Cycle paths, what are your thoughts on these

social observer · 23-03-2005, 09:47 AM

Most people seem to think the same as me (does that mean I'm part of the Borg collective?) I am supportive of bike lanes but do think that lip service gets paid to them by a lot of authorities.

Most of them tend to just be part of the main carriageway divided by a thick white line. Not very protective to the cyclist when HGV's roll past and it restricts the width of roads at various pinch points which annoys the drivers.

I would prefer to see off road lanes that already exist (the disused rail line is a superb example) to try and keep the two types of traffic separate as much as possible. After all, what's the point of cycling to work if you still have to use exactly the same route as if you drove, exhaust fumes included (yummy).

As for commuting to work by bike, I used to think this should be the main consideration but now realise that its not really an option for many people. Short hops maybe.
Better thought INTO phpbb_cycle paths might encourage some out of the cars for work but it would more likely simply encourage more people to cycle to the shops or for recreation, which is no bad thing.

Matt, you are not alone in not wanting to cycle in the wind and rain, I am a fair weather cyclist too.

Biscuitman · 23-03-2005, 10:51 AM

I'm all for Care In The Community but I think that cyclepaths should only be released if they can be trusted to keep taking their medication.

social observer · 23-03-2005, 11:06 AM

Bluemerle · 23-03-2005, 12:01 PM

The councils round here are spending a fortune on cycle paths. I've yet to see anyone using them, they reduce road space for other vehicles. The one way systems in Yeovil are disastrous, traffic calming and cycle lanes all adding to the confusion. There used to be a sign as we went in saying "Welcome to the worst road system in west". :evil:

Intbel · 23-03-2005, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkpdavies

If people are to stop thinking of the car as the only option, then attitudes need to change.

For that to happen someone will have to come up with an alternative mobile and highly visible status object.

John Carter · 23-03-2005, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intbel

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkpdavies

If people are to stop thinking of the car as the only option, then attitudes need to change.

For that to happen someone will have to come up with an alternative mobile and highly visible status object.

..which keeps the rain off and simultaneously manages to carry all of your weekly shopping.

social observer · 23-03-2005, 08:56 PM

Intbel wrote:
mkpdavies wrote:
If people are to stop thinking of the car as the only option, then attitudes need to change.

For that to happen someone will have to come up with an alternative mobile and highly visible status object.

..which keeps the rain off and simultaneously manages to carry all of your weekly shopping.

How about an elephant pulling a rickshaw, that's highly visible, got status and could carry your whole month's shopping.

Good for the roses too.

C_steam · 23-03-2005, 09:02 PM

And a gov't employee would have to measure its emmissions

Intbel · 23-03-2005, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C_steam

And a gov't employee would have to measure its emmissions

From which ori ... oh, never mind ...

Sarumano · 24-03-2005, 02:36 AM

Could solve an unemployment problem, dragging out all these illegal aliens and hitching the non-English speakers to rickshaws...

Transport 2000 is where you guys want to look,
http://www.transport2000.org.uk/

Perhaps UKIP ought to get in cahoots with them and adopt their plans for our manifesto?

23-03-2005, 09:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
social observer Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cambs/Norfolk Border Posts: 290	Most people seem to think the same as me (does that mean I'm part of the Borg collective?) I am supportive of bike lanes but do think that lip service gets paid to them by a lot of authorities. Most of them tend to just be part of the main carriageway divided by a thick white line. Not very protective to the cyclist when HGV's roll past and it restricts the width of roads at various pinch points which annoys the drivers. I would prefer to see off road lanes that already exist (the disused rail line is a superb example) to try and keep the two types of traffic separate as much as possible. After all, what's the point of cycling to work if you still have to use exactly the same route as if you drove, exhaust fumes included (yummy). As for commuting to work by bike, I used to think this should be the main consideration but now realise that its not really an option for many people. Short hops maybe. Better thought INTO phpbb_cycle paths might encourage some out of the cars for work but it would more likely simply encourage more people to cycle to the shops or for recreation, which is no bad thing. Matt, you are not alone in not wanting to cycle in the wind and rain, I am a fair weather cyclist too. __________________ If you don\'t like what I think, attack the opinion with Logic and reason, don\'t attack the opinion holder!

23-03-2005, 10:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
Biscuitman Uber Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 3,486	I'm all for Care In The Community but I think that cyclepaths should only be released if they can be trusted to keep taking their medication. __________________ IF THE EU WAS THE ANSWER, IT MUST HAVE BEEN A STUPID QUESTION!

23-03-2005, 11:06 AM	#13 (permalink)
social observer Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cambs/Norfolk Border Posts: 290	:? __________________ If you don\'t like what I think, attack the opinion with Logic and reason, don\'t attack the opinion holder!

23-03-2005, 08:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
social observer Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cambs/Norfolk Border Posts: 290	Intbel wrote: mkpdavies wrote: If people are to stop thinking of the car as the only option, then attitudes need to change. For that to happen someone will have to come up with an alternative mobile and highly visible status object. ..which keeps the rain off and simultaneously manages to carry all of your weekly shopping. How about an elephant pulling a rickshaw, that's highly visible, got status and could carry your whole month's shopping. Good for the roses too. __________________ If you don\'t like what I think, attack the opinion with Logic and reason, don\'t attack the opinion holder!

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23-03-2005, 12:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bluemerle Uber Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dorset. Posts: 3,252	The councils round here are spending a fortune on cycle paths. I've yet to see anyone using them, they reduce road space for other vehicles. The one way systems in Yeovil are disastrous, traffic calming and cycle lanes all adding to the confusion. There used to be a sign as we went in saying "Welcome to the worst road system in west". :evil:

23-03-2005, 09:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
C_steam Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Paddling up 5hit creek..... Posts: 7,711	And a gov't employee would have to measure its emmissions

24-03-2005, 02:36 AM	#20 (permalink)
Sarumano Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Salisbury Posts: 309	Could solve an unemployment problem, dragging out all these illegal aliens and hitching the non-English speakers to rickshaws... Transport 2000 is where you guys want to look, http://www.transport2000.org.uk/ Perhaps UKIP ought to get in cahoots with them and adopt their plans for our manifesto?