General Policy wrt cycle lanes

We acknowledge the Dept of Transport Local Transport note 2/08 Cycling Infrastructure design  (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/3808/ltn-2-08.pdf) and we believe that SCC should use this as a guide for cycling infrastructure design.  If exceptions to this guide are felt to be necessary then we argue that SCC should justify the rationale for exceptions in any installation or renovation (e.g. within Streets Ahead) of highways.

CycleSheffield notes the DoT advice in the above document wrt cycle lanes.  Generally we  would want to see:

• mandatory cycle lanes of at least 1.5m, and 2.0m on roads with speed limits above 30 mph
• advisory cycle lanes that are a minimum of 1.5m and if SCC would like to define them as narrower then we would expect to be consulted and the case for them being narrower to be justified.

Particulars

Several members said that there may be cases which are exceptions.

The mandatory/advisory cycle lanes that lead into ASLs and define the path that a cyclist should take into the ASL could be narrower than the above limits.

The cycle lanes provided to allow a ‘space’ for a cyclist to turn right could possible be narrower, e.g. on Furnival Gate.

In cases where traffic is by and large queuing and slow moving then a narrower cycle lane may provide a path for slow-moving cyclists to move along a line of queueing vehicles rather than get stuck behind vehicles ‘strung-out’ across the carriageway.

It was felt that the position of cycle lanes needs to be considered alongside parking restrictions, e.g. “ … the Abbey Lane (cycle lanes) … are very short – not much longer than the pedestrian islands – and as cars park right up to them, if you do use the cycle lane, as soon as you’re through the pinch point you then have to pull right out to avoid the parked cars – right into the path of any cars that may be speeding through the pinch point behind you. For that reason alone I never used them but took the middle of the lane, but that arrangement is potentially leading less experienced or confident cyclists into another potential danger.”

The Abbey Lane cycle lanes also raised the following point about pinch points in general, “ (there) … should be “no new pinch points”, and the ones that are retained should have some kind of bike symbol painted on the road in the *middle* of the lane to remind cyclists and drivers of your point above (take the lane at pinch points).  (I particularly hate the pinch points and misleading cycle pseudo-lanes on Abbey Lane.)”

 Another member made the following point that we think is sound and leads us to our next point, “ … I must say if you put (cycle lanes) in they must be up to the minimum safe standards and not just willy nilly pandering to the motorist. Wider cycle lanes at pinch points don’t only make drivers think but also cyclists it’s a visual effect that make both users more aware of their road position. I’m all for it.”

Education and training

CycleSheffield believes that if cycle lanes are painted to 1.5m as a default then the reaction from drivers may be confused, bewildered or even hostile.

 

• An explanatory press release may be worthwhile and CycleSheffield would be willing to write its own or contribute to one that SCC produces.
• Many drivers (eg HGV, PSV) employed by SCC or Amey, or licensed by SCC (eg taxi drivers), or employed by SCC partners (eg bus drivers) could benefit by having cycle training themselves and or an explanation of the training that cyclists receive in schools or their neighbourhoods through SCC support. Too many drivers in these categories do not understand where bikes are supposed to be in the road, what an advisory cycle lane means, the purpose of an ASL and so on.
• CycleSheffield would be more than happy to work with SCC or receive SCC encouragement and assistance to work with the above groups to help drivers appreciate the needs of cyclists.

 

Obligations for SCC Roads and Transport

CycleSheffield believes that SCC should:

• always undertake a cycle audit of all new installations and renovations of highways;
• cyclists should always be consulted on all highways works particularly wrt the installation and renovation of cycle facilities.

 

The Cycle Forum would be an appropriate place to bring these matters to the attention of cyclists and other stakeholders in cycling