We now have some initial results back from the Amey review of Cyclist’s Safety on the Tram Tracks.

All the outputs from the study are in the following Google Folder/sub-folders:-

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-pUIn6UgbTZeTdHQ1JpNng2RVU

You will note that the “For Consultation” folder contains specific proposals for measures to improve safety at certain locations across the tramway, and the consultant is looking for feedback on these at this stage.

As well as information on the concept proposals, there is other related information and copies of earlier presentations which may be of interest to cyclists in Sheffield. In relation to all these proposals the type of signs and road markings that may be used is still fairly uncertain, due to Department for Transport authorisation issues, but this should not affect the nature of the concepts shown in these consultation drawings.

Have you had a crash on the tram tracks? Please let us know about it via this Google Form:

We seem to have on-going problems with Virgin Gyms – they have two properties, one on Broadfield Way and one on Archer Way.  They are failing to maintain the cycle route that runs alongside the Gyms. Both gyms have off-road cycle routes running alongside that are part of the Sheaf Valley Cycle Route. They are very poorly maintained, with vegetation covering at least half the width of the path. As these are shared use this puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The paths are also heavily littered and are infested with rats. Despite having raised this with both the council and with Virgin Gyms directly, there seems to be a high degree of buck-passing and no-one wants to take responsibility for sorting it out.

We are saddened that this has taken place as we believe that Gyms and organisations promoting cycling are working toward the same aim – that of a fitter and healthier population. Many cyclists use the Gym to maintain their fitness levels particularly in the winter months. Sadly it looks as though we are going to have to advise cyclists to avoid using Virgin Gyms if this situation continues. Let’s hope that this doesn’t happen and these problems can be resolved quickly.

The University launched it’s consultation on the Campus Masterplan today:

A Traffic Regulation Order has been issued confirming the banning of Motor Traffic from the  Long Causeway, a byway between Sheffield (Redmires) and the Peak District via Stanage. This will make it a more pleasant environment for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, adhering to the principle of “Quiet Enjoyment” of the Park.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive have launched a public consultation –
Have Your Say!.

The easiest way to take part is online at www.sypte.co.uk/haveyoursay.

There will also be roadshows at each of the Interchanges to help and encourage
customers to take part.
The roadshows will take place at:
Venue Date Time
Dinnington Mini Interchange 5 September 2014 10am – 12pm
Meadowhall Interchange 8 September 2014 8am – 12pm
Hillsborough Mini Interchange 8 September 2014 2pm – 6pm
Barnsley Interchange 17 September 2014 8am – 12pm

So what do we think about public transport in S. Yorks?

• Better integration is needed. There is a good case for bike carriage on trams and some buses. Bikes are carried on trains which is good, but limited by the constraints of the rolling stock.
• Scheduled services that are financially supported by the PTE should be required to carry bikes.
• Also integration between bus train & tram. For example the no. 70 should be extended to Dore Station. For most train users the nearest bus stop is a long way from Sheffield station. (Which is partly why cycling to the station is so popular)
• The fare structure is unfair. Middle class areas get cheap buses because of competition while working class areas are penalised. The middle classes will pay more for bus services if they get a quality product (See “Harrogate & District”)
• We need Oyster Cards now! Buses that are stopped for a long time taking fares are frustrating for everybody.
• Bus lanes are not actually there for the exclusive use of buses – they are shared with bikes, taxis and motorbikes. But it’s not good enough to allow bikes to use bus lanes and think you’ve catered for cyclists. Most bus lanes are too narrow for a bus to pass a bike safely. The two modes are quite different – buses are stop-start, cycling relies on continuous momentum to make progress. Separate facilities are therefore needed for bikes on busy roads. The practice of “waiting time” in bus lanes blocks them for other users and frustrates bus passengers.
• We would like to see bus stop “islands” used where there are off-road cycle lanes – putting bus stops in the middle of shared use cycle routes leads to conflict.

The new bike routes to the east of the station are coming on (grand opening and festival on Sept 6th from 12 noon)

These will create better links between Park Hill, Norfolk Park and the Station. What’s still missing

is a level route between Granville Square and Park Square. We are still concerned about people

cycling across the Station tramstop and in front of the rear station exit.

Not many takers for the new cycling parking on platform 6-8 but Hey! Build it and they will come, they say…

Another “little thing that makes a big difference” has appeared in Greystones.

The problem was that cyclists coming up from Banner Cross, either via Ford Rd or Dobbin Hill, had to make an awkward maneouvre at grade on a busy junction to access Greystones Drive from Ford Rd and vice versa. This short stretch of shared use makes it possible to go straight across. 

Eventually it will form part of a route from Banner Cross to Bents Green using the quiet back streets instead of Ecclesall Rd

Unfortunately the 20mph scheme for Greystones has been delayed but when that arrives it will make it even safer!

This was achieved under the “Streets Ahead Cycling Opportunities” fund. If you’ve got a little thing that’s niggling you about cycling in your area let us know and we’ll see whether we can get it fixed for you.

Here’s a great little film featuring the best moments in the Tour de Yorkshire, captured by you:-