A205 Mortlake Rd - segregation needed
Despite the mandatory cyclelanes there are few cyclists who use them, probably due to the high volumes of traffic. The street is wide enough for proper segregation; and is a main route to Kew Riverside school.
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Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Cyclenation:
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Despite the mandatory cyclelanes there are few cyclists who use them, probably due to the high volumes of traffic. The street is wide enough for proper segregation; and is a main route to Kew Riverside school.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Cyclists crossing the junction on the road (not the pavement) going north are frequently squeezed by the pinch point created by the central pedestrian crossing refuge at the mouth of the A205 and junction with A316
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
This stretch of Clifford Ave joins LCN37 to the A316 cycle track and to LCN 33 up to Kew.
However, it is usually very congested, there are often large trucks; and there is no form of protection for cyclists on this stretch of road.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
South Worple Way is signposted as part of LCN 37; but the western end of it is blocked off with this obstruction; which leaves only a very narrow gap for bikes to get through. Could you get a cargo bike or a trailer through there?
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Doing the school run on bikes - with hiviz, helmets and cycling on the pavement. Queens Road, Richmond, northbound. Cyclists feel vulnerable due to high traffic volumes. There is a wide pavement and wide road here; with enough space to create a dedicated cyclepath.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
This dad with kids in a trailer clearly doesn't feel safe enough to use the bike lane so he cycles on the pavement. Probably because he's on the way to one of the 7 schools or nurseries near to this route; and the cars are doing 40mph on that nice wide road. This is a regular sight on this route.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Despite the cycle lanes being mandatory along this stretch the road layout is such that vehicles frequently intrude into the cyclelane - as this bus did.
White paint does not work on this stretch and some other segregation method is needed -eg a kerb; vertical posts or similar.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
The A316 is interrupted at Manor Circus; requiring a dismount to walk around the roundabout before you can continue again East-West.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Street signage causes unacceptably narrowing of the cyclepath at this point.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
I have serious concerns about the safety of this portion of the bike path; arising from its recent re-design. Recently my 10 year old son was in a very close “near-miss” with a car turning off the A316 into Bicester Road; and I believe many more similar incidents are likely occurring. Eventually someone will be seriously hurt or killed on it.
However, the improvement in the track leads cyclists to feel more confident in using it – giving a false sense of security.
In particular:
• The segregated track makes it particularly appealing for inexperienced and more vulnerable cyclists (such as kids).
• This track design leads to an increase in the cyclists speed.
• The smooth/quick nature of the track leads inexperienced cyclists to believe that THEY HAVE RIGHT OF WAY across side roads.
• There are no markings on the roads to tell drivers coming in or out of side roads that cyclists could be on the track crossing their path.
• There is a particular challenge for EASTBOUND cyclists.
To avoid stopping at every side road, when on the track travelling Eastbound (as per red arrow on photo) approaching roads such as Bicester road, the cyclist has to simultaneously
(a) check to their FRONT/LEFT side to see if a car is exiting the side road
(b) check BEHIND them on their REAR/ RIGHT hand side to see if a car is about to swing off the A316 into the side road (usually at speed) - (as per orange arrow on photo).
This is a hard combination to perform – looking 180 degrees opposite directions at the same time. If you are an inexperienced cyclist, on an apparently safe track, it is very likely that you will not realise you have to be this vigilant and not check adequately for cars.
Hence, my boy rode across Bicester road from the east and was very nearly hit by a car turning off the A316.
(Note that travelling from the west is somewhat easier as both the vehicles turning in from the A316 and those turning out from the side roads are in your front field of vision).
My suggestions for improving this situation are:
(1) Clearly mark the bike track across the side roads so cars are aware there are cyclists approaching from the side.
(2) Ideally, give cyclists priority across the side roads; so making cars slow to a halt and making it more intuitive for cyclists.
(3) To facilitate this, would require some stopping space for traffic coming on/off the A316 to after the bike track crossing
At roads such as Bicester road the bike track could be curved to the south by about 2m before crossing the side road – this curve in the track would
(a) naturally slow cyclists down as they approach the side road
(b) would provide vehicles moving onto the A316 a decent gap so they can separate the concerns of first negotiating the bike track then focus on getting on the A316;
(c) for vehicles coming off the A316 the additional space would give them space to stop and give way to cyclists.
Created by Mark A // 1 thread
A dropped kerb at this point would improve the route that people can take to cycle between Bear Flat and the city centre - making it easier to use Calton Gardens to avoid the section of footpath on the alternative via Holloway and St Marks Church.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
There's plenty of shops on White Hart Lane but the only bike parking is right at the northern end. There is room for more bike stands near the shops at the southern end opposite Westfields Avenue.
Created by DavidT // 2 threads
The current layout of the pedestrian crossing at the junction of Winchester road and Vermont close forces cyclists out of the cycle lane and into the flow of traffic. This is a risky maneuver and relies on the patience of the car driver behind the cyclist. A possible solution would be to be extend the cycle lane through the chicane, with give way markings so that pedestrians have right of way.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Anglia Ruskin are developing their new Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education here. They are required to undertake amendments to the junction here. Can this be improved for cycling?
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Busy Ashton Road (a 20 mph road from the A3029) bends eastward into the commercial area of North Street, close to a well-used park. On the bend, immediately adjacent to a park entrance, Frayne Street brings one-way traffic from the north west, and allows cycles to travel in the opposite direction towards Cumberland Basin. Coronation Road has two way traffic on the north east side.
A recently installed calming measure has narrowed the road on the bend, as shown in the picture. The irregular shape of the road that results has made the turn into Coronation Road awkward for cyclists and, as can be seen from the lower half of the picture, some cyclists take ad hoc routes to avoid the complication. Buses and large lorries also use the route into North Street and most vehicles take the bend at about 30 mph, despite the speed restriction.
As a route for cyclists, there could be a continuous segregated lane alongside the park (perhaps shaving a metre from the park itself, crossing Frayne Road with priority and following Coronation Road eastbound. A large number of school children use the route along the park every day but only a very few use a bicycle.
Created by Eric Booth // 2 threads
Prince St bridge is an anarchic pigs ear. I like pigs and fond of a bit of anarchy but it's getting beyond a joke. Of course it will all be sorted out properly in due course but we could live with this for years. Here's a quick fix:
SOUTH
1. Move south vehicle stop line back 10m behind tramlines
2. Remove all bollards unless one or two kept in line with centre of bridge with arrows right for cars
3. Widen cycle lane from bridge to Festival way turn so suitable for 2-way cycling.
4. Put in Give Way painted line at an angle running from enlarged cycle lane to centre line so southbound cyclists alerted to need to filter across traffic.
NORTH
1. Remove all bollards
2. Widen cycle lane for 2 way cycling all the way up to the traffic lights with The Grove.
3. Remove 5 bollards on each side of north bound traffic light along with the two set back
4. Paint cycle lane passing behind light and then back onto carriageway making it nice and clear that it's an option for cyclists when lights red or they can carry on (as most will, no worse than now but at least it will be clear that they can treat these as 'give way')
5. There will need to be 'give way' paint to make clear that pedestrians have right of way on the by-pass.
Yes it's muddled but less so than now and makes the desire lines easier. It's also a cheap paint based fix pending the proper job.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Cycling North along Westbury Road (A4018) on a shared-use pathway beside the main carriageway there is a sign to "Westbury Park Shops". It is about 50 yards before the Parry's Lane roundabout and indicates a right turn ahead for cyclists and pedestrians. It has been added to a larger sign that reads "New Road Layout".
In practice, on arrival at the roundabout there is no indication before, on or after the roundabout as to where cyclists should go next. A zebra crossing before the roundabout offers a dismounted route to the other side of the road, but there is no indication of which direction to take thereafter. There are 4 roads to chose from, Westbury Park, Etloe Road, North View and Downs Park West but none of them seem to offer shops. There are two ambiguous cycle lane markings on the entrance to Westbury Park and "NO CYCLING" is painted on one footpath.
The problem, in a nutshell, is one that recurs all over Bristol: if you don't already know the way a first encouraging sign gives expectations that are not followed through. A route that had been indicated as a cycle route (with the cycle symbol) at its origin is left to chance and guesswork. The effect on cycling is to increase uncertainty and unpredictability. Each cyclist is obliged to make guesses about how to use a junction or follow a route. An association of cycling with expert and arcane knowledge is reinforced. Many routes (including this one) could be improved with a few additional signs or road markings and their use by casual or less well-informed cyclists could be encouraged.
Hamlet, Auckland and Lancaster roads are used as a rat run by traffic avoiding jams on the Crystal Palace Triangle. Several schools along here and no real need for through motor traffic to be allowed - there are two "A" roads on parallel routes (Church Road / S Norwood Hill, and Croydon Road) within a short distance.
Use of this road as a rat run also creates extra through traffic on Fox Hill, Sylvan Hill, Southern Avenue and other roads that access it. It's not particularly dangerous by usual London standards (apart from getting beeped by impatient van drivers - no space to overtake along a lot of it) but could be made a lot safer so that the kids at the Harris Academies can cycle to school.
Created by MB // 0 threads
Being able to cycle down this road (westwards) to cross Roehamton Lane into Danebury Avenue would be a much safer option than the current one where cyclists have to spend some scary minutes converting from an 'on the pavement' cycle path that is invisible to pedestrians, onto a shared Toucan crossing & then immediately into 4 lanes of fast, heavy & impatient traffic before turning left into the comparative sanctuary of Danebury Avenue.
Alternativley, after the Toucan crossing, an on-the-pavement cycle path could be continued, along the wide pavement (on the south side of Roehampton Lane), & allow a safe left turn into Danebury Avenue.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Proposed demolition of two existing dwelling houses and construction of 12no.flats including land for parking of vehicles in association with the adjacent commercial use at 184 Histon Road | 186-188 Histon Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 3JP
[Previously reported by Michael Cahn]
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
longer than Kew Rd and any traffic can be obstructive in narrow roads.
Toucan crossings of A316, Kew Road and Mortlake Rd.
Is rat running a problem ?
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
Riverside path - scenic.
Richmond bridge is NOT quiet.
The path is narrow in places and surface sometimes poor. On a Sunday it can be congested with pedestrians. How to signpost - recommended except when fine ?
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
A highly enjoyable if hilly route.
Teddington High St is busy and a 20mph limit would send a good message.
The two level crossings in Vine Rd cause delays
Barnes centre also needs 20 mph .
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
Links the Twickenham - Hampton Wick route with Hampton (Schools)
Toucan crossing of Waldegrave Rd and cycle-able (but marked cyclists dismount) bridge over the railway. A toucan across Wellington Rd was intended but only a pelican installed.
Burtons Rd is a notorious rat-run - needs permiable closure.
New crossing of Uxbridge Rd barely adaquate.
No Cycling on bridge over Longford River.
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
For most of this we have an ideal greenway. There is a busy section of Hampton Hill high street. Possibly use the crossings at Uxbridge Rd for bi-directional track on East side. A section of Park Rd is one way. No facilities in Hampton Wick.
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Created by Chris Brown // 1 thread
Conflict between pedestrians and cyclists on stretch of CGB shared-use path alongside allotments and CGB in Trumpington
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
London Cycling Campaign's Space for Cycling campaign
Has a clear message - what can we learn from them?
Created by David Earl // 2 threads
11 flats replacing existing building
Created by Robin Heydon // 3 threads
There is a need for a link between the A14 Histon interchange with Ring Fort Path in Orchard Park.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
It is intimidating to use this roundabout because of the high shrubbery in the middle. It is supposed to slow traffic down but my subjective feeling is that it doesn't
The link is scheduled to be closed for water main installation for six weeks from 30 September.
Nearest alternative ways to cross the railway line are Sandpit Lane (busy road with splitter islands!) or bridge link to York Road (nice and quiet but steps to bridge)
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Proposal
To provide a shared use facility on St Phillips Road that links the Toucan Crossing on Midland Road with the Bristol Bath Railway Path. The route will then continue on a traffic calmed Horton Street
Rationale
The Railway Path is one of the City's busiest parks, with an estimated 5,000 sustainable transport journeys made along the St. Philips end of the path each day either by foot or by bike. With this volume of traffic using the path, it is unsatisfactory that users are channelled into St Philips Road into a busy industrial estate. Since the bus priority measures on West Street and Old Market on the A420 corridor, there has been an increase in private motor vehicles using St Philips Road as a rat-run causing conflict with the volume of cycle traffic. The end journey for users of the Railway Path acts as a barrier to new cyclists.
An improved link form the railway path to Temple Meads would help achieve the Local Enterprise Site aims for sustainable transport and will help to provide for the 17,000 employees at the site.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF proposals.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Dear RCC - I have written because of a junction which is a frequent danger spot to cycle through. It is the junction where Dukes Avenue and Tudor Drive intersect with the A307 Upper Ham Road and Richmond Road.
1. The painted arrows in the middle of the junction suggest that turning traffic should pass on each other's left. This creates a serious blind spot for oncoming traffic and for the cyclist turning. Traffic code 181 suggests vehicles can pass either way but highlight that left to left is the more dangerous for this reason. 90% of the time motorists pass according to how the arrows are painted leaving a cyclist who is turning blind to oncoming traffic. The 10% of the time when a vehicle decides to turn right to right this puts them head on with a vehicle who may have decided to pass left to left. Very dangerous for a cyclist in either situation, there does't seem to be a safe way to tackle this junction as what ever you do.
https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/road-junctions-170-to-183
2. Recently I was waiting to turn right on this junction (left to left position) when a motorist behind me undertook me to place himself to my left blocking oncoming traffic to pass on my left and therefor forcing them to drive at me and pass on my right. Simply because he didn't want to wait behind me until the coast was clear that I could turn.
3. Needless to say the ASL's at this junction are almost completely ignored.
I hate cycling past and turning at this junction. Is there any way it can be improved to become safer for cyclists? A short head start (green light for cyclists) would be ideal but I doubt this will ever happen.
Google Streetview shows the problem nicely: http://goo.gl/maps/8gdo2
Created by George Coulouris // 7 threads
This issue is intended to act a repository for material that can be used to back-up the LCC's 2014 Local Election Campaign 'Asks'. There are 6 'asks' that were finalised and agreed at the LCC's AGM on 19 October 2013:
1. Safe routes to schools
2. Areas without through motor traffic (AWTTs)
3. Protected space on main roads/major junctions
4. Safe cycle routes via parks and canals (Greenways)
5. 20mph speed limits
6. Liveable town centres
so we'll have 6 threads under this Cyclescape issue where we can collect explanations, discussions and most importantly concrete illustrations of what is meant by each ask.
Created by Caroline Page // 1 thread
Significant domestic car parking in the advisory cycle lane of westbound lane combines with heavy traffic jams to obstruct/block westbound passage to cyclists in rush hour. Generally there is a section of this route where pavement pushing is unavoidable
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
The cycle lanes here are a mish-mash of narrow legacy infrastructure, and are often awkward to use.
Created by Gerhard Weiss // 0 threads
Superhighway 3 on cable street is also a rat run. Cell 1 marks the area bounded by 'logical' cell boundary streets. There should be no through motor traffic within this area
Created by David Earl // 5 threads
Greater Anglia has just issued a consultation on cycles at stations and on trains
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
We've launched the campaign for a major upgrade to the cycle tracks on Tavistock Place/Torrington Place. The campaign is fronted by this video:
http://camdencyclists.org.uk/camden/campaigns/ssl-upgrade/index_html
This issue provides a forum for discussion by (a) CCC committee and (b) campaign activists. Please create threads as necessary.
Created by Robert Asher // 1 thread
Hello, I'm wondering how many other Cambridge cyclists have shared the experience I've had (about once per month now) regarding a particular elderly lady who insists that bikes are not allowed on the "footpath" adjacent to the Trumpington allotments, between Shelford Rd & the new busway in CB2. This path seems clearly demarcated as a shared pedestrian-cycle path on the cycle maps provided at the council link (below). However, it is not clearly labeled as such on the path itself, leading her to become quite angry with any cyclist who gets near her & her dog while they're out walking (and obstructing the path to underscore her point). "It's a footpath" she yells, and storms away.
So my questions are 1) am I correct in interpreting the council map (below) as permitting bikes on this path and 2) how might one go about requesting proper signage, clearly saying bikes & pedestrians are both welcome?
Thanks for any feedback, Robert
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sites/www.cambridge.gov.uk/files/documents/cambridge-cycling-map.pdf
Proposal
To investigate the purchase of land adjacent to the Bristol Bath Railway Path (BBRP) to provide a link to the Dings Railway Path which connects to Temple Meads station.
Rationale
The BBRP is one of Britain’s busiest off-road pedestrian and cycle paths with over 5000 people using it daily. The current link to Bristol Temple Meads is via St Phillips Road and Horton Street, both of which can be heavily trafficked with vehicles travelling at speed. A continuation of an off road route into Temple Meads would be very popular and help achieve the Local Enterprise Site aims for sustainable transport.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF proposals.
Created by TMiles // 0 threads
Cyclists benefit from an almost continuous cycle or bus lane along the A660 from the city centre. This route is much used by students cycling between central university campuses and accommodation in north-west Leeds.
After the central traffic lights in Headingley, the cycle lane ends and the road narrows. Although the road later widens out to two lanes, there is a stretch (marked on the map) where cyclists have insufficient space on what is a busy radial road.
There are two possible solutions here. The first would be to widen the north-west bound lane to allow a standard width cycle lane to be marked out. The second option would be to add a phase into the traffic light sequence that grants cyclists a ~10 second head start to clear this narrow stretch. This solution could involve detectors in the cycle lane upstream of the lights to avoid its unnecessary activation. It would also allow cyclists to position themselves better for the next junction, where traffic is split into two lanes.
Created by Harry Wood // 1 thread
I cycle southwards down Sussex Way each morning, and the logical thing to do is continue down Hornsey Road. Even better would be if this could somehow join onto the nicely cycle provisioned route down Arnette Road. Would make a logical route southwards, but short of bulldozing some shops, I'm not sure how it could be made to join up better.
So anyway I go down Hornsey Road, but the weird thing is I'm not allowed to turn right from Severn Sisters Rd to Horsey Road. It's weird because there's a little strip of cycle lane on Severn Sisters Road leading into this junction, which would very much imply that the highway planners are expecting cyclists to do this. Maybe there should be a blue 'except cyclists' sign there.... except that cyclists need to avoid running over the pedestrians who are crossing at that time in the traffic light sequence.
I'm actually not sure what can be done to improve this. Maybe someone else can think of something.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The "cyclist priority route" on NCN1, Felixstowe Road obviously isn't that subjectively safe as I've seen someone cycling on the pavement southbound rather than on the road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DItGP0Lt200 is a video of the road from another occasion.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Proposal
To provide either a fully segregated two-way cycle facility on the south side or a suitable alternative on Commercial Road and Clarence Road. If delivered this would provide an excellent East/West route that extends from Avonmouth to Temple Meads and beyond.
This scheme would tie in with proposals on Redcliffe Hill. BRT designs will be considered in conjunction with the proposals. This route will significantly help achieve the Local Enterprise Zone sustainable transport aims.
Rationale
Research has identified three key perceptions that deter people from taking up cycling: lack of personal safety; inconvenience; poor image. Experience from countries in northern Europe shows conclusively that in order for cycling to become a mass activity attracting all ages and abilities these perceptions have to be tackled and potential cyclists must believe they will feel safe, valued and normal. Facilities are needed that form a coherent network, separate cyclists from fast, high volume traffic and offer them a high degree of priority and convenience both on main routes and local roads. The purpose of Bristol's 'Design Cycling' work programme is to create a network and that is convenient, safe and provides speedy access all over the city. A network which a 12 year old would feel comfortable using.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF Proposal.
Created by MikeF // 0 threads
When cycling along western park road towards mutley. On sections that have speed bumps without the traffic islands/bollards, car/taxi drivers dangerously position their cars (across both lanes) at speed to avoid the speed bumps. Friday & Saturday nights is the worst time with the taxi's.
Created by MikeF // 1 thread
Traffic light sensor on Beechwood Avenue does not detect 6061 T6 aluminium bike frames very well
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Planning application: http://planningpages.midsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_MSUFF_DCAPR_92778
There are concerns about no or too little improvements for walking and cycling along Paper Mill Lane with the increase in traffic caused by the development.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The roundabout at the south end of Claydon under the A14 is pretty horrible for pedestrians and cyclists. It would be extremely useful if this could be upgraded to a Dutch style roundabout with:
* tighter entrances and exits will slow down vehicles to a safer speed while cyclists and pedestrians are around. The current dimensions are only ok when there are no cyclists or pedestrians around and it's safe for motors to go fast.
* single lane entrances and exit will make is easier to cross each arm. There would be no zig zag in the island.
* cycle track with separate pavement for pedestrians outside the roundabout, thus preventing conflict between the 3 modes of transport.
* cycle track crossing at 90 degrees to the road to aid visibility between different modes of transport.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Bristol City Council are changing the waiting restrictions across the whole of Clifton in Bristol. The number of places that you can legally park in are being decreased.
Cycle Parking is being removed on Victoria Street.