quiet Lanes are a part of the wider network of non-motorised routes, the same is also true of Greenways. Where Quiet Lanes and Greenways can link with other especially on strategic routes that meet regular journey needs, their value is greatly enhanced.
Connecting Quiet Lanes and Greenways can give users a choice about which route to use. In order to create networks of Quiet Lanes practitioners may have to use off-road links to ensure the network joins at certain points - an example of this is at crossing points or where the network has to meet busy roads.
Are the Quiet Lanes what people want?
People already travel along minor rural roads by foot, horse or bicycle in safety, without the danger of motorised vehicles travelling too fast. As part of a Greenway network, linking off-road routes, or as part of a road network to manage traffic, Quiet Lanes can provide a more welcoming environment for multi-use, thus enabling residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of a wider travel choice for their journey. Quiet Lanes can also help to retain the local characteristics of an area such as high hedges or wide verges, by incorporating these features into an overall management plan.
A local authority should not implement a Quiet Lane or Greenway network without first researching all the local needs and demands, and relating any new proposals to wider traffic management policies for the area in Local Transport Plans. Quiet Lanes and Greenways should not be created for their own sake!
People want to be able to access non-motorised networks from their homes to work, shops, visit friends etc. The growing popularity and increasing development of projects like National Cycle Network, Safe Routes to Schools and Stations demonstrates a growing demand from local communities for better non-motorised access in local areas.
