Traffic Planning for Pedestrians and Cyclists in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals, transportation planning is witnessing a paradigm shift. The focus is no longer solely on motorized transport - pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure are becoming pivotal components of urban and regional development. With the aid of comprehensive surveying standards outlined in the Saudi Highway Code (SHC 202), the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transport networks.

This blog will explore how traffic planning for pedestrians and cyclists is evolving in Saudi Arabia through modern mapping, data collection, and design practices rooted in the SHC framework.

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1. The Strategic Importance of Non-Motorized Transport (NMT)

Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure play a crucial role in:

Reducing traffic congestion
Lowering carbon emissions
Promoting healthier lifestyles
Enhancing urban livability

Saudi Arabia’s urban planning strategy recognizes that efficient transport systems must be multimodal, seamlessly integrating walking and cycling options with road and public transport.

2. Surveying: The Foundation of Effective Traffic Planning

According to SHC 202, surveying is critical to all transportation projects — from design to maintenance. Proper survey execution ensures:

Accurate terrain and feature representation
Alignment with horizontal and vertical datums
Effective mapping of pedestrian routes, bike lanes, and crosswalks

These surveys also help planners and engineers integrate sidewalks and cycle tracks safely into road corridors without compromising vehicular flow.

3. GNSS and Mobile Mapping for Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies, particularly those linked to the Saudi National CORS Network (KSA-CORS), enable centimeter-level accuracy in surveying:

Real-time location mapping of pedestrian crossings and bike lanes
Design of grade-separated intersections for cyclist safety
Integration with BIM and GIS systems for visualization and asset management

Mobile mapping systems (MMS) are especially beneficial in dense urban areas where manual surveying may be disruptive. They help planners:

Identify bottlenecks in existing sidewalks or paths
Monitor compliance with accessibility standards
Generate 3D models of urban environments for redesign

4. Horizontal and Vertical Control: Precision for Safety

For cyclist and pedestrian paths to function safely, their construction must align with strict horizontal and vertical tolerances:

Horizontal accuracy (e.g., ≤0.25 m at 1:1,000 scale) ensures pathway alignment
Vertical accuracy is crucial for slopes, drainage, and avoiding trip hazards

The SHC prescribes using Total Point Stations (TPS) and leveling surveys to achieve this precision in the field.

5. Road Design Lifecycle with NMT Integration

The SHC 202 outlines a structured lifecycle for road projects, which directly supports pedestrian and cyclist integration:

Feasibility Studies: Identification of pedestrian and cycling demand corridors
Preliminary Design: Inclusion of sidewalks, crossings, and bike paths
Final Design: Application of accurate survey data for path dimensions
Construction: On-site implementation using calibrated equipment
Maintenance: Monitoring infrastructure through BIM and GIS

6. Safety Protocols for Surveying in Pedestrian Zones

The SHC mandates robust safety measures during surveying:

Signage and barriers in pedestrian zones
Coordination with property owners before accessing urban areas
Field notes and documentation standards to maintain data integrity

This ensures minimal disruption while collecting critical data for non-motorized infrastructure.

7. Use of Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM)

Digital Terrain Models are essential for:

Designing accessible ramps and crossings
Ensuring proper slope and elevation control
Avoiding flood-prone segments on walking/cycling routes

The SHC requires accurate DTM creation via aerial and terrestrial survey data, processed using stringent quality control protocols.

8. Leveraging BIM for Lifecycle Management

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming how pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure is maintained:

Visualize wear and damage using georeferenced models
Schedule repairs and upgrades proactively
Simulate traffic scenarios involving non-motorized users

SHC 202 encourages integrating BIM into traffic systems for holistic asset management.

9. Future Outlook: Sustainable and Smart Mobility

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to smart city development will increasingly rely on:

AI-powered pedestrian flow analysis
Smart crosswalks and cyclist sensors
Connected infrastructure using real-time GNSS data

By embedding advanced surveying and mapping in planning cycles, Saudi Arabia is poised to lead in sustainable urban mobility.

Conclusion

Traffic planning for pedestrians and cyclists in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation. Through strategic policy, cutting-edge geospatial technologies, and detailed guidance from the SHC 202 code, the Kingdom is building a safer, more inclusive future for all road users.

Incorporating world-class surveying practices into road design not only ensures compliance and efficiency but also enables Saudi cities to embrace a healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable urban lifestyle.

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