Monday 23 August 2010

Are we on the pavement to nowhere ? (with apologies to Talking Heads)


Several years ago the Warrington Cycle Campaign became (in)famous for producing the Crap Cycle lanes book (subtitled 50 worst cycle lanes in Britain).

Well, if the growing number of complaints about the cycle lane developments on Manchester Road in Chorlton are anything to go by there may soon be a "Crap Cycle Lanes on Pavements" edition being produced. 

A recent article in the South Manchester Reporter highlighted concerns from local people in Chorlton about the sudden appearance of white paint cycle markings on a narrow stretch of pavement alongside the Unicorn store on Manchester Road.

In fact, this "shared use" section of National Cycle Route 55 has been in the planning stage for quite a while and was sent out for consultation by Manchester City Council's Engineering Services in late 2008 / early 2009. At the time the consultation document stated that "It is anticipated that the proposed scheme will be implemented in the Spring of 2009." Clearly the timescale slipped a little!


The blue circle signs on Kensington Road indicate that this shared use route is considered as an "unsegregated shared facility which is a cycle track with a right of way on foot".



The consultation document also stated that the purpose of this section of Off Highway Shared Use Area on NCR 55 was
"To provide a safe crossing point for the route over Manchester Road,  it is proposed to introduce an unsegregated shared use area from Albany Road in the south to allow access to the existing controlled crossing outside Chorlton Leisure centre, demarked through the use of shared use signage and corduroy paving to assist those pedestrians with visual impairments."

The South Manchester Reporter article quoted Pele Bhamber, Manchester City Council’s
 head of highways services as saying that "The preferred option was to use the pavement and the businesses forecourt area as a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, rather than the removal of the limited parking bays to the front of the shops." 

Which seems to be a little bit at odds with the text in the consultation document that stated: "To allow for two-way cycle access to the controlled crossing on the west side of Manchester Road, it is proposed that the limited waiting bay outside 109 Manchester Road be removed and built up to footway level to provide additional width for shared use operation and provide
access to the controlled crossing from Kensington Road in the west."  See the consultation map for more details.
 
Whilst the physical engineering work will have been done by Manchester's Highways
Services
department - the national cycle route design and co-ordination is undertaken by the national charity, Sustrans.  Who produce an "Information Sheet on Shared Use Routes" which acknowledges concerns about the potential for conflict between different user groups accessing shared space.

"There is concern in some quarters that poorly designed shared use
 facilities could lead to an increase in illegal pavement cycling. The fear is that if there is little distinction between a poorly designed shared use route and an ordinary pavement, cyclists may gain the impression that it is acceptable to ride on pavements."

The Sustrans Information Sheet also provides the following guidance
 with regard to the width of shared use facilities: "On well used unsegregated shared use paths we recommend a minimum of 3m width. Where paths are lightly used and there is a clear verge on both sides a minimum width of 2m may be sufficient."

It is difficult to see how this section of shared use pavement meets the requirements of Sustrans

own design guidance.


In the report 'Support for cycling as mode of transport', presented to the Manchester City Council - Communities and Neighbourhoods Overview and Scrutiny Committee in November 2009, it was stated that: "When considering the safe shared or segregated use of off-road facilities for
pedestrians and cyclists, the City Council uses guidance laid out in the Department
for Transport, Local Transport Note 02/08 - Cycle Infrastructure Design." It was also stated that the overall number of reported pedestrian vs cyclist casualty figures for the three-year period (01/11/04 to 31/10/08) was thirteen. These included:


  • Six involving pedestrians walking into the carriageway in front of cycles;
  • Six involving cyclists illegally riding on the footway colliding with pedestrians;
  • One cyclist colliding with a pedestrian stood in the off-road segregated cycle track on Oxford Road at the junction with Grafton Street in 2005.
Judging by the volume of complaints regarding cycling on pavements in the letters and comments pages of local Manchester media - an obvious problem with these figures is that most people do not appear to formally report the many "near misses" that occur on shared use areas in Manchester. It will be interesting to see what increase (if any) in casualty figures occurs for this shared use route.

But back to the Department for Transport Local Transport Note 02/08 or "Cycle Infrastructure Design" guide.  This states that "In general, offroad cycle routes in urban areas tend to be the least desired option, and it is usually better to cater for urban cyclists onroad if this is practicable. Offroad routes are often created by converting existing footways/footpaths and, if such routes are not carefully designed, pedestrians may view them as a reduction in quality of provision."  It also contains an interesting Hierarchy of Provision (below) that advises which options local authorities should consider when designing cycling infrastructure.

It is interesting to note that "Conversion of footways/footpaths to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists" comes in the "Consider last" category.  

The Cycle Infrastructure Design guide draws considerably on the earlier Local Transport Note 2/86 Shared Use by Cyclists and Pedestrians report published in 1986. This states that:


"Unsegregated facilities: No kind of segregation is likely to be effective if some users are likely to move regularly across the segregating line. For segregation by white line, colour contrast, or surface texture, the likelihood of ineffective operation is present for any facility whose width is less than those suggested in Table 2 (above). Consequently, if road safety gains merit conversion of such a narrow foot way or footpath this should normally be to unsegregated use. (6.19)"


and that: "Unsegregated shared facilities have been provided, and have operated safely, down to 2.0 metres with considerable - some 100 to 200 per hour - use by pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists have also safely passed pedestrians, including those with prams and wheelchairs, on even narrower unsegregated shared facilities down to 1.5 metres wide where there have been grass verges. (6.21)"


Well so much for the national guidance - how does this match up with the cycle infrastructure that has been delivered on the ground in Chorlton?

After crossing Manchester Road at the pedestrian crossing, the National Cycle Route 55 continues along the Manchester Road pavement until turning left onto the pavement of  Kensington Road.

This section of pavement may nominally meet the 2m metre width requirement - but without adequate (any !) enforcement to prevent pavement parking and combined with wheelie bins on the pavement - in reality this route will be much narrow making the shared use of this space even more difficult. 


Many people regularly cycle on the pavement because they do not feel safe cycling on the roads due to the speed & volume of traffic as well as the aggressive driving behaviour of some road users. Clearly, there is a real need to provide  safer routes for people who are not confident or experienced enough to cycle on the road network. High quality / well designed shared use facilities can help meet this need.






But according to the national Cycle Infrastructure Design guide "Conversion of footways/footpaths to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists" is supposed to be the last option considered - after "Traffic volume reduction",  "Traffic speed reduction",  "Junction treatment, hazard site treatment, traffic management", "Reallocation of carriageway space" and "Cycle tracks away from roads" options have been explored.


The consultation documents do not appear to have offered any other options from the "Hierarchy of Provision" and there are real concerns that poorly designed "shared use" schemes are a typical English "lowest cost" approach to cycle infrastructure.  Instead of re-engineering the roadspace to create high-quality European-style segregated cycle routes - we settle for painting "white paint" cycle designs on pavements that are too narrow and will (almost by design) create conflicts between pedestrians, elderly / disabled people and cyclists.  



If you want to like to take this issue up with the Council then you can of course contact your local councillor or communicate with:  Enviroment On Call
By telephone: 0161 954 9000
Email: contact@manchester.gov.uk

Saturday 21 August 2010

Cycling with style - Absolutely (Bike) Fabulous!

Cycle wear, cycle everywhere

Following the recent publication of a Mintel market research report "Bicycles - UK" (available for the grand sum of £1500!) there have been a spate of articles in the mainstream and cycling media about the sightings of the new social marketing category known as MAMILs or Middle-Age Men in Lycra as Mintel has branded them.

According to Mintel, their research shows that the growth in bicycle sales is being driven (!) by 35- to 45-year-old middle aged family men, who instead of buying a sports car are now buying high-end bikes.

And presumably cycling around at weekends in tight-fighting, figure hugging lycra - which is not always a pretty sight. Indeed there were probably a fair few MAMILs cycling around the (nearly) closed Mancunian roads during the recent Skyride in Manchester on Sunday 1st August.

Whilst any increase in cycling levels is to be welcomed, if we want to normalise cycling as a mode of transport  activity that anyone can (and does) choose then - as Manchester's Headstretcher blog has highlighted - "The MAMILs have a job to do - ditch the Lycra!

Creating the perception that cycling is for people who can afford £2000+ bikes and dress like olympic swimmers (but with go-slow helmets) does little to encourage people to see cycling to work or to the shops as a perfectly normal thing to do.

To help highlight how simple it is to cycle with (everyday) style those lovely people at Love Your Bike organised the Bike Fabulous event in the Manchester Arndale on Saturday 26th June. The event provided a showcase of fashionable and functional clothing, accessories and products designed for cycling in style and high street brands combined for versatile looks.

The event combined catwalk shows, bicycle maintenance demonstrations, pedal powered smoothie makers, an oppotrunity for people to "pimp" a hi-viz vest, bike displays,  and a pedal powered PA and music system.  Photographs and a video of the day are available on the Bike Fabulous websiteor US coverage in Momentum magazine.



Meanwhile, if you are looking for some inspiration on cycling in style then try the Sartorialist blog pages.

Friday 20 August 2010

Spot the Difference !


The yellow sign (photo on the left) has a very simple message to all road users - "Please Give Cyclists Room".  Simple and too the point. A number of these signs were put up in locations across Greater Manchester by two cycle activists - who had become fed up waiting for local authorities to follow up on suggestions made to various local council cycle forums.  So several years ago they got on their bikes and installed these lovely DIY signs.  Despite this unorthodox approach it would seem that local authorities liked, or at least tolerated, the signs because many of them are still up today.

Fast forward several years to 2010 and the lovely reflective metal sign (below) have been produced by Trafford Council and installed at a number of locations across the Borough.  


Same message but a "properly" designed and officially sanctioned medium. So perhaps an indication that Marshall McLuhan was right and indeed "the medium is the message" !.  


 We look forward to the other Greater Manchester local authorities following Trafford's example and sending this clear message to all road users.

1000 and counting.... cycle training pays off in Sheffield


"It has cost public funds the equivalent of a metre of modern highway and led to a council-estimated increase in cycling of 70%. And that's in Sheffield, where both the landscape and shifts in political control are as up-and-down as they come."

Photo Caption:Wendy Melia cycling in Sheffield. 
Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian


A recent Guardian article has praised the work of Sheffield-based Pedal Ready cycle training co-op which has just past the milestone of training 1000 adults to cycle safely and competently in Sheffield.  In an accompanying audio slideshow the1000th trainee, Wendy Melia a HR officer at the Department for Work and Pensions recounts how the one-to-one cycle training has given her the confidence to cycle the two miles to work.

So what's happening in Greater Manchester?

On 22nd June 2010, during Bike Week, Manchester City Council announced that they are funding an adult cycle training scheme which would provide free training for up to 300 people. The cycle training will be provided by BikeRight! the Manchester-based cycle training company and if you live or work in Manchester you could be able to sign up for a free cycle training session. The project blurb highlights how "If you don't cycle and want to learn all the right skills, or are returning to cycling and want to brush-up on your technique then this FREE training is just up your street" and that "During the training you will"

• Discover how to deal with busy traffic
• Learn about road positioning and how to be seen by other traffic
• Find great cycling routes for your everyday journeys around Manchester
• Get tips for riding at night-time or in bad weather
• Learn all about safety, clothing and other equipment
• Pick-up maintenance tips
• Learn to ride if you are a complete beginner."

As the BikeRight! promo says: "Get fit, save money, meet people, get to work and back on time, avoid traffic jams, save fuel, exercise for free, loose weight, burn calories, learn new skills, gain confidence… what more can we say to get you cycling around Manchester? -How about FREE adult cycle training?"

So thats all really fab from Manchester but what is happening in the other 9 local authorities in Greater Manchester?

Well, those lovely people at Love Your Bike wanted to ask the same question and had noticed that buried away in the Local Transport Plan (LTP2) was a commitment from all the GM local authorities to establish adult cycle training projects before April 2011. The LTP2 document states that:

“Actions for Cycling: During the next five years, we shall take the following steps to improve cycling:  Delivery of improved school cycle training  and establishing adult cycle training - the latter inline with the recommendations of a study to be commissioned" 

So Love Your Bike wrote to all the Chief Executives and Council leaders at the other nine Greater Manchester local authorities asking when they would honour their commitment in Local Transport Plan 2 to establish adult cycle training schemes.  Listed below are the key points from the responses received:

Bolton: "Further to your recent e-mail enquiry to Access Bolton, I can advise that it has now been passed on to our Chief Executives Department. They will respond to your enquiry within 14 days."   [Automatic message received on 21st June (and following a reminder email - on 15th July). Love Your Bike has apparently not yet received a response].

Bury: "In conclusion, I regret to say that without bespoke funding we are unable to deliver a wider programme of adult cycle training."

Oldham: the provision of adult cycle training, has been considered in Oldham.  The Cycling Officer and Road Safety team at the Unity Partnership, which works on behalf of Oldham Council, are looking at establishing targeted adult cycle training initiatives. ...These adult cycle training courses would be delivered by officers from the Unity Partnership but the number of courses available would be limited in number.  They are planned to be piloted over the next twelve months.

Rochdale: " we in the Road Safety Team, have offered Adult 1:1 cycle training for at least the 5 years I have been over the team.  I know that the CTC based officer who is linked to RMBC Sustainability Team also offers Adult Cycle Training."

Salford: "I have now passed your email on to Sue Lightup, Strategic Director for Community, Health and Social Care."  (21st July)

Stockport: "Adult cycle training is available for Council employees as part of the Councils own staff travel plan.  Officers are considering how adult cycle training could be provided for the public."

Tameside:  "Here in Tameside we take a holistic approach to cycling both in capital infrastructure and in promotional activities. During the first 4 years of LTP2, Tameside has spent over £580k purely on cycle schemes during this period. These were mainly linked with off road schemes such as surfacing the NCN 66 linking Ashton with Oldham and on the ongoing upgrade of the cycle link connecting Ashton and Manchester via Droylsden."   Its a shame that the Council's holistic approach didnt extend to answering the specific question(s)!

Trafford: "It is encouraging to note that cycling levels in GM have increased by 17% (2009 values as compared to the 2005 base) but unfortunately due to the financial constraints imposed on local authorities regarding public sector spending, it is unlikely that the council can allocate any monies for adult cycle training at this moment in time. However, recognising that the correct cycle training could help break down the barriers for a lot of people wishing to commute via cycle, we will continue to source and secure any future funding opportunities that may arise in the future."

Wigan: We have also been offering free cycle training sessions to the residents of Leigh, as part of the Leigh Cycling Project; ten adults signed up for this during Bike Week last year.   In addition, we get ad-hoc telephone calls and emails from adults requesting cycle training and we try to accommodate them, where possible.   These have been one-off projects but we are exploring ways of providing more structured adult cycle training on a longer term basis.


So with a couple of small exceptions, it would seem that there isn't much in the way of adult cycle training being provided by other local authorities across Greater Manchester.  A number of responses made the same point (excuse?): "So although there was a commitment to investigate the potential at GM level and implement any recommendations this study at GM level has not been undertaken so there are no recommendations for individual authorities to follow at the present time." 

Basically the arguments put forward seem to be that because "no Greater Manchester-wide study was undertaken" and that "no central revenue funding has been available for adult cycle training" that the Greater Manchester local councils have been unable to provide adult cycle training schemes.

What is encouraging about the Sheffield Council adult cycle training scheme is that it has been funded from the Council's main transport budget.  Sheffield didn't wait for any revenue from central government.  It saw that there was a need for adult cycle training and got on and did it.
The Sheffield cycle training for 300 people last year was provided for approximately £16,000.

Sheffield's population is estimated to be 534,500 and according to the 2001 Census data, Bury's population was 180,608 and Tameside's population was 213,045. Pro-rata, in terms of population, adult cycle training schemes for Bury and Tameside (just to take two examples) could be run for around  £5,000 (100 people) in Bury and £6,000 (120 people) in Tameside.

This is not about access to Government or Cycling England funding it is about the LACK of political priority for measures to increase cycling levels in Greater Manchester - which are very low compared to other metropolitan areas in the UK. Many other local authorities across the United Kingdom have actively supported adult cycle training projects with funding from a wide range of sources: health, transport and even crime reduction budgets (or from fines for inconsiderate cycling or driving but thats a subject for abother blog entry). These Council's have recognised the importance and effectiveness of cycle training in encouraging more people to cycle safely and confidently.  They haven't moaned about the lack of central government funding - they have got on a done it.

The road crash data (Killed and Seriously Injured, KSI) for Greater Manchester in relation to cycling shows that in the past few years the (thankfully small number of) people who have been killed whilst cycling have mostly been adults - and yet the response from the road safety units - that often have responsibility for cycle training -  is that they have not established adult cycle training - because there is no central government funding available.

So if you live or work in Manchester and would like to cycle more (to work, the shops or for leisure) but don't feel confident on the roads then get in touch with BikeRight! and sign up for a Freewheeling cycle training session.



If you live and work in another Greater Manchester council area - we suggest you get in touch with your councillors and Chief Executive and ask them when they are going to provide adult cycle training in their area.

It will be important to make sure that pro-cycling measures and funding are included in the new Local Transport Plan (LTP3) - but that, as they say, will have to wait for a future blog.

Thursday 19 August 2010

Public (house) cycle parking.


Earlier this year we reported that Manchester would be trialling the Cycle Hoop a new form of cycle parking infrastructure. See Chorlton - Jumping through (cycle) hoops.

Not clear how many of these new lamp post cycle hoops have been installed in and around Manchester but this one was spotted recently outside the lovely Lass O Gowrie pub on Charles Street.

Please let us know if you spot any others and what you think of them.  Are they useful, easy to use and secure?