How cycle lane data are created

Information on how OS creates cycle lane data.

How does OS source cycle lane data?

Cycle lane data are sourced from OS aerial imagery, where cycle lanes exist alongside publicly accessible Road Links and Path Links. Where features are not visible from aerial imagery (for example, where there is no visible evidence of a cycle lane or where it is obscured by tree cover), these will not be included; please see known limitations for more information on completeness limitations for cycle lane data. Some additional capture using targeted ground surveying based on intelligence sources has also been used to capture cycle lanes.

How are Cycle Lane features linked to Road Link and Path Link features?

An algorithm is used to link the Cycle Lane feature to a Road Link or Path Link. This algorithm uses a buffer from the Cycle Lane feature and analyses the angle of Road Links and Path Links within that buffer to determine which Road Link or Path Link the Cycle Lane feature is alongside. This is then referenced in the Link ID attribute. In order to provide a one-to-one relationship between Cycle Lane features and Road Links or Path Links, Cycle Lane features are split into links in line with Road and Path Link geometry.