Further background

Frequently asked questions

The project team have been developing this vision since 2022. Many questions and queries have been asked. The next stage of the development should respond with constructive answers.

Clutter
Will a national wayfinding system mean a lot more signs and a lot more clutter on our streets?

Not neccessarily. Clutter is defined as signs and information that do not perform a function. This system is designed to be as minimal as possible while being 100% effective. Anything redundant will be removed. Early prototyping will show if the amount of signs can actually be reduced.

Wayfinding is a luxury
Isn’t it better to invest in the infrastructure first?

A coordinated agreed method of communicating routes and behaviors is central to creating an effective integrated, balanced transport system. Isolated infrastructure improvements do not create a usable network.

Isn’t this all in TSRGD?
What does the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (DfT’s road sign guidelines,) say about active travel?

TSRGD is excellent and focused on road users. It does define how road signs should display cycling. TSRGD does not cover, in any great detail, what happens on pathways.

Lacks robust proof?
What proof is there that these kind of measures have any impact at all?

There are many UK and international studies that show that soft infrastructure is effective and significantly higher value for money. London’s walking system has increased walking by 5%.

Will it take too long?
Putting in a new system must take many years. Will efforts fizzle out?

A national standard can be implemented within five years. The idea is to enable all local authorities to implement a high-quality consistent standard.

Boiling the ocean?
Isn’t this just too big a challenge that it will never happen?

This is a big challenge. It is an issue that has been tackled locally multiple times rather than tackled once allowing everyone to benefit from a high-quality method. National systems have to start somewhere, and there are examples where they have been successful.

Do we need signs when we have mobiles?
‍When all the information we need is on our mobile devices, are signs now obsolete?

Research shows how useful a mobile device can be, it also shows that a lot of people do not rely on them when walking and cycling. Secondly, even if a route is planned digitally there is a need for confirmation and awareness. Road signs do not look like they will disappear soon.

What about local character?
Isn’t a national system making the whole country the same? Losing the essential character of places?

The system will aim to embrace localness. An essential consideration. Pathways are invariably used for local journeys so systems can be more localised. This can be designed into the system, which will make logical parts of the system consistent and allow local character and community input to shine through.

Will it cost too much?
‍The idea that information can be signposted throughout the country has to be very expensive and unaffordable? 

It is all relative. The cost of some infrastructure projects is astronomical, yet their contribution to a network is understood. This is the same. Estimation of cost is that a National roll-out will cost less that one major junction improvement on the A1.

Governmental backing?
Is this initiative supported by the government?

Yes. The development of a national wayfinding system for walking, wheeling and cycling is now official Department for Transport & Active Travel England policy (see CWIS3 published June 2026, pages 15-16) and is supported by the Welsh Government, Transport Scotland and Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure.

Local government representative organisations, including Local Government Association, ADEPT, LGTAG and National PROW Manager’s Group as well as local, regional and Mayoral authorities across England, Wales and Scotland have expressed support. Eleven authorities have funded feasibility studies.

Beginnings
Where did this start?

The Pathways Project stems from initial roundtable meetings held in 2022 which were attended by Active Travel England, Sport England, Applied Information Group, Sustrans (now Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust), Town & Country Planning Association, Wheels for Wellbeing, Quality of Life Foundation and others.

From there Applied developed and proposed the concept of a consistent national system and have driven it forward with support from WWCT, an expert Advisory Group and then an interim UK Programme Board chaired by Chris Boardman. Over 200 organisations at national, regional, and local level have been consulted.

Designs solved?
Are the designs in the Blueprint the finished standards?

Not at all. The designs in the Blueprint are examples and experiments to show how a new system could start to look. They have not been fully researched or explored.

The programme outlined in the Blueprint creates time and space to engage the public, especially people with the greatest need. And then to develop solutions that can be tested, debated and, when ready, become new national standards.

Integration
Does the system include physical, digital and data wayfinding elements?

Yes, this is about much more than physical signage.

There are four interdependent threads – network, awareness, behaviour and data – contributing to the overall system.

Policy change
How does this relate to the forthcoming TSRGD review in 2028?

CWIS3 states that the review of TSRGD is due by 2028. This project aims to inform and propose posituve changes to the standards.

TSRGD was devised in the 1960s for motorists, not walkers and cyclists, and is generally recognised to be in need of updating. This initiative will test new signage and make recommendations that contribute to the review. 

What about the countryside?
Are rural areas and rights of way included?

Yes. An effective walking, wheeling and cycling network must include rural areas and rights of way.

The new national wayfinding system will be designed and tested to work in rural, as well as urban areas.

Will it work for disabled people?
Will the new system be accessible and inclusive?

Yes. User experience design principles are central to the development ol the national system. The design process will include R&D with disabled people, women and girls, young people and families and older people.

Public involvement
Why is it important to involve the public in design?

Designing and testing with people ensures the system works practically and is not just a desktop exercise. In the early 1960s TSRGD was designed , tested and refined practically with motorists. TSRGD is a world class system that has served the UK for over 60 years.

This initiative will address the fact that a user focused approach hasn’t yet been taken for walking, wheeling and cycling.

The housing boom
What about future proofing and new housing developments?

CWIS3 has a focus of ensuring that new housing developments are active travel integrated. Part of this is ensuring that active travel infrastructure is legible, easy to find and navigate.

This initiative will work with developers to test and embed effective active travel wayfinding and information.

Schools
Will this involve safe routes schools for young people and families?

Yes. CWIS3 focuses on getting more young people walking and cycling to school and developing a network of safe routes to schools. This initiative will improve young people’s confidence in navigating routes safely.

Timescales
How long will the system take to develop?

CWIS3 states the system will be ready for roll out in 2030 and pilots are to be launched in 2026. These are tight deadlines that will drive innovation and a fast-paced delivery.

National roll-out
How will it be rolled out?

Incrementally from existing budgets, as new infrastructure development and maintenance occurs.

Funding
How has this initiative been funded?

Development funding has been obtained from the Department for Transport, Active Travel England, Welsh Government, Transport Scotland, and regional and local government, as well as from Sport England, National Centre for Accessible Transport, Innovate UK and Motability Foundation.

Now, as part of national policy, DfT and ATE, with Transport Scotland and Welsh Government will be core funders to complete the national system for roll out by 2030.

Value
Is this value for money?

A Treasury Green Book compliant Strategic Outline Business Case has been commissioned and completed which demonstrates the strategic need for a consistent national system and shows a particularly high expected return on investment.

Please download the full Business Case.

What about existing projects?
What impact will this have on initiatives that are underway?

The logic suggests that the public will engage better with consistency while at the same time the system can embrace local character and regional differences.

There will always be a wide range of current projects underway and the sooner national standards are agreed the sooner new projects can be aligned, revised, improved and expanded.

Please ask a question

It's a complex initiative with as yet many unanswered questions. Please message the project team and we can respond if possible.
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Pathways Project

A practical four-step programme. Build a coalition, design with the public, test in the real world and scale nationwide to create a healthier, more connected, more active nation.
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