Better Cycling Networks with Better Survey Data

Across the UK, cycling and walking networks are moving from “nice to have” to a core part of our transport infrastructure moving forward.

In the last few years, several commitments have reset expectations:

• Around £291 million has been allocated to create roughly 300 miles of new footpaths and cycle tracks across England, aiming for 30 million extra active journeys a year.
• Government and metro mayors have set out plans for an initial 3,500 miles of safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes, linking homes with schools, stations and high streets.
• In London, the strategic Cycleways network has grown from about 90 km in 2016 to more than 431 km in 2025, with cycling journeys up 43% in six years and around 29% of Londoners now living within 400 metres of the network.
• At national level, the next Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) is under consultation, and more than 50 organisations have publicly called for clearer targets and a stronger, long term plan for active travel.

The direction of travel is pointing to more routes, better quality and more eyes on each project. For local authorities and their consultants, that means two things:

• There is more funding on the table for credible active travel schemes.
• There is less room for poorly planned, isolated or low quality projects.

Good survey data is central to meeting that challenge. It helps build business cases, unlock funding and design schemes that work in practice on real streets.

Why cycling networks are back in focus

Cycling and walking schemes are now expected to deliver on several fronts at once: Health, climate, air quality, road safety, and access to jobs, schools and town centres.

Recent national announcements in England make that clear. Funding is being directed at creating new, continuous corridors rather than short, standalone sections of route, with the aim to connect people to their every day destinations. At the same time, cities like London are showing what’s possible when investment, policy and delivery line up. Growth in the Cycleways network puts pressure on other areas to raise their game.

Local authorities and their consultants are now expected to show that schemes are:

• High quality and safe
• Joined up, not isolated stretches of tarmac
• Good value for money
• Deliverable within tight budgets and programmes

The role of Active Travel England

Active Travel England is pushing a more strategic, standards driven approach.

It is not just a funding body. It also sets expectations on design quality, network planning and scheme monitoring. To unlock funding, authorities need strong business cases, clear plans and confidence that schemes will perform as intended.

That means understanding:

• Existing streets, levels and constraints
• Utilities and buried infrastructure
• Structures, bridges and crossings
• Drainage, watercourses and flood risk
• How cycling and walking will interact with public transport and general traffic

Survey data is at the heart of that evidence base.

Many councils have delivered individual routes in the past. Often these were added where there was space, or where a grant allowed a quick win. The new focus is about continuous routes that allow people to travel safely from home to school, work or local centres. It’s about filling gaps and removing barriers. To plan that kind of network, you need consistent, accurate data across whole corridors and town centres.

How Survey Solutions supports Cycle Networks

Topographic and route surveys

High quality topographic surveys provide the base mapping for route planning and detailed design. They capture levels, kerbs, verge widths, crossings, street furniture, trees, walls and other features that affect where a route can go and how it will feel to use.

For active travel schemes, the detail matters. Small level changes, pinch points and visibility issues all impact safety and comfort.

Utility mapping and drainage surveys

Digging into existing streets without understanding what lies beneath can lead to delay and cost. Underground utility surveys, CCTV drainage surveys and associated investigations help design teams:

• Avoid clashes with major services
• Plan safe excavations and diversions
• Understand existing drainage capacity and condition
• Design new infrastructure that reduces flood risk

This is particularly important where new segregated lanes narrow the carriageway, adjust cambers or alter run off patterns.

Structures, bridges and crossings

Many of the most important links in a cycling network involve complex structures. Bridges over rail lines or rivers, underpasses or new links across busy roads could all play a part. For these sites, survey work can include:

• Detailed measured surveys of existing structures
• Alignment and clearance checks
• Hydrographic surveys where routes cross water
• Structural and environmental monitoring where works are close to sensitive assets

Bringing this information together early allows designers to choose the right solution and to build robust cost estimates.

Town centres and public realm

Active travel schemes are often tied to town centre renewal. Reallocating space from traffic to people. Improving access to shops and services. Supporting outdoor trading.

Measured building surveys, streetscape surveys and 3D models support design teams here too. They show how façades, levels, steps, ramps and street furniture interact. They help create accessible, attractive environments that still work for servicing, emergency access and public transport.

Why work with Survey Solutions

Survey Solutions is the UK’s largest dedicated surveying business. Our teams support infrastructure and public realm projects across the country, from early feasibility through to post completion monitoring.

For cycling and walking schemes, we bring:

• National coverage with local teams
• Experience working with highways authorities, consultants and contractors
• A full range of services, from topographic and utility surveys to structures, hydrographic and monitoring
• Consistent processes and quality management
• Outputs in the formats your designers and modellers need, including BIM ready data

As investment in cycling networks grows, the pressure to deliver safe, high quality and cost effective schemes will only increase. Good survey data helps you make better decisions, reduce risk and build routes that work for the people who use them every day.

If you are planning new cycling and walking infrastructure, or reviewing existing networks, our team is ready to help. Whether you are shaping a town centre or a single connecting link, we will help you move forward with confidence.