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 Sam Saunders // 0 threads
The south-west bound advisory cycle lane, marked with dotted lines and with a small traffic island to funnel cycles into it (creating a pinch-point) seems to be regularly used a car park. If the parking is being encouraged or allowed, the island and the markings should be removed to allow the hazard to be more clearly seen. Preferably, the parking should be disallowed and a mandatory cycle lane should be installed.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
This stretch of Grove Road is pedestrianised. Formally opening this up to cyclists - and marking it so - would help establish a quiet cycle route all the way up/down Richmond Hill as an alternative to the busy Queens Road
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
There is room on this pavement for a properly segregated cyclepath that would feed up to Christ's school and continue up as a quiet route up to near the top of Richmond Hill as an alternative to the busy and unpleasant Queen's Road.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
This short section of The Vineyard is one way street. Opening this up to 2 way for cyclists - through signage and a 20mph limit - would improve permeability for cyclists in Richmond centre.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Southbound cyclelane ends abruptly in row of parked cars forcing cyclists out into often fast moving traffic whilst trying to climb a hill.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Create a shared use path (or even better a dedicated cycle track) from the junction of Woodlands Road / Vine Road to Barnes Railway station - this would join LCN37 and providing a quiet route to Barnes Railway station for many residents of Sheen / Mortlake, avoiding the busy A205. This route is currently a footpath.
Created by Paul James // 1 thread
The exit from the car park crosses the shared use path and is blind from the drivers POV if they stop at the give way markings. This means that drivers will move blindly across the shared use path without being able to see cycles moving along the path.
The solution is to close the gate to motor traffic.
The carpark is accessible from both the driveway to Pools on the Park and from Kew Foot Road and the entrance from Pools on the Park would appear adequate to act as both an entrance and an exit.
Created by christhebull // 1 thread
This section of road is surprisingly hostile to cycle along on account of the restricted width, parked vehicles and high traffic speeds. I have had drivers behind me screech to a halt when they realised that they are likely to collide with me or an oncoming vehicle, and moving out to pass parked vehicles is needlessly stressful.
There is a vehicle activated "30 mph" light-up sign along this road but it is hopelessly inadequate, and more substantial methods of reducing traffic speed are going to be necessary.
Note also that the option of using Snowdon Road and then Fishponds Road is not only longer and steeper, but still involves awkward pinch points northbound along Fishponds Road. This is an important route linking the Hollies (halls of residence) and UWE Glenside with the centre of Fishponds and thus ought to be a priority within this area.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The traffic lights don't detect cyclists, thus you potentially have to wait ages until a car comes up behind you.
Created by Sam Saunders // 0 threads
A twenty metre stretch of advisory cycle lane at the end of Whiteladies Road, from a zebra crossing to its junction with Queens Road, encourages cyclists to take a position near to the curb as they enter the and leave the junction. This puts them exposed to frequent buses turning immediately left into Queens Avenue and in a vulnerable position from which to continue a journey south west towards Park Street or Park Row.
Created by Paul L // 1 thread
This path is included in the Richmond Cycle Map and leads to a toucan and is a useful link from Hampton to the quietish Lower Hampton Rd towards Sunbury but is marked "No Cycling".
There is little pedestrian traffic but ideally it could be made wider.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
The existing continuous route from Bristol's Cumberland Basin Swing Bridge along The Portway towards Sea Mills and Avonmouth runs under a footbridge beside the sea lock that provides a direct traffic-free link to quiet streets on the other side of a very busy road system. The footbridge is wide and occasionally used by cyclists who carry or bump their bikes up and then down a long series of steps on each side to get to Granby Hill and Cumberland Place. The advantage of using the bridge is that it avoids crossing or joining the multi-lane traffic of Hotwell Road and offers a quiet route to Clifton, and to Hotwells Primary School. It would be useful for cyclists travelling from the west or the east along the existing cycle route. A continuous channel in which to wheel a bicycle at one side of the steps would be helpful for some and make use of the bridge a more viable option than it is now.
Created by MB // 1 thread
TFL are thinkingof closing this 'rat run' to motor vehicles & have put out a consultation here:
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/coleparkroad
They are keeping it open to cyclists - but are proposing (I think) an awkward right- angled turn for cyclists to get in & out of the cul-de-sac. Can we suggest a better layout?
Consultation closes on May 10th 2013
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Vauxhall Bridge between Coronation Road and Cumberland Road has a channel provided for wheeling bicycles on one side of its stepped sections. The channel is so narrow and so close to the railings that a bike can only be wheeled along it at a severe tilt. In addition only one side has a channel so wheeling the bike in the opposite direction has to be done from the wrong side of the bike, making it even more awkward.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Cyclists travelling south west along Woodland Road and intending to turn left into Park Row are offered a continuous (advisory) cycle lane that is less then 1.2 metres wide and paved with cobbles for half of its width. It should be removed or else widened and considerable resurfaced.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
The unusual arrangement at the beginning of this cycle lane in Dighton Street Bristol might lead some road users to take it lightly. It could be that experience of moving or replacing trees with less destructive varieties in suitable containers should be sought from other places. Dighton Street is part of a well-used natural route from east to west near the city centre and efforts to establish serious, continuous and high quality cycle routes on roads like this one could represent very good value for money. Mandatory cycle lanes, once installed, need to be policed.
Created by MB // 1 thread
There is a useful but unmarked path from Queen's Road to Richmond Park and through to Sheen. It is used by pedestrians and cyclists & I have never seen it on any map! From Lower Grove Road, it takes you to the park via Bog Gate, or Sheen via Sheen Common.
If it were better marked on maps, better maintained & wider in places, it could form a useful section of Richmond's (paved, segregated, Dutch style?) cycling network.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
This is the approach to Kew Gardens station and is an area with many shops and cafe’s. Enabling this street to become 2-way for cycling will make access to the station and shops more convenient for cyclists and should therefore bring economic benefits to the area. Streetview: http://goo.gl/maps/P4spf
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 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.
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 // 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?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Queen's Road is currently one-way for cycling - it would be good to remove this barrier.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Serious safety concerns on this stretch cyclepath crosses side-roads. See the main thread at
http://richmondlcc.cyclescape.org/issues/590-a316-cycle-lane-priority-over-side-roads
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The cycle track on the pavement just suddenly stops with no where to go other than to cycle on the pavement. Surely it would be better to nicely guide cyclists back onto the road into a cycle lane?