Friday 22 August 2008

Leaving nothing to chance

Bus road next to cycle-path
A high level of cycling doesn't maintain itself.

Nothing is left to chance here. Cycle paths are designed in first in new developments and cyclists are not expected to slum it by sharing space with buses.

The picture shows a bus waiting at a bus stop on a bus road. This road is not a through road for cars, and has quite light use by buses, but cyclists are provided with a separate wide cycle path so that any possible subjective feeling of lack of safety is avoided. There is also a pedestrian path because cyclists and pedestrians don't mix very well either.

Note that the bus road is not a new road. This was the main route for all traffic until the 21st century when private motor vehicles were redirected to a different route and only buses and cyclists could remain on this route. Unravelling of routes reduces conflicts and reduces the need to slow down and stop. This can give both cyclists and public transport an advantage over private motor vehicles.

It's essential that cyclists are always catered for. Subjective safety should always be maintained. Having buses pass you or pull in or out on the road you're cycling on does not lead to a feeling of subjective safety and that's why combined bus and cycle lanes are not sufficient fort any place which wants mass cycling.

Other examples
When there are road works, the cycle route still has to be maintained. Temporary bridges are put up. While cycle paths are being resurfaced, an alternative route is provided by redirecting cyclists onto safe and convenient routes.

Note also the bicycle parking at the bus stop. There is very nearly always cycle parking at bus stops just as there is very nearly always a bypass for cyclists to avoid danger at bus stops. There is no need for buses to impact negatively on cyclists.

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