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All across the Great Western territory => Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them => Topic started by: Lee on November 19, 2007, 13:47:46



Title: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on November 19, 2007, 13:47:46
From an FOSBR member :

On Tuesday 13th November I had to travel to London on indeterminate "family matters". When I attempted to park my cycle just after 1310 on platform 4, there were no spare spaces despite going round three times looking for one. Several bikes were locked to pillars due to lack of spaces. This was not appropriate for me as I did not know how many days the bike would need to be there. Furthermore, the office on platform 3 informed me that my bike would be removed if parked away from the metal cycle racks.

Eventually, someone returned & unlocked their cycle releasing a parking space for me. However, it took nearly 20 minutes to find a parking space - nearly as long as the cycle journey time to the station & causing me to just miss a London train ! Another delay of nearly half an hour (but good for trade at the station shops) !

On Thursday evening when I returned from London, the bike gave me the flexibility to cycle home quicker than waiting nearly an hour for the last Beach train of the night. The bike would have been invaluable if I had returned later or on a Sunday when there are no Beach trains.

Although omitted from the notes of the 1 October Severn Beach Line Working Group meeting, I mentioned the glut of cycle racks at Clifton Down & the lack of cycle racks at Temple Meads - here they are desperately needed.

Some of the original cycle racks nearest to the stairs are too close together to satisfactorily park bikes on both sides of the rack. Even if cycle hire does eventually come to Temple Meads, there will still be considerable need for cycle parking space for those who cycle TO TEMPLE MEADS to start their train journey. Please can we have another tranche of cycle racks at Temple Meads on platform 3/4 which are adequately spaced ? Why is there no undercover "short stay" cycle parking for cyclists using the travel centre without travelling by train that day ?


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on February 26, 2008, 08:17:59
Bristol could become the country's first "Cycling City" if a bid by the council is successful (link below.)
http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=19972560&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

The Government-backed Cycling England agency has launched a competition to find the country's first Cycling City and 10 new Cycling Towns.

It has ^47 million to spend on encouraging people to start cycling - and Bristol City Council said it is preparing for its bid.

Yet a Sustrans campaigner argued that the council's bid is ironic given its role in the West of England Partnership's plans to turn part of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path into a bus route.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Phil on February 26, 2008, 11:06:56
I suspect Bristol would face some fairly stiff competition in it's bid to become "Britain's first cycling city" from Oxford and, particularly, Cambridge (given the countryside surrounding the latter is amost completely flat). You only have to glimpse at the quite literally thousands of pushbikes parked outside their respective stations, and then compare it to the couple of dozen or so machines leaning up against one another in the racks on Platform 1 at Temple Meads - and most of them appear to be vandalised and abandoned there.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on February 26, 2008, 14:35:35
Bristol City Council seems somewhat worried by Sustrans concerns over the bus scheme (link below.)
http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=19983705&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

Also, Robert Spriggs, of Bristol-based transport consultants Colin Buchanan said :

Quote from: Robert Spriggs
"Perhaps allowing cycles to be carried by the BRT could allow people greater access to the cyclepath beyond the city."

"Buses don't tend to catch the public's imagination quite like the railway or trams.

"It would be interesting to see what the public's view would be had the proposal been to reinstate the railway or build a tram line."


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Shazz on February 26, 2008, 15:19:41
I thought oxford became that when they went anti car almost everywhere?


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on April 28, 2008, 06:50:00
A floating harbourside path could provide a traffic-free route to Bristol city centre for people arriving by rail (link below.)
http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=20481282&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

The 400-metre long, four-metre wide wooden track from Temple Meads to Castle Park would be suspended on steel pontoons secured to piles beside the wall of the Floating Harbour.

If council plans for the ^780,000 walkway are approved it will mean people can visit the new Cabot Circus shopping complex and other city centre attractions without having to walk down busy roads.

A foot and cycle path on land would drop by ramp to the pontoon path, which would run from a point near the new Valentine's Bridge, near Temple Meads, under Temple Way to an exit ramp close to Castle Park, beyond St Philip's Bridge in Passage Street.

The track would be a key element of a long-held council ambition to create an uninterrupted, traffic-free route around the harbour.

A planning application for the scheme, modelled on a similar one in the London borough of Tower Hamlets, is due to be submitted next week.

Most of the funding would come from the Carlyle Group, the developer which is demolishing the former Clerical Medical building in Temple Way.

A third ramp would connect the path to the new development being created on the site, Bank Place.

The remaining cost would be met by cash from other developers.

Quote from Councillor Mark Bradshaw, executive member for access and environment on the city council :

Quote from: Mark Bradshaw
The unique riverside setting will provide rail commuters and residents with one of the most inspiring journeys to work in the UK.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: John R on April 28, 2008, 08:09:25
They could have built a conventional path if one short section hadn't been built on by a massive office block that is still under construction. 


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on June 11, 2008, 21:01:36
Notices have been put up around Valentine Bridge, Temple Quay, which crosses the Floating Harbour next to Temple Meads Station, saying it will be shut from Monday (links below.)
http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=20840214

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=20850372&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=221340

It will be closed by developers working on the massive building site across the water from the station and is not due to reopen until January 2010.

A substitute footbridge, which is part of the ^200 million complex, was meant to be in place by now.

But a delay with the construction means it is not expected to be open until August.

In the meantime, people walking to Bristol's main railway station from the north-east will be diverted via Avon Street, Temple Way and Temple Back East or Avon Street, Feeder Road and Cattle Market Road.

The developer, Birmingham-based Castlemore Securities, apologised for the delay but said the closure of Valentine Bridge was necessary on health and safety grounds.

Work is about to start on The Eye, a high-rise 13-storey residential tower which will be the centrepiece of the waterfront development.

The new cycle and pedestrian bridge promises to be an exciting new landmark in the heart of the city, and the public will get a chance to witness a unique engineering feat when the stainless steel structure is lowered into place in August by one of the UK's tallest cranes.

On completion, the Temple Quay Central development will provide state-of-the-art offices, a 142-bed hotel, cafe, bars and shops, in addition to apartments and a new road infrastructure.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on June 20, 2008, 14:08:09
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has appointed Bristol as the UK's first official Cycling City, and announced a further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns across England (link below.)
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=371177&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False



Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on June 20, 2008, 21:33:29
... the couple of dozen or so machines leaning up against one another in the racks on Platform 1 at Temple Meads - and most of them appear to be vandalised and abandoned there.

I'm obviously very sorry to have to correct you on a couple of points, Phil :-[ but I've done a bit of 'bean counting' on this one, one evening when I had a few minutes to spare at BTM!

It's actually on platform 3 where there are, to be fair, plenty of racks provided - and at a rough count, I made it 320 bikes.

If any of them are actually vandalised, I'd take it as a pretty shocking indictment of BTP: their office overlooks the bike racks, about six feet away!   ::) ;D


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Super Guard on June 21, 2008, 00:42:23
If any of them are actually vandalised, I'd take it as a pretty shocking indictment of BTP: their office overlooks the bike racks, about six feet away!   ::) ;D

The irony  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on June 23, 2008, 22:39:44
Thousands of people took part in Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride yesterday, cycling one of six routes - from the 10-mile Family Fiesta along the Portway and back to a 52-mile ride to Chew Valley along the Avon Cycleway.

http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=20928833


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on July 02, 2008, 00:12:44
Plans to build a foot and cycle bridge across the Floating Harbour - first mooted two years ago - are still in the pipeline.

The West of England Partnership, responsible for transport in the region, has revealed that plans to link Bull Wharf, off Redcliff Street, and Welsh Back, at the junction of King Street, are still being pursued.

The idea of creating the bridge first emerged as part of the planning application to build a new ^25 million Bristol Civil Courts Centre in Redcliff Street two years ago. The court will replace the ageing civil court opposite the Crown Court in King Street. (Edit note: I think they mean Small Street - Chris  ;) )

According to the planning application, the bridge would connect Welsh Back to Redcliff Street leading onto a new public piazza outside the courts complex in Thomas Lane.

The West of England Partnership says there is not enough money available for it to be built. But the plans for the bridge are still on the table and the link has been marked on a map of a proposed new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route for Bristol city centre.

See http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=20979196&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on July 08, 2008, 00:47:05
Thanks to Government plans to pump ^20 million into the city's transport network, Bristol is set to become the cycling capital of the country. And two young entrepreneurs are planning to make the most of the opportunity after setting up a new company to cater for the thousands of cyclists expected to throng the streets in the coming years.

Joanne Lee and Greg Lancaster, both 28, have been keen cyclists for many years. They know many of their friends are all too keen to get out and about, but struggle when it comes to the technical side of things. To cater for a market which they expect to explode in the coming months, they have set up a business which offers running repairs and servicing where people need it most - at the side of the road.

The two-wheeled version of the AA has been called Cycle Therapist and was set up just two weeks ago to offer a service to the growing number of people who are abandoning their cars in the face of growing costs and raised awareness over the environment.

See http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=21029567&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on September 11, 2008, 21:36:38
More than 200 people have signed a petition opposing the sale to a developer of land next to the Bristol-to-Bath cycle path (link below.)
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Hundreds-join-bid-halt-Bristol-cycle-path-land-sale/article-319752-detail/article.html

Residents and campaigners are up in arms at the prospect of Bristol City Council selling a strip of land to Squarepeg, the developers of the former Elizabeth Shaw chocolate factory at Greenbank.

The company is due to submit a planning application to build 267 homes, as well as offices and shops, this month but is also negotiating an agreement with the council to include a nearby stretch of land in the scheme.

The land would be used to build a number of "cycle houses" ^ properties built with cyclists in mind ^ and a cafe for people using the cycle path.

The provisional arrangement to sell the land is subject to Squarepeg being granted planning permission for the whole site, but critics claim that makes it a foregone conclusion.

Easton councillor Faruk Choudhury is collecting signatures for the petition, which he plans to present to the council at the next full meeting.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on October 03, 2008, 21:41:30
The first physical signs of Bristol's recently-won status as a cycling city could start with a new cyclepath from beyond Whitchurch into the city centre (link below.)
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/City-facing-challenge-spend-cycle-cash-2011-deadline/article-372888-detail/article.html

Plans are being put forward to create the route with part of the ^22.8 million being spent on making Bristol the country's first Cycling Demonstration City.

The money ^ half from the Government and the rest from the city council ^ must all be spent by March 2011.

And, apart from initiatives to get more people riding bikes, as well as educating children in cycling safety, the city itself will see a number of changes.

The first of these will be a new path from Whitchurch, which may start over the council boundary in Bath and North East Somerset.

Some of the existing path along the old railway will be used but in-depth details will not be known until shortly before a city council cabinet meeting later this month.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: bemmy on October 05, 2008, 14:21:25
So, if they can manage to complete Sustran's original plan for a proper cycle path out to Whitchurch, another tiny segment of Bristol's population will be within reach of a real cycle path. This will be great for them but I don't see how two cyclepaths makes a showpiece cycling city.

However the emphasis on cycling proficiency is most welcome, if there were less teenagers riding round like idiots thinking they're immortal, life would be easier for everyone, including other cyclists.

The fact they have to spend the money by March 2011 is a big concern for everyone who knows how long it takes the Council to do anything. For example, the "tramways centre" was to be rebuilt in Soviet Bloc style for the Millennium..... I think they finished it around 2005.  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on October 09, 2008, 22:22:23
Cars should be banned from the city centre, says the councillor championing Bristol's new drive to encourage cycling (link below.)
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Let-s-make-Bristol-city-centre-bike/article-386400-detail/article.html


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 24, 2008, 21:59:14
Quote
Cars are to be re-routed through Bristol City Centre under plans to boost the number of cyclists.  The council wants to double the number of people cycling in the city every day, from 20,000 to 40,000, by 2011.

New traffic lights on Prince Street bridge would allow only alternative one-way access for cars, improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.  The proposals, which are part of the Cycling City scheme, will be discussed at a meeting next week.

A council spokesman said Prince Street bridge had "a slim pavement on one side only and poses a danger for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists".  Councillor Mark Bradshaw (Lab) said: "The city council is prepared to take some tough decisions, such as tackling safety concerns on Prince Street Bridge, to improve access for those who have made the welcome choice to travel more by walking, cycling or public transport.  The Cycling City proposal will see the introduction of more space for cyclists and pedestrians on the same side as the existing footpath, with traffic lights providing alternative one-way working for motorists - carefully managed to keep traffic moving smoothly during peak hours."

The proposals will be considered by the city council's cabinet when it meets on Thursday, 30 October.

For full details, see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7688466.stm


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on October 24, 2008, 22:19:49
Further article link.
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Bristol-bridge-car-ban/article-424229-detail/article.html

The bridge has also been earmarked for the city's first rapid transit bus route from Ashton Vale to the city centre, due to be complete by 2013.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: greenbristolblog on October 25, 2008, 13:43:29
There's more to the Prince Street Bridge plan than meets the eye. See here for speculation - http://greenbristolblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/bridge-too-narrow.html


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: grahame on October 25, 2008, 14:03:24
There's more to the Prince Street Bridge plan than meets the eye. See here for speculation - http://greenbristolblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/bridge-too-narrow.html

Hi Chris ... welcome to the forum (and congratulations on being our 400th member!).

I've had a look at your blog and some of the articles too ... and I know the bridge. I note your comments about pushing cyclists and pedestrians on to the same side, and also concerning the possible banning of cars, and thoughts about buses too.

Has anyone considered keeping one side for pedestrians, the other side for cyclists and buses - with traffic light controls to stop the cyclists whenever a bus needs to cross?


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: greenbristolblog on October 25, 2008, 17:05:32
Hi Grahame, do I get a prize? Or should I have waited till I was number 500?

I have thought about what you suggest - bikes and buses on one side with light controls. If the buses weren't too frequent I wouldn't have thought it unreasonable to ask cyclists to wait occasionally, or walk across on the pedestrian side instead, but of course in practice we would cycle across the pedestrian side! Maybe that wouldn't matter if it was just when buses used our 'normal' side and if cyclists were aware that they were intruding into the pedestrian realm and riding 'deferentially'.

I'd certainly rather 'share' the route with the odd BRT bus, even a long bendy bus, than a constant stream of cars, so it could be workable with a bit of give and take. At least with buses rather than trams one doesn't have tramlines to contend with, although it might be that the plan is to use Kerb Guidance on the bridge. The plans for BRT to Ashton Vale should become public very soon if they're going to get the submission for TIF funding in on time so watch this space, as they say.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Lee on October 25, 2008, 19:10:28
....and if you want to know more about the various Greater Bristol BRT plans, click on the links below.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=1608.msg10568#msg10568

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=743.msg2759#msg2759


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: grahame on October 25, 2008, 19:25:40
Hi Grahame, do I get a prize? Or should I have waited till I was number 500?

Alas - the coffers don't really allow for any prize other than a "congratulations" as we're not funded - but it's great to have you - and a wide variety of folks - thinking and discussing here.

I don't know when we'll get to that "500" - on one hand, I would like to see us grow to and through that number, and on the other hand we're something of a site that people sign up to when they're frustated with the Train Operator, and I would like the local TOC to make it very hard for us to grow by putting right the remaining issues that drive people here.  A thought - this site wouldn't even exist if First Great Western had continued to run an appropriate TransWilts service ... with the December 2006 changes on this line being to a service like the one at http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/tp.html - which is the based ont he draft that FGW themselves proposed as an option for this coming December. All it would have taken is the rescheduling of a single train (not extra to current stock level, nor withdrawl of anything else that wasn't duplicating a preceeding / following service by more than a few minutes)

Enough of that, though, Chris ... as a cyclist, what are you wider Bristol views on trams / local trains / bus?


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 01, 2008, 22:35:08
Quote
Bristol is joining European cities such as Paris and Barcelona with a 24-hour bike hire service.  From tomorrow, a trial scheme with 10 bikes ^ part-financed with the money that Bristol has received as the UK's first Cycling City ^ will begin at Parkway station and the University of West of England's Frenchay, St Matthias and Glenside campuses.

Anyone over the age of 12 will be able to rent bikes for any length of time from secure bike racks that in the next few weeks will be installed at more locations across the city, including Temple Meads, Wine Street and the BRI.  Members of the scheme, run by Hourbike, which already runs a similar scheme in Dublin, will each receive a smart card and a pin number.  When the pin number is typed into a pad on any of the eight-bike stands, a bike is automatically released, ready to be ridden away.

Bikes can be returned to any Hourbike stand, not just from the location that the bike was rented.  The rental period then ends and credit is deducted from the member's account.

For full details, see http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Bristol-s-bike-hire-scheme-ready-roll/article-440274-detail/article.html


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 01, 2008, 23:01:35
Quote
A tourist couple say they will never return to Bristol ^ because they feel menaced by cyclists in the city centre.  Disabled pensioner Eric Drummond, aged 68, and his wife Alison have been visiting Bristol from their home in Scotland every year since the 1960s.  They say they love coming to the city for holidays and to see friends, staying at the caravan park in Baltic Wharf.

But this year's visit will be their last, say the couple, who live in Edinburgh, because of the number of near-misses they encountered with cyclists.  They claim some were riding at speeds of up to 20mph on the pavement and they were also angered by a number of cyclists performing stunts on various pedestrianised areas around the Harbourside.

They took pictures of the stunt cyclists and sent them to the leader of Bristol City Council.  It is illegal to cycle on the pavement and former magistrate and police authority chairman Mr Drummond wants officers to have a zero-tolerance policy to enforcing the law.  He believes it is only a matter of time before a pedestrian is run down and killed by a cyclist.

The city council says that in the last three years 11 pedestrians have been involved in accidents with cyclists ^ but that over the same period 749 cyclists were hit by cars.

For full details, see http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Ban-Bristol-s-dangerous-cyclists/article-433888-detail/article.html


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 07, 2008, 23:27:02
Quote
The first visible manifestation of Bristol's Cycling City status has arrived in the north of the city at Parkway station and the University of West of England's Frenchay, St Matthias and Glenside campuses.

The Hourbike scheme ^ a 24-hour bike hire system ^ is in its trial phase but by the end of this year, its eight-bike stands will become a familiar site throughout Bristol.

There will soon be Hourbike locations at Temple Meads, Temple Quay, Anchor Square, the BRI, Marlborough Street, Thunderbolt Square (the corner of Queen Square and Marsh Street), the centre and Wine Street, as well as its three current locations.

Anyone over the age of 12 can register for the scheme, which aims to provide an alternative to car or taxi journeys, especially in the city centre.

For full details, see http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Testing-Bristol-s-new-bike-rent-scheme/article-456586-detail/article.html


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 07, 2011, 22:45:41
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-12663323):

Quote
Bristol Cycling City scheme misses target

A project aimed at doubling the number of regular cyclists in Bristol has failed to reach its targets.

Bristol was awarded ^22m in 2008 and named Cycling City to encourage residents to ride bicycles.

Statistics obtained by the BBC show that, according to the city council, bike use has only risen by a third at the end of the three-year programme.

Project manager Ed Plowden said bike use had risen more quickly than other areas because of the project. "In London it took them about nine years to double cycling," said Mr Plowden. "At the moment - 1% of all journeys are being done by bike and they've got a target to get to 5% by 2026. Bristol is already at 5% and that's partly due to the growth during Cycling City."

In 2008, there were 25,000 bike users in Bristol while there are now around 33,000, the council figures show.

About two-thirds of the ^22m was spent on cycling infrastructure, such as 13 miles of off-road cycle tracks including the Festival Way to Ashton Court, the Frome Greenway and a link in St Werburghs.

The remaining third went towards "softer" schemes geared towards changing people's attitudes to cycling such as training in schools and workplaces.

This balance between "hard" and "soft" projects has been called into question by some.

Martin McDonnell, secretary of the pressure group Bristol Cycling Campaign, said: "I think there could be a lot more publicity. If you come into Bristol how do you know that it's a Cycling City? There aren't big banners up anywhere. There are certain routes which aren't complete and they start somewhere not very sensible. They've also been doing things like putting bollards in the middle of the cycleway which can be dangerous."

The leader of the opposition Conservative group on Bristol City Council, Geoff Gollop, said the new cycle routes were to the detriment of motorists. He said: "The Cycling City initiative brought in match-funding which has delivered new cycling routes but these have largely been achieved at the expense of the majority of road users - by reducing road space or capacity. Whilst we recognise the merits of promoting cycling as a leisure activity for the individual - delivering personal health benefits and helping to improve the environment for all - this form of travel is unlikely in the near future to be a major means of commuting. We do not believe the ^22m project can be said to have been successful even in its own terms."


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: JayMac on March 07, 2011, 23:42:24
^22 million was never going to be enough. It's extremely expensive to flatten hills.  :D

Bristol is a very hilly city - one of the major reason why there are not more cycling commuters in Bristol.



Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: JayMac on March 25, 2011, 02:55:15
From the BBC (http://):

Quote
Bristol's cycling city partnership awarded extra money

An extra ^60,000 has been given to improve the situation for cyclists in and out of Bristol city centre.

The additional funds will go towards developing extra infrastructure and installing cycle contra-flows in the city centre.

South Gloucestershire is improving links between key locations and signing to local destinations.

Councillor Brian Allinson said: "The funding will enable us to keep the project's momentum up."

Bristol was awarded ^22m in 2008 to help encourage residents to ride bicycles.

Transport minister Norman Baker said it was important to develop a sustainable transport network despite the current financial difficulties.

"We are giving councils across England over ^800,000 extra before the end of this financial year to ensure more people are encouraged to cycle."

The two councils have also applied for additional funding from the government's sustainable transport fund.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 20, 2012, 21:37:33
From the Bristol Post (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/City-council-forbids-cycling-events-parks/story-17336963-detail/story.html):

Quote
City council forbids all cycling events in parks

Bristol City Council ^ which runs the UK's first and only Cycling City ^ has banned all cycling events in its parks for the rest of the year because of fears they will damage wet grass.

Organisers who were forced to move their events say the council's attitude is "disappointing" especially because of the city's cycling status.

But the authority has insisted the ban in its parks is only temporary, and is because of possible damage to grass after the wettest summer in 100 years.

Craig Denning, 36, from Keynsham, has been cycling for 20 years and organises the Western Region Cyclo-cross League. He was due to hold an event at Hengrove Park on Sunday but had to change the venue at short notice.

He said: "I have already held three cycling events on council land this year and when I didn't receive a licence for this event, I had to chase the council officer involved. Eventually I was told a decision had been made to suspend all cycling events on council owned sites."

Mr Denning said the council told him that a wet summer, coupled with budget cuts, meant they were not prepared to put cycling events on at risk of damage to the land.

When he asked whether the suspension would also apply to football and rugby, the council confirmed these events would be going ahead as normal.

Mr Denning said: "It's ridiculous ^ Hengrove is a sports facility, not an area of outstanding natural beauty."

He had also been told the council would be asking for a ^2,500 deposit ahead of each event incase of damage to its land, but says he was told even that route ^ which he would not have been able to afford anyway ^ was closed to him.

Council spokeswoman Kate Hartas said: "The council met the organisers yesterday, who have now identified an alternative to their Hengrove Park event. The council is keen to work with the group on developing their 2013 programme on suitable sites, providing the most enjoyable rides with the minimum damage to park land, and it is also looking at what support in kind it can provide to keep bond costs down.

"The original advice was given for pro-park reasons, and not anti-cycling ones. The group were advised that the winter season following the wettest summer for 100 years is simply not a good time for cycling on park land. The grass is dormant, the turf will be significantly damaged, and it will not even begin to grow back for five or six months.

"The council was concerned about the impact on other park users. The group was told an event would require a significant bond ^2,500 per event ^ for expected repairs to the turf."


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 26, 2014, 15:43:18
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26351265):

Quote
Bristol to get first 'Dutch-style' segregated cycle lanes

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72924000/jpg/_72924009_cycleway.jpg)
The new Dutch style cycle way will form the first part of the new Avon promenade

A new continental-style segregated cycle lane - the first of its kind in Bristol - is to be built.

The ^380,000-lane, which is due to open in the summer, will run along the River Avon at Clarence Road in Bedminster.

The road will be narrowed, parking bays removed and a separate 10ft (3 metre) cycle way and footpath constructed.

The 2296ft (700m) lane will be part of a new "promenade" scheme which will link Bristol and Keynsham along the river.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72903000/jpg/_72903687_bridge_crossing-1.jpg)
The Clarence Road cycle way will stretch 700m along the River Avon

Bristol mayor George Ferguson, an independent, says the scheme is modelled on similar cycle ways from the Netherlands and Denmark and will be a two-way, segregated track. He said the lack of space on Bristol's roads was behind the segregated path. "This scheme is exactly what we are going to see more of in Bristol as cycling and walking routes are improved," he said.

Mr Ferguson called for "wider measures" in the city, such as cycle training and work with employers, to make cycling a "more regular, normal and safer experience".

But Conservative councillor Richard Eddy claimed Bristol City Council had a reputation of "being steadfastly anti-car" and that new cycle lanes in the city were "a political totem". He said the routes were a "means of reducing road-space" for cars and business users, adding that the council should be supporting those businesses instead of reducing capacity on the roads.

Sgt Sean Underwood of Avon and Somerset Police said the force wanted to see an increase in "respect" between road users.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72903000/jpg/_72903685_photo4.jpg)
The cycle way will eventually stretch from Keynsham to Hotwells

"What we are trying to do is stop that divide between motorists and the cyclist," he said. "Our aim to try and bring them together a bit more so that they respect each other and therefore don't commit offences, because they are thinking about the other party."

Safer cycling?

In the Netherlands "cyclists are considered to be fully fledged road users" with the same rights as motorists.

Tom Godefrooij, Senior Policy Advisor at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, claimed cyclists don't feel safe "if they have to cycle in the midst of high volumes of speeding cars".

The new cycle lane will see cyclists segregated from motorists for the first time in Bristol.

"In those circumstances segregation will certainly improve the safety perception," said Mr Godefrooij. "It is important that cyclists legally are considered to be fully fledged road users, and as important as other categories of road users. Of course this shouldn't only be a legal position, but this equal status should also be reflected in the public perception of cycling."


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: trainer on February 26, 2014, 22:01:26
Oh, how I laughed at the picture of a cyclist stopping to allow a pedestrian leaving a bus stop to cross in front.  I know it's probably a standard icon provided by the computer, but we are taken to another, parallel universe with some of these images from planners.  :)


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: grahame on February 27, 2014, 06:59:31
And from Cambridge, steps ahead in cycleway / bus stop design ...

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/News/Floating-bus-stops-planned-for-Cambridge-trigger-safety-debate-20140226063000.htm

Quote
A new design of bus stop set to be installed on main Cambridge roads would allow cyclists to bypass stationary buses ^ but would force passengers to cross the bike lane.

The city^s first ^floating^ bus stops, proposed for Huntingdon Road and Hills Road, place the cycle lane between the pavement and the bus shelter, allowing riders to continue their journey without having to overtake buses or mix with other vehicles.

Disability campaigners have raised concerns about the risk of collisions with cyclists, particularly for wheelchair users and the partially-sighted.

Article continues


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Red Squirrel on February 27, 2014, 09:09:21
It boils down to two things - good design, and familiarity. Here's a simple explanation of the Dutch approach:

http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/riding-around-the-bus-stop/


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on March 24, 2014, 20:27:35
Within the last year, I have become Two Wheels, Now! on occasions. My main ride is from home (close to Arnos Vale) to work (Portland Square, St Pauls) and the return. To my surprise on Day One, I found that I needed to share a road with motor vehicles for a mere 100 metres or so. I do not, and will never, use the dangerous cyclepath along the A4.

My main hazard is other cyclists, most of whom have abilities that far exceed mine. I get in their way unintentionally. The sheer numbers of competent cyclists make this more of a problem than I anticipated. I hope to improve. I can make a motor vehicle up to about 7 tonnes do exactly what I want. I have also had the same degree of control over a canal boat, a tank, a motorcycle, and a light aircraft. I did, to age 18, exercise the same control freakery over a bicycle, but it eludes me for the moment.

Sic transit Gloria Swanson


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: bobm on March 24, 2014, 23:53:16
I have an electric power assisted bike, so imagine my chagrin when I get overtaken by Sir Bradley Wiggins wannabes!


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on March 28, 2014, 17:44:47
Not a problem I have. Little old ladies, yes...


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 18, 2014, 16:33:23
From the Bristol Post (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-let-cyclists-jump-red-lights-like/story-22942176-detail/story.html?ito=email_newsletter_bristolpost):

Quote
Bristol campaigners back scheme to allow cyclists to jump red lights on city's streets

(http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276268/Article/images/22942176/6910048-large.jpg)
Australian authorities are considering allowing cyclists to run red lights ^ could Bristol follow suit?

A Bristol cycling charity has praised Australian officials for coming up with proposals to let cyclists run red lights.

The state of Victoria is considering a raft of changes to road rules, including cyclists treating red lights as Give Way signs.

The Australian government is also considering banning cyclists from wearing headphones and forcing drivers to leave more than a metre of space between their vehicles and cyclists.

Bristol-based national cycling charity and pressure group Sustrans praised the move, saying: "It's good that the Australian State of Victoria is thinking outside of the box with making cycling safer."

Bristol cabinet member and keen cyclist Gus Hoyt also told the Bristol Post he supported some of the ideas, including the red light plans.

The government in Victoria is said to be considering various options to make the roads safer and reduce conflict between cyclists and drivers.

Proposals include banning cyclists' use of headphones, allowing motorcyclists to share bike lanes with cyclists, requiring motorists to be one metre away from cyclists, allowing cyclists to treat red lights like give way signs, allowing those aged 12-17 to ride on a footpath if with a child aged under 12, letting cyclists with kids under 10 in a trailer or child seat to use the footpath and allowing all riders to use the footpath, provided that they give way to pedestrians.

Ian Barrett, regional director for Sustrans, told the Post: "These are certainly an interesting set of ideas, some more radical than others. It's good that the Australian state of Victoria is thinking outside of the box with making cycling safer and more convenient. What would help the most in Bristol would be to design deeper cycling integration into the road system. Reducing traffic speeds and extending the network of high quality routes where cyclists don't need to come into contact with many red lights or vehicles will make the most impact, enabling more people to cycle for their everyday journeys."

Bristol was made the UK's first Cycling City in 2008 and ^22.8 million was pumped into the city to encourage more people on to bicycles.

Prior to Cycling City there were 73 miles of off-road cycle paths and tracks in Bristol. Cycling City has helped build, upgrade or improve 28 miles of cycle path.

Mr Hoyt, Green Party councillor for Ashley ward, said: "I agree with giving way on a red light if it was treated as a proper Give Way and not a green light. It could keep the traffic moving and prevent cyclists clogging up junctions."

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: "We are always looking to learn from what other cities are doing, but clearly we have to be mindful of the legislative framework in the UK."


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: bobm on September 18, 2014, 17:38:02
As a cyclist I would not be in favour of treating red lights as give way signs.  Most days I see someone doing it while I am waiting at a set of lights.  Many look out for cars before they go through the junction but a number forget that often the red light for cars is accompanied by a green light for pedestrians who then get involved in near misses.

As for cycling on pavements if you could rely on cyclists to give way to pedestrians then fine.  Sadly you can't.  More than once I have nearly been knocked over by someone flying past on a bike.  I was also with an elderly couple walking near my home when a cyclist came up behind us ringing the bell furiously.  "Move over darling", said the man to his wife, "Bradley Wiggins wants to pass".

I am sure the real Bradley Wiggins, a knight of the road, would never do such a thing.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: trainer on September 18, 2014, 19:17:52
I was also with an elderly couple walking near my home when a cyclist came up behind us ringing the bell furiously. 

Cyclists using the pavements assume that all pedestrians have good hearing, are fleet of foot and can guess which way to leap should they be acute enough to hear the bell. Many elderly (and an equal number of not-so-elderly) people do not conform to this assumed profile.  A green light on a crossing in the UK has, until now, meant no wheeled traffic is coming at you legally. Sounds like both red and green could be blurred under this suggestion.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on September 18, 2014, 21:41:49
As a cyclist I would not be in favour of treating red lights as give way signs. 

In a previous job, I was trained by two former members of the Regional Crime Squad to do this exact same manoeuvre in a car. As no-one would die if I didn't do it, and someone could possibly if I did, the matter of safety was drummed into me. I have only once done it when not at my (then) profession and probably did it no more than a half-dozen times otherwise. A colleague did it and fell foul of the camera at one set of lights, collaring a fine and three points despite a letter from the boss. The magistrates took the view that had he been driving an ambulance or fire engine, they may have accepted a defence of necessity.

I was also with an elderly couple walking near my home when a cyclist came up behind us ringing the bell furiously. 

Cyclists using the pavements assume that all pedestrians have good hearing, are fleet of foot and can guess which way to leap should they be acute enough to hear the bell. Many elderly (and an equal number of not-so-elderly) people do not conform to this assumed profile.  A green light on a crossing in the UK has, until now, meant no wheeled traffic is coming at you legally. Sounds like both red and green could be blurred under this suggestion.

Pedestrians also assume that cyclists know what they are doing, not yet the situation in my case. On those pavements in Bristol designated as shared use, I regard myself when cycling as the interloper and give way to pedestrians, a courtesy I have not always been afforded when the boot has been on the other foot.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: bobm on September 18, 2014, 21:44:29
Pedestrians also assume that cyclists know what they are doing, not yet the situation in my case. On those pavements in Bristol designated as shared use, I regard myself when cycling as the interloper and give way to pedestrians, a courtesy I have not always been afforded when the boot has been on the other foot.

Couldn't agree more - I have been hassled by fellow cyclists for apparently not making "normal progress" - ie not threatening to mow down all in front of me!


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on September 18, 2014, 21:46:34

Couldn't agree more - I have been hassled by fellow cyclists for apparently not making "normal progress" - ie not threatening to mow down all in front of me!

Concur - life isn't that short.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 04, 2014, 00:20:54
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-29441637):

Quote
Bristol's 'Dutch-style' cycle lane delayed

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72903000/jpg/_72903688_bus_stop_island-1.jpg)
The cycle way will form part of a key link route from Temple Meads along the riverside to Ashton Court

The creation of a "Dutch-style" segregated cycle lane in Bristol has been delayed until the spring.

The ^380,000-lane, which will run along the River Avon at Clarence Road in Bedminster, had been due to open in the summer. But the city council said it was working to stabilise the river wall and could not complete the cycleway until that work ends.

A spokesman for Bristol Cycling Campaign said it was disappointing.

The scheme, announced in February, involves narrowing the road, removing parking bays and constructing a separate 10ft (3m) cycleway and footpath.

Bristol mayor George Ferguson, an independent, said the scheme was modelled on similar cycleways from the Netherlands and Denmark.

The 2,300ft (700m) cycleway will be segregated from cars using small bollards, and from pedestrians by the existing kerb.

A council spokeswoman said it needed to permanently stabilise the river wall after noticing sudden movement under the footway following a number of high tides. She said: "Council engineers have been closely monitoring the wall on a weekly basis since January and there had been no measureable movement until early August this year when, after another high tide, the wall moved forward in the direction of the river by around 145mm."

As a temporary measure, 53 one-tonne bags filled with stones have been placed in the river in front of the wall to try to prevent further movement.

The spokeswoman said work to finalise a permanent stabilisation scheme was continuing and she could not say how long it would last. "We estimate the river wall project will be completed by early January 2015," she said. "The finishing touches to the cycling scheme cannot be made until the stabilisation work is complete. The cycleway is expected to be open by the spring 2015."

Martin McDonnell, from Bristol Cycling Campaign, said: "It's disappointing because it's a trial where they're trying out something new. Things need to get into operation as soon as possible so we can get feedback on how successful it is."


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on October 04, 2014, 12:42:38
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-29441637):

Quote
Martin McDonnell, from Bristol Cycling Campaign, said: "It's disappointing because it's a trial where they're trying out something new. Things need to get into operation as soon as possible so we can get feedback on how successful it is."

It would be more disappointing to see it collapse into the river with a passing peloton. There will be more trouble like this further downstream for MetroBust.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 21, 2014, 11:23:08
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-29686764):

Quote
'Cheese grater' bridge petition demands new safe surface

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/78391000/jpg/_78391590_cheesegraterbridge.jpg)
Cyclists say the bridge is known as the cheese grater for both its aesthetic and skin grating qualities

Cyclists who use a stainless steel bridge in Bristol say its surface urgently needs to be changed because it is a hazard in the wet.

Meads Reach at the start of the Bristol to Bath cycle track is perforated with 55,000 holes, earning it the nickname the cheese grater.

A petition has been started urging Bristol City Council to force the owner to make safety improvements.

Temple Quay Management Company said it is looking into the problem. A statement from the company said it was aware there "can be a problem with the surface" of the bridge in wet weather and that safety of cyclists and pedestrians was of "paramount importance".

GVA Facilities Management, who manage the bridge on behalf of the owner, said there had already been an investigation into the complaints. A spokesman said the issue "is now with our surveying department and legal team" who would be contacting the original installers.

The petition - started on Friday by Toby Bridgeman - has so far gathered more than 320 names.

Mr Bridgeman said people are "consistently falling of their bikes" requiring to trips to A&E. "Requests to GVA for improvements have not resulted in any action," he said.

The petition calls on Bristol City Council to force GVA and the Temple Quay Management Company to "make the bridge safe for both cyclists and pedestrians immediately".

Anthony Dunn from Easton fell off his bike on the bridge last week and said he had X-rays on his hand, four stitches in his lip and two chipped teeth.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 21, 2014, 12:34:16
Maybe some bridge users are so captivated by the view of that exquisite mail conveyor, along with the visually-sumptuous signalling centre, that they simply go all light-headed and lose their balance...  :P


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: JayMac on October 21, 2014, 13:03:56
I've slipped on that bridge, but I blamed the worn out shoes I was wearing.

It's slightly better than the next footbridge downstream. That one creaks and groans underfoot and the deck panels bounce quite alarmingly. Gives me the willies.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on October 21, 2014, 17:47:16
I almost slipped on it, steadying myself at the last moment. I lay the blame squarely with the Knights Templar, and the Exmoor Brewery.

I have a solution that would cost no more than ^100. It involves two signs saying "Cyclists - Dismount when the surface is wet", one affixed on each end of the bridge. A photo of the sign could be sent with the letter refusing any compensation request.

Before anyone shouts in anger, I am a cyclist from time to time.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Richard Fairhurst on October 21, 2014, 18:12:27
And at the same time, let's put up a sign saying "Train Drivers: Please Get Out And Push When Leaves Have Fallen Off Trees".


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 21, 2014, 20:13:48
I almost slipped on it, steadying myself at the last moment. I lay the blame squarely with the Knights Templar, and the Exmoor Brewery.

I have a solution that would cost no more than ^100. It involves two signs saying "Cyclists - Dismount when the surface is wet", one affixed on each end of the bridge. A photo of the sign could be sent with the letter refusing any compensation request.

Before anyone shouts in anger, I am a cyclist from time to time.

Quote
Temple Quay Management Company said it is looking into the problem. A statement from the company said it was aware there "can be a problem with the surface" of the bridge in wet weather and that safety of cyclists and pedestrians was of "paramount importance".

My emphasis. Mayhap dismounting won't help?


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on October 21, 2014, 22:47:12

My emphasis. Mayhap dismounting won't help?

I believe there is only danger in mixing the two elements, plus rain.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 19, 2015, 18:42:49
An update, from the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-31517807):

Quote
'Cheese-grater' bridge to get anti-slip surface coating

An award-winning Bristol bridge which cyclists claim poses a hazard in wet weather is to be treated with an anti-slip coating.

The stainless steel Meads Reach, part of the Bristol to Bath cycle track, is perforated with 55,000 holes, earning it the nickname "the cheese-grater".

Sections of the bridge deck will be dismantled and taken away to be sprayed with a long-lasting polyurea surface.

Eco South West said it will begin the work in the next few weeks.

The ^2.4m Meads Reach bridge was built in 2008 and won a Royal Institute of British Architecture award in 2009.

But cyclist Toby Bridgeman said riders using the 180ft (55m) structure were "consistently falling off their bikes" needing trips to A&E.

Mr Bridgeman set up the petition calling on Bristol City Council to force the owner to "make the bridge safe for both cyclists and pedestrians immediately".

The petition gathered more than 600 signatures during the month it was open.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on February 20, 2015, 09:31:24
An update, from the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-31517807):

Quote
'Cheese-grater' bridge to get anti-slip surface coating

An award-winning Bristol bridge which cyclists claim poses a hazard in wet weather is to be treated with an anti-slip coating.

The stainless steel Meads Reach, part of the Bristol to Bath cycle track, is perforated with 55,000 holes, earning it the nickname "the cheese-grater".

Sections of the bridge deck will be dismantled and taken away to be sprayed with a long-lasting polyurea surface.

Eco South West said it will begin the work in the next few weeks.

The ^2.4m Meads Reach bridge was built in 2008 and won a Royal Institute of British Architecture award in 2009.

But cyclist Toby Bridgeman said riders using the 180ft (55m) structure were "consistently falling off their bikes" needing trips to A&E.

Mr Bridgeman set up the petition calling on Bristol City Council to force the owner to "make the bridge safe for both cyclists and pedestrians immediately".

The petition gathered more than 600 signatures during the month it was open.

Oh, the irony of having Mr Bridgeman as spokesman!

I could make the bridge perfectly safe for both riders and pedestrians with a very small amount of dynamite, or an angle grinder, or two signs saying "Bridge closed due to danger. Use the next one, 100 metres away." Like level crossings, it is perfectly safe now if used in a safe manner.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 21, 2015, 22:42:42
An update, from the BBC (http://Anti-slip resurfacing on Bristol 'cheese-grater' bridge completed):

Quote
Anti-slip resurfacing on Bristol 'cheese-grater' bridge completed

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/media/images/82465000/jpg/_82465992_completedmrbcrop.jpg)
Eco South West said it is confident that cyclists "will find it a much safer route now"

Resurfacing work on an award-winning Bristol bridge which cyclists claimed was hazardous in wet weather has been completed.

Eco South West dismantled sections of the 180ft (55m) Meads Reach structure and sprayed it with an anti-slip coating.

The stainless steel bridge, nicknamed the "cheese-grater", is part of the Bristol to Bath cycle track. It was the site of numerous accidents involving bike riders.

The work follows a 600-strong petition set up to call on Bristol City Council to force the owner to make safety improvements.

Eco South West said it is confident that cyclists "will find it a much safer route now".

The bridge, built in 2008, earned the "cheese-grater" nickname because it is perforated with 55,000 holes. In 2009, the ^2.4m structure won a Royal Institute of British Architecture award.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 01, 2016, 23:35:39
From the Bristol Post (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/vehicles-aren-t-the-number-one-cause-of-bike-crashes-in-bristol-8211-by-quite-a-margin/story-29843240-detail/story.html?utm_source=Glos%20Media&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5393136_Bristol%20Post%20RSS%20Newsletter&ito=email%2526source%3DGlos%20Media%2526campaign%3D5393136_Bristol%20Post%20RSS%20Newsletter):

Quote
Vehicles AREN'T the number one cause of bike crashes in Bristol - road surfaces are

(http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276268/Article/images/29843240/15644316-large.jpg)
Four out of five bicycle crashes on Bristol's roads do not involve another vehicle

Cyclists in Bristol are five times more likely to be injured in crashes which do not involve other road users.

Collisions with cars and other vehicles only account for about one fifth of incidents in which the cyclist needs hospital treatment, figures reveal.

The other 79 per cent are caused by crashes into stationary objects or other factors like slippery road surfaces or carelessness.

But campaigners insist more efforts to protect cyclists, like segregated paths on main roads, should still be enforced until crashes involving other vehicles are eliminated altogether.

Hospital admission figures for 2015 show there were 163 crashes on Bristol's roads which put a cyclist in hospital. Some 33 of those were because of a collision with a car, pick-up truck or van, while two involved another cyclist and none involved a truck or bus.

But 92 of the crashes didn't involve another vehicle at all – and a further 10 were because of collisions with stationary and fixed objects.

Eric Booth, chair of Bristol Cycling Campaign, said those non-vehicle collisions are 'very often' because of preventable factors like poor road surfacing.

He added: "If there is a non-collision injury, and there are a lot of them, they are generally people falling off and damaging wrists and arms ad they are coming off. Typically, injuries with road traffic vehicles are of a significantly different nature."

Mr Booth said measures, like segregated cycle paths on main roads, should be taken to completely eradicate collisions between cyclists and vehicles.

He added: "Cycle lanes are fine for people who already cycle. In Bristol in particular, most people who feel confident enough to cycle already ride bikes. The people who you want to reach out to are those who don't feel confident cycling. Simply putting in a cycle lane along the side of a busy road does not make people feel safe and comfortable – that's why we need to bite the bullet and put in proper cycle paths."

The number of cyclists hospitalised by collisions with vehicles in Bristol dropped from 41 in 2014 to 33 last year.

The number of non-vehicle collisions also fell, from 113 to 92.




Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: stuving on November 02, 2016, 00:16:59
Quote
Cyclists in Bristol are five times more likely to be injured in crashes which do not involve other road users.
...
Collisions with cars and other vehicles only account for about one fifth of incidents in which the cyclist needs hospital treatment, figures reveal.
...

So, never let a journalist near any numbers, then. If the collisions with cars are one fifth, and other accidents are four fifths, what's the ratio between them? Five?

There's something odd about the numbers as quoted too, but that's in the source quoted (Bristol Cycling Campaign). Their figures (from an unidentified source) are:
2014   2015   Reason for hospital admission
0   0   Pedal cyclist injured in collision with pedestrian or animal            
4   4   Pedal cyclist injured in collision with other pedal cycle            
0   1   Pedal cyclist inj'd in coll'n with 2-3 wheeled motor vehicle            
41   33   Pedal cyclist inj'd in coll'n with car pick-up truck or van            
3   0   Pedal cyclist inj'd in coll'n with hvy transport veh or bus            
0   0   Pedal cyclist injured in collision with oth nonmotor vehicle            
10   10   Pedal cyclist inj'd in coll'n with fixed/stationary object            
113   92   Pedal cyclist injured in noncollision transport accident            
22   23   Pedal cyclist injured in oth and unspc transport accidents            
193   163   Total   
   







Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: grahame on November 02, 2016, 06:10:03
One of the side effects of encouraging far more people to cycle rather than use other means of transport is going to be to increase the number of cyclist injury.  Double the cycle mileage, with an increase in cycle injuries of 50% and actually cycling has become safer than it was!

Move cycles off the roads onto their own cycleways and to shared paths and you will decrease the number of collisions with road vehicles (good) though you might increase the number of collisions with pedestrians.   Are there figures for the numbers of pedestrians admitted to hospital due to collisions with cyclists?

Good so see the data and have it set us thinking ... but so dangerously easy to draw incorrect conclusions.  We also miss the severity of the injuries from the reports, and as it's based on hospital admissions, any very regrettable "passed away at the scene" situations are excluded from the figures.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: stuving on November 02, 2016, 09:12:24
...
Move cycles off the roads onto their own cycleways and to shared paths and you will decrease the number of collisions with road vehicles (good) though you might increase the number of collisions with pedestrians.   Are there figures for the numbers of pedestrians admitted to hospital due to collisions with cyclists?
...

Yes - two. A sharp drop from the last few years, when the average has been more like five.

That was in the BCC1 source. There are a lot more data, and back to 2003, in their Excel file - which I can now see came from BCC2. They (BCC2) publish their own analysis of those figures, but only up to 2014, and the full table must have been provided to BCC1 by BCC2 on request.

1Bristol Cycling Campaign            2Bristol City Council.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 23, 2016, 23:54:06
I think Bristol Cycling Campaign use the abbreviation BCyC presumably to avoid text like that.  ;D

Their Mr Booth does a very poor job of explaining the difference between a cycle path and a cycle lane – or maybe that's down to the Post reporter, but in any case I don't think that report makes it clear to those (probably most people) who don't already know.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on November 24, 2016, 07:49:39
I think Bristol Cycling Campaign use the abbreviation BCyC presumably to avoid text like that.  ;D

Their Mr Booth does a very poor job of explaining the difference between a cycle path and a cycle lane – or maybe that's down to the Post reporter, but in any case I don't think that report makes it clear to those (probably most people) who don't already know.

The Post does a poor job of explaining anything these days. I assume that either Mr Booth didn't furnish them with a press release to copy and paste, or he did, but not a very good one. Local journalism these days doesn't have the resources, either in terms of people or expertise, to deal with complex issues. Like cycling.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 24, 2016, 08:26:59
Journalistic standards are creeping up from local to national. What starts as a scrawled note in the Sheepy Parva Argus ends up cut and pasted into the New York Times.


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: TonyK on November 24, 2016, 16:07:01
Journalistic standards are creeping up from local to national. What starts as a scrawled note in the Sheepy Parva Argus ends up cut and pasted into the New York Times.

Neither of which is my chip wrapper of choice!


Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 17, 2017, 16:11:06
From the Bristol Post (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/separating-cyclists-traffic-is-safest-63752):

Quote
Separating cyclists and traffic ‘is safest solution’ but not always possible in Bristol, says council

The council has pointed out its ‘Dutch-style’ cycle paths but said the size of the road can make them impossible

Cyclists and traffic being separated is the “safest solution” Bristol City Council (BCC) has said in response to a study that found segregated cycle lanes can reduce injuries.

These kinds of traffic systems are “not always possible” in Bristol however, according to the council, because of the size of the roads.

The council has highlighted some of the existing “Dutch-style” cycle paths in the city as well as routes that are underway to improve cycling provisions.

A new study on trends in cycling safety, carried out in the US, found segregated cycle lanes reduce the number of injuries on roads.

BCC’s spokesman said: “We agree that separating cyclists is the safest solution and already have areas within Bristol where cyclists are separated from traffic in an effort to provide a safer environment and make cycling more accessible to those who are less confident on a bike. In recent years we have introduced “Dutch-style” cycle paths on Baldwin Street, Cattle Market Road and Clarence Road. We are also in the process of developing a segregated route on Prince Street and continuing the route on Baldwin Street to complete the cycle path all the way to the centre.”

The Metrobus route will include a traffic-free area to use and the council said it is taking steps to connect Greenways and Quietways.

Bristol was praised by campaign group Cycling UK who said the city is widely regarded as the leading location in the country for embracing space for cyclists.

The Bristol Cycling Campaign has put together a “tube map”-style cycling network which BCC has set as its aspirational target.

However, the council added these segregated cycle lanes are sometimes not possible in the city.

The spokesman added: “These kind of improvements to the cycling infrastructure require investment and are not always possible in some areas of the city depending on the size of the road and existing traffic arrangements.”




Title: Re: Bristol: Cycling City
Post by: Bmblbzzz on May 17, 2017, 20:37:41
I'd have thought "the leading location in the country for embracing space for cyclists" was London, with its various "superhighways". But that phrase "embracing space for cyclists" is telling; Dutch style cycle paths, when they're actually in Holland or, say, Denmark, tend to be more like bus lanes, physically separated from the rest of the carriageway but taken out of "car space" rather than, as in Bristol (and most of the rest of the UK apart from those London superhighways) from "pedestrian space". In fact they're probably best described as "roads for cycling" rather than cycle paths, with all the obstructions and loss of priority that entails.



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