Reasons against cycle tracks

The new DfT Local Transport Note on Shared Use Routes for Pedestrians and Cyclists is quite succinct in explaining this problem:

"A common reason for taking cyclists off the carriageway is the perception that it will improve safety. However, it is important to understand that a shared use route will not necessarily be safer than an on-carriageway alternative. In particular, careful consideration is needed where a cycle track running alongside a road crosses side a road [sc: a side road]... At these locations, there is significant potential for conflict, which can sometimes negate the safety benefits of segregating cyclists from motor vehicles."

Helsinki cycling study

http://www.bikexprt.com/research/pasanen/index.htm

The author comes down in favour of helmet compulsion where there is a low cycling rate anyway, and against the (segregated) cycle tracks that are a feature of many continental cities and often held up as best practice.

He says that cyclists are better off in mixed traffic than on (segregated) tracks.

Outrageous Illegal Parking

Here we see again the arrogance of parking on a cycle track. This is in Pickering Road, Barking. The track is even demarcated by bollards with the "safe routes to school" logo. The pictures were taken at about 9.45am and 12.40pm.

How super is your bike lane?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/20/super-bike-lane

With the launch of the cycle super highways this summer, the Guardian is doing an on line assessment of the quality of what it calls "bike lanes", including the CSH. (Conventionally cycle lanes are in the carriageway, cycle paths are away from the carriageway and cycle tracks are alongside but not on the carriageway - though shared unsegregated use of the footway is not normally thought of as a cycle track. Cycleways serves as a generic term for all these things).

One of the first CSH's starts/ends in Barking by Greatfields Park. There's a launch event on Saturday 24 July - details to follow.

B and D Rights of way improvement plan

paul.sidaway@lbbd.gov.uk / 020 8227 2615 is consulting on this. I was posted a questionnaire. The letter says copies can be got from him and I can't find anything on the council website.

The closing date is Monday 30 June.

Apparently the borough has 16 miles of rights of way including footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways and restricted byways. I personally don't use these enough to make it worth me filling in the questionnaire.