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."

Hybrid Cycle Tracks, and other animals

The UK Department for Transport have released a new Local Transport guidance note entitled 'Shared Use Routes for Pedestrians and Cyclists'.It includes guidance on hybrid cycle tracks, which are raised from the carriageway but lower than the footway. These are common in Copenhagen, but rare elsewhere.

Sign error

B&D council have installed an information sign in Ripple Road to reinforce the no motor vehicles signs that many motorists seem ignorant of. The problem is the new sign is wrong. It says "no vehicles beyond this point", but pedal cycles are vehicles and there are no restrictions on them here.

The error could give the wrong impression that pedal cycles are not vehicles, or that cycling beyond that point would be an infringement.

Roadsafe London

http://www.met.police.uk/roadsafelondon/

"Roadsafe London is an information and Intelligence gathering tool. It is the Metropolitan Police response to requests to provide a means for members of the public to advise us about criminal, nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the roads of London. It is part of the Road Crime Intelligence Unit and staffed by experienced traffic officers.
We want to know about people who; -

• Drive under the influence of drink or drugs
• Drive with no insurance
• Drive without a licence or whilst disqualified from driving
• Speed
• Use an un-roadworthy vehicle

We also want to know about:-

• Locations where there is a problem with anti-social driving e.g. vehicles racing on public roads."

Barking to Waltham Abbey

http://tinyurl.com/foec2012

Here are 46 photos that I took on our (indirect) ride from Barking to Waltham Abbey on Saturday 8 September. Many of the photos are taken with my camera mounted on my bike – some whilst in motion. Composition was a bit of guesswork, as I couldn’t see the screen on the camera, but some nice shots have come out (IMHO).  I haven’t tampered with them! This was experimental – my first attempt

As you may gather, my offer to ride as the back marker was taken up. It means many photos featuring the backs[ides] of the other 11 riders.

The second Saturday in September must be the biggest leisure cycling  day in the country as it is the day that bike rides in support of what's now called the National Churches  Trust take place all round the country.

Vandome Cycles

I've mentioned Vandome Cycles before. The company is run by B&D  LCC member Russell Coe. They offer free cycle training as part of their "extensive range of cycling services" and also host an over 50s cycling club in Barking Park in Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm.

Cycle4all.com

www.Cycle4all.com is a new venture aimed at getting people of all ages and abilities cycling. Come to Barking Park on Wednesdays and/or Sundays between 10am and noon for the change to try out a bike or trike or to get advice / encouragement.

If you need something other than a standard bike, contact Tony Harvey at Cycle4all and he will let you know what he can have available for you at one of the try out sessions.