Special cyclist roads
Discussion
This thread may be a mistake given the usual path cycling threads go down here's hoping this one doesn't do the same.
Anyway link at the bottom is to a Guardian piece about a Dept for Transport consultation regarding the creation of special cycling roads.
These are suggested to be roads with high cycle usage that are llightly trafficked. On these roads cyclists would have the priority, the maximum speed limit for cars would be 15mph and there would be a fine for overtaking a cyclist of 100 smackers and 3 penalty points.
Presumably that would apply even if the overtake was properly and safely executed. Even if the cyclist was the old dear on the Tything in Worcester who was being overtaken by pedestrians. The only person I have ever seen cycle more slowly have been Olympic cyclists at the start of the sprint.
link
Please keep it constructive and hope this hasn't been a case of lighting the blue touch paper amd retiring to a safe distance.
Anyway link at the bottom is to a Guardian piece about a Dept for Transport consultation regarding the creation of special cycling roads.
These are suggested to be roads with high cycle usage that are llightly trafficked. On these roads cyclists would have the priority, the maximum speed limit for cars would be 15mph and there would be a fine for overtaking a cyclist of 100 smackers and 3 penalty points.
Presumably that would apply even if the overtake was properly and safely executed. Even if the cyclist was the old dear on the Tything in Worcester who was being overtaken by pedestrians. The only person I have ever seen cycle more slowly have been Olympic cyclists at the start of the sprint.
link
Please keep it constructive and hope this hasn't been a case of lighting the blue touch paper amd retiring to a safe distance.
Even as both a cyclist and a motorist, I don't like the thought of this. I'd rather they just looked into the continental system of separate cycle paths / lanes with priorities for cyclists at junctions, etc rather than just inconveniencing motorists even further this way - it'll only make them more resentful with ideas like this in my humble opinion!
15MPH is a reasonably high average speed too on a bike and it would only take a slight incline to bring most cyclists well under that speed, not to mention (as you say) if there's old dears out pedalling on a bike!
I was hoping that was meant ironically... though always hard to tell on here 
15MPH is a reasonably high average speed too on a bike and it would only take a slight incline to bring most cyclists well under that speed, not to mention (as you say) if there's old dears out pedalling on a bike!
WinstonWolf said:
Urban Sports said:
I suppose it'll be the road tax paying motorist that foots the bill for this whilst they pay zilch as usual!
And we're off...I think its fair on the narrow and short roads out there, like in/around the soho area. Can't really comment fully until we know what kind of roads they're talking about. I'd imagine they'd put it in busy areas where its silly to go over 20mph anyway. (because of the number of pedestrians about)
Even as a regular cyclist I can't say I like the plan. When everyone shows a bit if respect to one another, the roads flow quite well, when policies like this are put on place it helps no one. Motorists get frustrated, cyclists are almost lulled in to a false sense of security, what happens at the end of the section when regular rules if the road apply? Cars start overtaking cars again as soon as possible, bikes possibly don't realise the section has finished? It could be lethal...
A lot of the problem is road furniture, traffic islands etc that cause choke points and prevent any traffic from flowing properly. I like segregated bike lanes but I do believe that to be properly implemented, loads of road furniture needs to go, and for everyone's benefit.
A lot of the problem is road furniture, traffic islands etc that cause choke points and prevent any traffic from flowing properly. I like segregated bike lanes but I do believe that to be properly implemented, loads of road furniture needs to go, and for everyone's benefit.
I'm not even sure *why* there's much in the way of car-traffic in places like London anyway. Sure, if you live there then you should be allowed to own and run a car, and I appreciate deliveries must be allowed, but why bother with a congestion tax instead of just banning incoming traffic altogether?
I wonder if there would be enough room in London for cyclists then without special measures.
It would need the incoming trains to accommodate bicycles again though - many don't unless they fold up into your pocket.
Equally, I'm not sure that would work in any other city - they are simply just not big enough to make much difference, and they don't have the alternative forms of transport that London has. Having said that, I am in favour of out-of-town park and rides. Oxford has this and it's cut down the motorised traffic considerably.
I wonder if there would be enough room in London for cyclists then without special measures.
It would need the incoming trains to accommodate bicycles again though - many don't unless they fold up into your pocket.
Equally, I'm not sure that would work in any other city - they are simply just not big enough to make much difference, and they don't have the alternative forms of transport that London has. Having said that, I am in favour of out-of-town park and rides. Oxford has this and it's cut down the motorised traffic considerably.
I'd agree the simplest solution is for everyone have a bit more responsibility and respect for everyone else.
Can see the problems and the possibilities.
As long as it's not overdone and is appropriate. For example pedestrian areas where there is limited vehicle access for deliveries and maintenance work ok.
One road I use is in Whitby to the holiday place. Ok it's not strictly pedestrian area but only vehicles permitted are those needing access to premises. Most drivers, not all admittedly creep up and down there at walking pace or less at busy times. For anyone who knows Henrietta St the road from the bend above the swing bridge out past the Abbey steps and past the kipper smokehouse. That's not a reference to UKIP btw.
Can see the problems and the possibilities.
As long as it's not overdone and is appropriate. For example pedestrian areas where there is limited vehicle access for deliveries and maintenance work ok.
One road I use is in Whitby to the holiday place. Ok it's not strictly pedestrian area but only vehicles permitted are those needing access to premises. Most drivers, not all admittedly creep up and down there at walking pace or less at busy times. For anyone who knows Henrietta St the road from the bend above the swing bridge out past the Abbey steps and past the kipper smokehouse. That's not a reference to UKIP btw.
Chicane-UK said:
WinstonWolf said:
Urban Sports said:
I suppose it'll be the road tax paying motorist that foots the bill for this whilst they pay zilch as usual!
And we're off...Vipers said:
How about clamping down on those arrogant cyclists who run red lights, and fine those without a bell.
We do need more cycle lanes, but imposing speed limits and fines on the car drivers is ludicrous.
I agree but in reality those two things pale into insignificance compared to incidents like this.We do need more cycle lanes, but imposing speed limits and fines on the car drivers is ludicrous.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123453161@N03/138978...
As an aisde, though I cant condone red light jumping if the cyclist intends to turn right or go straigh on, turning left on red really isnt as dangerous as you would like to believe, it works in many other countries where there are signs to say that cyclists should give way but can turn right (in France for example) once having come to a complete stop. I can just sense the hatred towards cyclists treble over night should that sort of rule be implemented here...
pablo said:
Vipers said:
How about clamping down on those arrogant cyclists who run red lights, and fine those without a bell.
We do need more cycle lanes, but imposing speed limits and fines on the car drivers is ludicrous.
I agree but in reality those two things pale into insignificance compared to incidents like this.We do need more cycle lanes, but imposing speed limits and fines on the car drivers is ludicrous.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123453161@N03/138978...
As an aisde, though I cant condone red light jumping if the cyclist intends to turn right or go straigh on, turning left on red really isnt as dangerous as you would like to believe, it works in many other countries where there are signs to say that cyclists should give way but can turn right (in France for example) once having come to a complete stop. I can just sense the hatred towards cyclists treble over night should that sort of rule be implemented here...
We need to do something about cars and cyclists, but trying to make cars stick to 15 mph with points and fines if you stray over isn't the way ahead in my opinion.
Hopefully the link you found was a one off.
MrBig said:
Seems like a ludicrous idea to me. If traffic is considered such an issue just pedestrianise the roads?
What's wrong with a cycle lane with continuous white line so cars shouldn't stray in them, and cameras of course, or lanes separated with kerbs like in Holland I think.Then again some of the cyclists who think they are in the Tour de France may be a bit miffed they can't do 30 + and nip in and out of traffic like maniacs.
What a terrific idea. That'll be safe... Image being the poor sod on a bicycle who can't manage the 15mph, with an angry motorist who isn't allowed to over take, nibbling at their back wheel for miles. Oh year this is really going to work!!!! And will motorcyclist be permitted to overtake? What planet are these planners living on? This is only going to create more hatred between the two.
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