Walking, Cycling and Horse-Riding Assessment and Review (WCHAR).
WCHAR assessments and reviews to DMRB GG 142, making sure highway schemes work for people walking, cycling and riding horses.
Also known as: WCHAR, walking cycling and horse-riding assessment, GG 142, NMU audit, non-motorised user audit
What’s included.
WCHAR replaced the old non-motorised user audit. DMRB GG 142 sets out the process, which runs alongside the design stages and Road Safety Audits. Some highway authorities ask for it on local schemes too.
- WCHAR assessment at preliminary design
- WCHAR review at detailed design
- Existing routes and user counts
- Opportunities to improve provision
- Links to Road Safety Audit findings
- Clear recommendations for the design team
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Early
Started at preliminary design, when improvements are cheapest to make.
Practical
Recommendations the designers can actually build.
Joined up
Coordinated with the Road Safety Audit so the two do not contradict each other.
Questions we get asked
When is a WCHAR needed?
On schemes designed to DMRB, such as work on trunk roads, and on local schemes where the highway authority asks for it.
Is WCHAR the same as a Road Safety Audit?
No. WCHAR looks at how well a scheme provides for walking, cycling and horse riding. A Road Safety Audit looks at safety problems in the design.
What replaced the NMU audit?
WCHAR, under DMRB GG 142.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with WCHAR assessments?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.