“I don’t think anything I am writing here was not brought up in responses to the consultation on this scheme we submitted. I know the works on Aldersbrook Road are not complete but it looks as if there are going to be a few pinch points where islands/central refuges will remain and where the mandatory cycle lanes stop. See below. 

This is dangerous for cyclists because of the inevitable close passing the arrangement leads to.  It is worth noting that the islands in Aldersbrook Road, whilst they may meet the absolute minimum standards are unsatisfactory and discriminatory:  people with buggies or pushing a wheelchair or in a mobility scooter cannot fully fit onto them.  

The new Highway Code advises that cyclists cycle 0.5m from the kerb and that vehicles give cyclists 1.5 m clearance.  LTN 1/20 has this to say:

The problem is exacerbated by the Authority’s decision to stick with speed pillows rather than use speed humps.  Again LTN 1/20:

On Aldersbrook Road:

a) if motorists follow the guidance in the Highway Code they cannot overtake cyclists as they pass the refuges – but they will and it will mean close passing.   

b) Cyclists should adopt the primary position – but this will mean moving out into the road and then riding over a speed pillow.  This is dangerous and especially for riders of non-standard bikes which will include riders with disabilities – see LTN 120 7.6.8.  

We know some motorists will close pass and we know moving out from the cycle track into the primary position is a dangerous manoeuvre: the scheme designs in conflict.  If a cyclist is injured then I wonder, as a new scheme designed after the publication of LTN1/20, if the  Council could find itself exposed to a claim for damages.  And because the scheme treats disabled riders less favourably than others, I also wonder if the Council is vulnerable to action for failing to meet its obligations under equalities legislation.  This may also apply to the decision to retain refuges that discriminate against certain classes of pavement users.  

Ironically what the scheme will be ideally suited for is a spot in the Metropolitan Police’s upcoming close passing intervention for which they particularly want locations with island refuges/pinch points – which is a bit embarrassing for a new scheme.   Is it too late to do something about this?  Something like this?

Or, better still, because it also resolves the issues of the unsatisfactory islands/refuges and will make for a safe crossing for all pavement users, why not remove the islands – and thus the pinch points – and install a zebra or pelican crossing? 

I look forward to your thoughts.   

Andrew Seager

Coordinator

Redbridge Cycling Campaign”