Hi to all at Spokes
I agree that there is a fundamental need to increase cycling..
But there is also a vital need to investigate the perception that outside of
key urban centres the provision of cycle lanes does not result in an
increase in the numbers of people cycling but conversely presents to
current non-cyclists (and therefore to the potential new cyclist if we are to
achieve modal shift) a delegitimation of cycling outside of specifically
designated zones (see the findings within TRL549).
Widespread adoption of cycle lane painting throughout the country has
not yet resulted in commensurate increases in rates of cycle use. We
need to be on top of this and to confront the reality that much more needs
to be done than simply providing infrastructures which may or may not be
useful. Or do we just keep building more and more visible facilities in the
anticipation that they will reach a critical level where the perception tips?
John Adams work may indicate a more fruitful direction in increasing
road safety.
Whilst on this one, a secondary factor rather pertinent in light of this
winter weather is that most cycle lanes on the larger roads round here
have become unusable now since the absence of vehicle tyres means
that there is no 'sweeping effect' and the whole of the cycle lane width is
covered in a dangerously slippery sludge, forcing any user to cycle even
further out into the main carriageway and exacerbating traffic conflicts.
This is a fundamental design problem for any area outside urban
centres and lacking frequent street sweeping.
I do agree that in city centres such as Edinburgh, highly visible, swept
lanes can be a vital encouragement, but on transit routes outside of
these centres they can prove a liability.
Peter Cox
Programme Leader in Community Studies
School of Social Science
University of Chester
Parkgate Road
Chester CH1 4BJ
01244 375444 xt2039
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