Bristol to get 'Dutch-style' segregated cycleways

[MidnightFlyer]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26351265

A new continental-style segregated cycle lane - the first of its kind in Bristol - is to be built.

The £380,000-lane, which is due to open in the summer, will run along the River Avon at Clarence Road in Bedminster.

The road will be narrowed, parking bays removed and a separate 10ft (3 metre) cycle way and footpath constructed.

The 2296ft (700m) lane will be part of a new "promenade" scheme which will link Bristol and Keynsham along the river.

Bristol mayor George Ferguson, an independent, says the scheme is modelled on similar cycle ways from the Netherlands and Denmark and will be a two-way, segregated track.

He said the lack of space on Bristol's roads was behind the segregated path.

"This scheme is exactly what we are going to see more of in Bristol as cycling and walking routes are improved," he said.

Mr Ferguson called for "wider measures" in the city, such as cycle training and work with employers, to make cycling a "more regular, normal and safer experience".

But Conservative councillor Richard Eddy claimed Bristol City Council had a reputation of "being steadfastly anti-car" and that new cycle lanes in the city were "a political totem".

He said the routes were a "means of reducing road-space" for cars and business users, adding that the council should be supporting those businesses instead of reducing capacity on the roads.

Sgt Sean Underwood of Avon and Somerset Police said the force wanted to see an increase in "respect" between road users.

"What we are trying to do is stop that divide between motorists and the cyclist," he said.

"Our aim to try and bring them together a bit more so that they respect each other and therefore don't commit offences, because they are thinking about the other party."

Saw this on my Twitter and thought it may be of interest on here. It will be interesting to see it's impact down there and whether or not it'll become widespread in this country.

 

[ECML180]

We have these in Doncaster, they see occasional use by mobility scooters but that's it. The road isn't particularly cycle friendly, including either side of the cycle lanes, which probably goes some way to explaining their lack of use.

 

[starrymarkb]

It's a good idea, a lot more thought needs to be put into cycle lanes. All too often it's a 5m long potholed strip of paint about 1m wide between a solid wall and a truck.

Exeter has a lot of off road paths through the Riverside Parks, there are some quite lengthy traffic free runs (ie It's possible to go from near St Davids Station right through to the Bypass of on the South of the city without an at grade road crossing) then you come off the off road path and fun with traffic!

 

[talltim]

What's wrong with being "being steadfastly anti-car"?

 

[starrymarkb]

What's wrong with being "being steadfastly anti-car"?

In Bristol's case the public transport still needs improving to be a better alternative. First Bus's appalling reputation is going to take a while to shake off (they are starting to make Progress there but it is going to take time!)

Also some fairly simple improvements to the city's terrible direction signage wouldn't go amiss. Telling traffic for the M5 Southbound to be in the left lane at the 100yrds sign for a forthcoming split then telling ALL Motorway Traffic to be in the right lane AT THE DIVIDE POINT causes some risky manoeuvres!

 

[jopsuk]

As far as the buses in Bristol go- I was at a public meeting last week where the MD of Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Andy Campbell was taking public questions. He said Cambridge was the second hardest city he'd ever worked in with respect to getting buses to run to time. When pressed, he said the only place in his experience that was worse was Bristol.

As far as the cycleways go, as ever the "linear" sections are all very well, but what really matters is getting junctions right (ie, not being Southampton...)

 

[stut]

Other than the fact it's segregated from the road, it doesn't look particularly Dutch to me.

The key features of Dutch cycle lanes, for me are:

• Segregated from the road.
• Segregated from pedestrians.
• Wide enough for two cycles to pass.
• Is in the direction of traffic to avoid unnecessary crossovers.
• Has priority over side streets and at roundabouts.
• Has clearly marked crossings and crossing controls at major junctions.
• Has multiple, clear entry/exit points, not assuming everybody will use it end-to-end.
• Does not disappear at pinch points.
• Is clear who has priority where.
• Is free of unnecessary metalwork (drains etc).
• Is maintained to the same standard as the road.

Most cycle lanes in the UK fail at the majority of these, mostly down to being designed by people who don't cycle. Certainly, this one fails at a number of them. I applaud any moves to improve cycle infrastructure, but sadly, many attempts fail badly.

 

[yorkie]

What's wrong with being "being steadfastly anti-car"?

Bristol seems very pro-car to me, like most cities

Anyway Richard Eddy talking about reputations? That's a laugh! He should be far more concerned about his reputation*! :roll:

Even members of his own party have used the terms "moronic" to describe his actions The word sounds very appropriate to me.

(* Example 1; Example 2)

 

[ValleyLines142]

In Bristol's case the public transport still needs improving to be a better alternative. First Bus's appalling reputation is going to take a while to shake off (they are starting to make Progress there but it is going to take time!)

I think First Bristol are pretty good. Way better than Wessex!

If these cycleways do come into place I'd be interested to see them, as I'm moving to Bristol in July!