We support these road safety improvement schemes which we think will make the effected roads safer for all users by reducing traffic speeds, traffic levels and by improving driver awareness. 

As you would expect we are commenting on the schemes from the perspective of the cyclist and we do recognise that different road users (which includes pedestrians) and residents may have other views.  Where appropriate we refer to Cycle Infrastructure Design Local Transport Note 1/20 July 2020, which encourages ‘integrating cycling with highway improvements and new developments’ (Section 14).  We refer to the note as LTN 1/20.

Redbridge Lane West and Mansfield Road

We support the Authority’s proposals to install speed humps on these two roads. 

LTN 1/20 states

‘changes to the speed limit will have a limited impact unless there is enforcement or physical measures that make it difficult to drive above the speed limit’.

LTN 1/20 para 7.6.1 p80)

Therefore the decision to install speed humps which make it difficult to drive above the current 20mph speed limit are very welcome.  However, we would ask the Authority to consider using sinusoidal speed humps rather than round top speed humps.  This would be in line with the guidance in LTN 1/20 which states:

‘Sinusoidal ramps have a smooth transition profile on both sides of the hump as shown in Figure 7.8.  They are more comfortable for cyclists and should normally be used where on-carriageway cycling is anticipated’.  (LTN 1/20 7.6.5 p81)

The Green/St Marys Avenue

We support the proposal to install traffic calming measures on these roads but think that installing sinusoidal speed humps might be a better solution.

LTN has the following to say in regard to speed cushions ‘7.6.8 Speed cushions are a form of road hump and are therefore subject to The Highways (Road Hump) Regulations 1999.  The dimensions allow wide tracked vehicles such as buses, ambulances and HGVs to straddle them.  Cushions are not a preferred form of traffic calming on cycle routes because they constrain the ability of cyclists to choose their preferred position in the carriageway and are particularly hazardous to riders of three wheeled cycles.’ [This includes hand cycles and recumbent tricycles, which can tip over – both used by riders with disabilities.  We would also add cargo bikes]

Arguably The Green/St Marys Road is not a ‘cycling route’ but the road is certainly used by cyclists and there is a specific reason why we think that speed cushions are not suitable here. 

LTN para 7.2.1 reads

‘In normal traffic conditions, cyclists using the carriageway are advised to ride approximately 0.5m from the nearside kerb, to enable them to avoid gully grates’ (LTN 1/20 7.2.1 p74).

Further LTN 1/20 provides a table of minimum overtaking differences.  It defines the kinetic envelope as follows

This gives a typical space profile of around 1.0m for a moving cyclist on a standard bicycle (dynamic kinetic envelope

(LTN 1/20 5.2.1 p40). As drivers approach a speed cushion they always look to straddle the cushion and will change their line if necessary.  If the cushion is too near the kerb it means the drivers end up making a close pass of a cyclist – which is intimidating and hazardous. (See below)

So if a cushion is placed too near the kerb, cyclists will be subject to close overtaking.  To avoid this and to comply with LTN 1/20 guidance the gap between the kerb and the edge of the cushion edge would need to be in the order of 2.5m to 3m.  In fact this is exactly the arrangement on Forest View Road in Manor Park (see photos). 

So if a cushion is placed too near the kerb, cyclists will be subject to close overtaking.  To avoid this and to comply with LTN 1/20 guidance the gap between the kerb and the edge of the cushion edge would need to be in the order of 2.5m to 3m.  In fact this is exactly the arrangement on Forest View Road in Manor Park (see photos). 

But whilst Forest View Road is 10.5m wide St Marys Avenue is just 6.6m wide and so cannot accommodate this arrangement.  This means that installing speed cushions in St Marys Avenue will expose cyclists to dangerous and intimidating close passes and that the scheme, as proposed, is not consistent with guidance found in LTN 1/20. 

Hence our ask that sinusoidal speed humps are used. 

Nightingale Lane

This looks a very good idea.  Could cyclists be exempted from the ‘no right turn’ from Wellesley Road into Nightingale Lane? 

High Street, Wanstead

This is very welcome and will help connect the two sides of the High Street.  Installing speed tables help indicate to drivers that pedestrians have priority here and this will improve driver awareness this in turn should improve road safety.