Cycleway Surface Audit and "Eggs-periment" - Spring 2025
During April 2025, Stevenage Cycling Campaigns conducted an audit comparing the surface quality of cycle paths to adjacent roads throughout Stevenage's cycle network.
What we did...
A random sampling method was used to chose 50 locations across Stevenage where cycle paths run adjacent to roads.
At each location, we evaluated which surface would provide a better cycling experience based solely on expected riding experience. This map shows all of the locations along with photographs of the surfaces.
What we found...
Our results show a significant disparity in surface quality:
- In 76.6% of locations, the road surface was preferable to the cycle path
- In only 4.3% of locations was the cycle path surface preferable to the road
- In 19.1% of locations, both surfaces were equally smooth
These findings suggest that in maintenance outcomes, road surfaces appear to be prioritised over cycle path surfaces.
Find out more...
Read the full report of our audit and analysis here
Our Call to Action for Hertfordshire County Council
Following this Audit, Cycling UK Stevenage have prepared a Call for Action to share with Hertfordshire County Council formed after the forthcoming election on May 1st.
The Easter "Eggs-periment" videos
This was a creative experiment which was done shortly after the Cycleway Surface Audit. Baskets of Easter eggs were carried in baskets on 2 cycles on some Stevenage cycleways and roads. What happened to the eggs as they travelled was filmed - the resulting videos are on this link.
Our Question for County Council Election Candidates
One of the 5 questions sent to all Hertfordshire County Council election candidates relates to cycleway surfaces.
