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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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Sustrans reveals new software to help design more inclusive cycling routes

Posted on in Brands & Products News , Cycles News

cycle pathSustrans have recently announced that they have adapted the AutoTURN® software which will help engineers and town planners design streets that make cycling convenient and accessible to more people.

The AutoTURN® software was originally designed to analyse and accommodate movement of motor vehicles but has now been adapted to simulate accurate real-life movements of people who cycle. This software will play a key role in identifying potential barriers on paths as well as ensuring smooth flow and turn for different types of cycles, including tricycles, tandems and cargo bikes.

As a result, engineers get real-time feedback at the design stage on whether a path or a cycle track is accessible and practical for different types of cycles.

Sustrans carried out a series of field tests to help assess the turning characteristics of cycles manoeuvrability, this included: how quickly someone can steer from a straight-line path into a curve, how fast someone can travel around a tight bend, and how far they need to lean to do so.

The purpose of this new software is to ensure that cycling infrastructure is designed to consistently high standards and help make cycling inclusive for everyone.


Giulio Ferrini, Head of Built Environment at Sustrans said: "The lack of consistent, high-quality cycling infrastructure across the UK means that many people don't see cycling as an everyday means of transport.

"Currently, only 7% of disabled people cycle in the UK but 33% would like to start.

"We believe this tool can play an instrumental role in opening up cycling to more people, as it clearly displays in a user-friendly way how different cycles move through space and their varying space requirements.

"This will ensure that local authorities and partners design streets and urban environments that are more practical, accessible and inclusive."

Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said the new tool will help to transform designers' thinking around cycling and inclusivity:

"Too often we find that cycle infrastructure fails to accommodate the needs of non-standard cycles, which not only excludes many disabled cyclists but also family and freight cyclists who use larger cycles.

"With this exciting new piece of software, however, we have something that could radically change designers' perception of cycling, and which could ultimately lead to more accessible and inclusive cycle infrastructure."

Our designers are currently using AutoTURN® to ensure that designs are accessible and practical for more people.

According to Sustrans, the bike simulation tools will be commercially available next year.

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