Friday, 2 May 2003
Bartolomeo Mec�nico: road-signs, water mills, Opiliones, painted ads -- roadsigns of the world! what a fantastic website! hours of fun...
Sunday, 20 April 2003
Just went up to Asda to do my Easter shopping -- in my car -- and it was closed!! Did manage to take a few snaps of the strange cycle lane that Dave Green alerted me to. Also added some more guest photos from Cyclotron of Bexley Road, Erith.
Saturday, 12 April 2003
Sunday, 6 April 2003
Mrs R Jones writes: As I suspected, local authorities do not use common sense when setting up bike lanes! I found the article about your 'study' amusing as well as depressing. I expect you will now be flooded with examples.
Argyll & Bute are genuinely very hard up, with a very small population
spread over a huge area - therefore miles of road surfaces needed to
ecourage tourists, not enough rate-payers, and pockets of population on many
islands needing schools, rubbish removal etc. Despite their lack of excess
money, they have built a cycle lane on the A814 between Rhu along the
Gareloch side past the Royal Naval Base Clyde to just before the junction
with the A817. I believe that many Base employees travel in by bike and the
conditions are considerably awkward in the morning rush hour. This bike
lane is to try to avoid, among other areas, the bottle-neck past the Royal
Northern Yacht Club on the corner in Rhu. BUT this would involve the
cyclists crossing back and forward across the main road at least twice! with
no help from traffic lights or road junctions. I gather the cyclists
continue on the much more sensible (but dangerous?) route along the road.
Argyll & Bute are genuinely very hard up, with a very small population
spread over a huge area - therefore miles of road surfaces needed to
ecourage tourists, not enough rate-payers, and pockets of population on many
islands needing schools, rubbish removal etc. Despite their lack of excess
money, they have built a cycle lane on the A814 between Rhu along the
Gareloch side past the Royal Naval Base Clyde to just before the junction
with the A817. I believe that many Base employees travel in by bike and the
conditions are considerably awkward in the morning rush hour. This bike
lane is to try to avoid, among other areas, the bottle-neck past the Royal
Northern Yacht Club on the corner in Rhu. BUT this would involve the
cyclists crossing back and forward across the main road at least twice! with
no help from traffic lights or road junctions. I gather the cyclists
continue on the much more sensible (but dangerous?) route along the road.
Thursday, 3 April 2003
Other small protest sites
Dr Stephen J Wozniak writes: I have linked your site to www.seered.co.uk . You will find it summarised in the 'other small protest sites' section (see the sitelayout page for navigation details). Please let me know if the summary is OK with you, and because my site is new, please try and 'spread the word' amongst your email contacts. Having 'seered' mentioned on your site would probably help too. If you know any journalists who are interested in use of the Internet for protest against incompetence in government, and consumer protection, please let them know of seered.
Dr Stephen J Wozniak writes: I have linked your site to www.seered.co.uk . You will find it summarised in the 'other small protest sites' section (see the sitelayout page for navigation details). Please let me know if the summary is OK with you, and because my site is new, please try and 'spread the word' amongst your email contacts. Having 'seered' mentioned on your site would probably help too. If you know any journalists who are interested in use of the Internet for protest against incompetence in government, and consumer protection, please let them know of seered.
Patrick Brady of Asphalt Magazine writes: There's a new road bike magazine in America called Asphalt. We'd like to do a short piece on your site in a future issue. If you could forward us any hi-res images of your existing photos, we'd be grateful as it would help demonstrate the nonsensical planning behind so many bike lanes.
Heather Burtonof Ulm, Germany writes: you may be interested in Get out of the bike lane!
They seem to be having an influence too.
Keep up the good work and well done in getting into the Telegraph.
Sunday, 30 March 2003
Sheila Mann writes: There is a good example of one of your weird tracks in Trumpington Road in Cambridge.There the cycles lanes run OUTSIDE the areas for carparking so when drivers open their offside doors, they wipe out passing cyclists! Also on the same stretch of road is a very short length of cycle lane (probably not a record shortest but vey close) just after a bus lane. Most people avoid these tracks by riding on the pavement which they can do, legally, here because the cycle lanes are duplicated by a pavement cyclists/pedestrian one.
Frederick Owen writes: a good example of cycle lane madness is evident on Hough Green, Chester. When installed 2-3 years ago, it was painted by someone with a massive hangover/the usual intelligence of council employees.! The lane meanders around several lamp posts and must make using it a novel experience.It has to be added that it is a rare occurrence to see any cyclist using it !!!
Adrian Greenwood writes:
A silly cycle lane.
Location - A258 out of Dover rising past Dover Castle. Rises from sea-level to 100 m in about a mile. Appearance - expensive green chip carpet with usual white overlay markings.
Silly because very few Dover residents could cycle up this without risk of hospitalisation � although I accept some visting masochists could.
Silly because road width near the castle is insufficient to cater for both the cycle lane and the traffic lane � so cycle lane continually encroached upon and being worn away (will they repaint it I wonder). Don't worry about the cyclists � I am still waiting to see one mounted at this stage � so to speak...
Silly because 6 feet from the road there is a little used path. And No � cyclists would not put the odd pedestrian on this path at risk � the gradient is such that, aside from Kings of the Mountain types � few cyclist could proceed faster than walking pace.
We have above-inflation Council Tax hikes here � there has to be a joke here somewhere...
A silly cycle lane.
Location - A258 out of Dover rising past Dover Castle. Rises from sea-level to 100 m in about a mile. Appearance - expensive green chip carpet with usual white overlay markings.
Silly because very few Dover residents could cycle up this without risk of hospitalisation � although I accept some visting masochists could.
Silly because road width near the castle is insufficient to cater for both the cycle lane and the traffic lane � so cycle lane continually encroached upon and being worn away (will they repaint it I wonder). Don't worry about the cyclists � I am still waiting to see one mounted at this stage � so to speak...
Silly because 6 feet from the road there is a little used path. And No � cyclists would not put the odd pedestrian on this path at risk � the gradient is such that, aside from Kings of the Mountain types � few cyclist could proceed faster than walking pace.
We have above-inflation Council Tax hikes here � there has to be a joke here somewhere...
John Pitcock, a founder member of Birmingham's cycling campaign group "PushBikes" writes:
Cycle lanes:
A local scheme which comes into much ridicule is Bristol Road, Edgbaston.
It's a shared footpath parallel to the road with a white line up the middle.
The cyclist's half is obstructed by many trees, lamp posts, bus stops, phone
boxes, permanent advertising etc. Pedestrians ignore the markings.
When you come to side roads and large entrances etc there is a give-way
marking so you have to look over your shoulder for, and give way to,
overtaking traffic turning left; to the right for approaching traffic
turning right; and to the left for traffic in the side road (which block you
as they wait to get onto the main road). It's better to ride in the road but you get abuse for being
there.
---------
Advanced stop lines:
I see from the TSRGD Department for Transport | Proposed Revision of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 1994 - Consultation Paper para 18 that
it is illegal for a cyclist to pass the first stop line when the lights are
on red. This makes most A.S.L's useless unless there's a filter lane � many
in Birmingham don't.
I find these advance stop lines, problematic when in conjunction with a left
hand cycle filter lane:
If I am going in any direction other than left I am frightened to go up the
inside if there is a possibility of the light changing to green before I
reach the front. This is because I would be stranded in the wrong lane. I'd
rather have more space between the lines of waiting vehicles so I can filter
towards the front in a more appropriate lane.
Cycle lanes:
A local scheme which comes into much ridicule is Bristol Road, Edgbaston.
It's a shared footpath parallel to the road with a white line up the middle.
The cyclist's half is obstructed by many trees, lamp posts, bus stops, phone
boxes, permanent advertising etc. Pedestrians ignore the markings.
When you come to side roads and large entrances etc there is a give-way
marking so you have to look over your shoulder for, and give way to,
overtaking traffic turning left; to the right for approaching traffic
turning right; and to the left for traffic in the side road (which block you
as they wait to get onto the main road). It's better to ride in the road but you get abuse for being
there.
---------
Advanced stop lines:
I see from the TSRGD Department for Transport | Proposed Revision of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 1994 - Consultation Paper para 18 that
it is illegal for a cyclist to pass the first stop line when the lights are
on red. This makes most A.S.L's useless unless there's a filter lane � many
in Birmingham don't.
I find these advance stop lines, problematic when in conjunction with a left
hand cycle filter lane:
If I am going in any direction other than left I am frightened to go up the
inside if there is a possibility of the light changing to green before I
reach the front. This is because I would be stranded in the wrong lane. I'd
rather have more space between the lines of waiting vehicles so I can filter
towards the front in a more appropriate lane.
Jill Holden writes: Perhaps not the shortest but certainly the most senseless cycle lane. On the left-hand side of the A49 going North (ref. SO504504) - on the hill - on the bend . Starts , continues for about l5 or 20 metres and then stops where the track has to end because of the steep bank going up into Queenswood Country Park. I have not measured it because I am Walker, not cyclist and Ramblers are advised not to walk on the A49 at this point since it is a most dangerous piece of road. Best wishes for your safety
Roy Spilsbury Hon Sec CTC Cymru writes: CTC Cymru Your article in the Daily Telegraph Motoring section last Saturday was a real pip.
We share living by the seaside, and the issue of cycle access to promenades is a constant theme in letters to the local papers. We have some access and some prohibition. In the former we have varied infrastructure varying from innocuous to darned right dangerous. I would like to do a study on the subject but allocating the time (and energy) when I am already involved in so much other cycle campaigning is problematic.
We recently set up a CTC Cymru North Wales website which you might like to have a peep at if you have a minute or two to spare. We aim to keep the site bang up to date and to reflect all aspects of cycling. Simplicity of design, and rapidity of downloading, we believe to be of the essence.
We share living by the seaside, and the issue of cycle access to promenades is a constant theme in letters to the local papers. We have some access and some prohibition. In the former we have varied infrastructure varying from innocuous to darned right dangerous. I would like to do a study on the subject but allocating the time (and energy) when I am already involved in so much other cycle campaigning is problematic.
We recently set up a CTC Cymru North Wales website which you might like to have a peep at if you have a minute or two to spare. We aim to keep the site bang up to date and to reflect all aspects of cycling. Simplicity of design, and rapidity of downloading, we believe to be of the essence.
Dave Pratt writes: Following your article in the motoring section of last Saturdays Telegraph (22/3/03). I thought I must tell you about Salisbury and perhaps arrange a visit to the most ludicrous traffic management system encompassing bus, cycle and pedestrian lanes I have ever come across.
A few examples of the local planners' incompetence.
1. They build a park and ride approx. 1 mile from our historic city centre and install a bike rack � who in the hell is going to take a bus do their weekly shop, return and cycle home.
2. Lanes to nowhere, from the park and ride which is situated on the northern edge of the city cycle on the track toward the city on the left hand side of the carriageway, reach the crest of the hill, cross the main A345 and cycle down the hill after 1/2 mile repeat the process and cross to the left again, now you are sharing the cycle lane with busses. Tour busses, Wilts and Dorset regular services and the park and ride. After crossing through you own designated traffic light with a little green bike on it, carry on a further 150 metres and turn left into Victoria Road where the council have thoughtfully painted the cycle lane green onto the pavement. Bear left and 3 metres later it stops with the word END.
Alan, this is not the worst example, the Southampton Road at the other side of the city has its very own chicane made from steel bollards which the emergency services have to negotiate in the event of a problem and involves using the cycle lane.
A few examples of the local planners' incompetence.
1. They build a park and ride approx. 1 mile from our historic city centre and install a bike rack � who in the hell is going to take a bus do their weekly shop, return and cycle home.
2. Lanes to nowhere, from the park and ride which is situated on the northern edge of the city cycle on the track toward the city on the left hand side of the carriageway, reach the crest of the hill, cross the main A345 and cycle down the hill after 1/2 mile repeat the process and cross to the left again, now you are sharing the cycle lane with busses. Tour busses, Wilts and Dorset regular services and the park and ride. After crossing through you own designated traffic light with a little green bike on it, carry on a further 150 metres and turn left into Victoria Road where the council have thoughtfully painted the cycle lane green onto the pavement. Bear left and 3 metres later it stops with the word END.
Alan, this is not the worst example, the Southampton Road at the other side of the city has its very own chicane made from steel bollards which the emergency services have to negotiate in the event of a problem and involves using the cycle lane.
Pete Owens writes: I thought you might like this example of weirdness from Warrington for your guest pages.
Friday, 28 March 2003
Brighton's West Pier burns down after a mysterious black speedboat was seen in the area... Not really cycle lane related, but on my way down to watch it, I came across a new bike lane on East Street that takes you from the road and onto the pavement, out of the way of impatient cars,,, and on the way home, I took a snap of yet another skip on the new Church Road contra-flow. Had loads of emails lately -- I'll try to answer them soon.
Sunday, 23 March 2003
Thursday, 13 March 2003
How wide should a cycle lane be?
Richard Carter sent an e-mail to the DoT website asking about standards for cycle lanes, not expecting to get a lot back, but actually received a really helpful reply from them.
He writes: What they did was send me a copy of their cycling bibliography, saying that 'one of the publications [in it] is 'Cycle-friendly infrastructure - Guidlines for planning and design,' which costs �15. That might have been the end of it, he could simply have said bugger off and buy the thing. But he went on to say this:
'Very briefly, the guidance stipulates a cycle lane width of 2m wherever possible with a recommended minimum width of 1.5m. Unfortunately, in most circumstances, 2m is difficult to achieve and 1.5m seems to have become the norm in practice. Smaller widths than 1.5m are often encountered on the network. If a lane has to be provided less than 1.5m wide, it is best limited to short stretches, such as where there is a lead-in to an advanced stop line reservoir at traffic lights."
Now, reality is rather different, of course, but I thought this was really good as a standard, even if the miserable buggers who are actually supposed to implement the guidance take no damn notice of it at all.
Richard Carter sent an e-mail to the DoT website asking about standards for cycle lanes, not expecting to get a lot back, but actually received a really helpful reply from them.
He writes: What they did was send me a copy of their cycling bibliography, saying that 'one of the publications [in it] is 'Cycle-friendly infrastructure - Guidlines for planning and design,' which costs �15. That might have been the end of it, he could simply have said bugger off and buy the thing. But he went on to say this:
'Very briefly, the guidance stipulates a cycle lane width of 2m wherever possible with a recommended minimum width of 1.5m. Unfortunately, in most circumstances, 2m is difficult to achieve and 1.5m seems to have become the norm in practice. Smaller widths than 1.5m are often encountered on the network. If a lane has to be provided less than 1.5m wide, it is best limited to short stretches, such as where there is a lead-in to an advanced stop line reservoir at traffic lights."
Now, reality is rather different, of course, but I thought this was really good as a standard, even if the miserable buggers who are actually supposed to implement the guidance take no damn notice of it at all.
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