# Cycle lanes

## Introduction

**Cycle Lane Feature Type definition**: A linear feature that describes a cycle lane or cycle track and its relationship to the road or path network.

A cycle lane is defined as a section of road or path that is designated for cyclists, either segregated by a physical feature, identified by painted or other signage, or identified by a different colour of tarmac or surface type.

{% hint style="info" %}
Please note, the [Cycle Lane Feature Type](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/data-structure/transport/transport-network/cycle-lane) represents designated cycling infrastructure, **not cycle routes**; therefore, routes that are part of the National Cycle Network are not captured as Cycle Lane features unless designated infrastructure is present that meets the criteria above.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://170091638-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0pZjHxkAvY7Mn6TqFBMD%2Fuploads%2FKPRxsmsbDMForIiTx4NQ%2FCycleLanes_Circle-01%20(1).png?alt=media&#x26;token=0abd77be-ce40-4f20-b618-39ad58252260" alt="Example map showing Cycle Lane features. Background map included for context." width="563"><figcaption><p>Example map showing Cycle Lane features. Background map included for context.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Use cases and applications

Cycle lane data support a variety of use cases and applications:

* Planning cycle routes for active travel
* Asset management of cycle infrastructure
* Monitoring Cycle Network length and connectivity and conducting gap analysis
* Supporting road safety analysis
* Assessing the availability of safe cycling routes to access public services

## Data provision

Cycle lane data are provided in two ways:

* The [Cycle Lane Feature Type](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/data-structure/transport/transport-network/cycle-lane) in the OS NGD Transport Network Collection
* Attribution on the [Road Link](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/data-structure/transport/transport-network/road-link) and [Path Link](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/data-structure/transport/transport-network/path-link) Feature Types in the OS NGD Transport Network Collection

## What you'll find in this sub-section

The following sub-pages give more detailed information about the above representations and how they can be used to allow you to decide which one best suits your use case:

* [Cycle Lane Feature Type](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/using-os-ngd-data/os-ngd-transport/cycle-lanes/cycle-lane-feature-type)
* [Road Link and Path Link attribution](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/using-os-ngd-data/os-ngd-transport/cycle-lanes/road-link-and-path-link-attribution)
* [How cycle lane data are created](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/using-os-ngd-data/os-ngd-transport/cycle-lanes/how-cycle-lane-data-are-created)
* [Known limitations](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/using-os-ngd-data/os-ngd-transport/cycle-lanes/known-limitations)