Just got back from my holidays enjoying some of the the excellent cycling opportunities in France, and I have a letter in the post proposing the removal of part of the Bus Lanes on Ecclesall Rd. - between Hunters Bar and Banner Cross, leaving only a short section.
These proposals will
create additional hazards for cyclists particularly at peak times, partly due
to the closer proximity of traffic but also due to the additional traffic
created by the removal of bus priority measures, which will cause more people
to drive rather than catch the bus. It is an absolute requirement that cyclists
are protected from the council’s proposals to increase the amount of private
motor traffic using Ecclesall Road, which in themselves are in direct
contradiction with the council’s stated sustainability objectives
We had already raised these concerns in a letter to John
Bann on 13th March 2011, to which we have not received a reply.
We therefore objected to this proposal and consider
that Sheffield City Council is being negligent in its duty of care to
vulnerable road users in making these proposals and that a cyclist who is
involved in a collision due to these changes will have a valid claim against
the council as well as the other vehicle involved. We are therefore lodging a
copy of this letter with our Solicitors, Russell & Jones as evidence that
you were forewarned of the potential dangers, in order to expedite any claim
our members may wish to make against you.
It may be of interest that it takes about 60 cars to fill the carriageway between Hunters Bar and Banner Cross - I've counted them as I go past them on my bike - or about 1 and a half bus loads.
Cities all over the world are making space for sustainable transport whether it is bikes, buses, trams or trains, while Sheffield tries to make more space for private cars.
1 comment:
I would argue that this is effectively a reduction in highway capacity along this route.
The most efficient way to use this stretch of road is to give priority to the most efficient modes of transport - cycling, busing and walking. Increasing the width of the road accessible to the private motor car reduces the capacity. You can fit many many more people on bicycles and buses than you can in cars.
I wonder what the current capacity of the road is in peak hours (by people) and I wonder what it will be when the bus lane is removed. I suspect less but perhaps we should try and calculate it...
Rachel Aldred wrote about this effect just yesterday. http://rachelaldred.org/writing/thoughts/making-cs2-fit-for-purpose-benefits-for-everyone/
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