From Newsgroup: uk.rec.cycling


Cyclists say they are being forced rCLinto direct conflict with driversrCY by holding up traffic or onto pavement with pedestrians, as petition calls on council to rethink rCLdiscriminatory, unsaferCY decision to scrap cycle lane plans

Earlier this summer, the local authority announced that its proposals for
the harbourside regeneration scheme would no longer include protected
cycling infrastructure, in order to move a line of trees rCLcloser to the kerbrCY

by RYAN MALLON FRI, SEP 06, 2024 13:38

Cyclists in Torquay have claimed that revamped designs for a regeneration project in the seaside resort are rCLunsafe and unsuitablerCY, and will force cyclists either onto the pavement or rCLinto direct conflict with motoristsrCY, as a petition calling on the local council to rethink their plans is set to
be discussed next week.

According to the petition, the revisions to Torbay CouncilrCOs Harbour Public Realm scheme in Torquay have, by reducing the width of the road but
scrapping plans to include a protected cycle lane, rCLworsened the provision for cyclists and are not acceptablerCY, and have created infrastructure which will potentially rCLdiscriminaterCY against those who use cycles as mobility aids.

The project on the Strand, described as the rCLbiggest transformation project that Torquay has seen in decadesrCY, aims to reflect local residentsrCO wishes to generate less motor traffic along the seafront, ensure better public transport connections, and to create more space for pedestrians and events
with a high-quality, vibrant public space.

Work began on the multi-million-pound scheme began last November, when
plans for a new, segregated cycle lane were still in place.

However, as we reported earlier this summer, the Conservative-led council announced in July that rCLsome amendmentsrCY to the design were necessary following the discovery of uncharted water pipes in an area originally
marked out for underground tree pits.

The local authority said the revised design, which has also led the
completion of the project to be delayed, now means that the line of trees
will be moved closer to the kerb line, and that cycling provision will now
be incorporated into the main, reduced, carriageway.

This news provoked some widespread, stinging criticism from TorquayrCOs
cycling community, who will take the matter to the council next week after
a petition (link is external) opposing the revised plans attracted 130 signatures.

The petition called on the council to rCLfulfil their obligation to cyclists
as road users by creating a designated space within the paved area as part
of The Strand: Harbour Public Realm regeneration and improvement projectrCY.

It continued: rCLSince the decision was taken to remove the segregated
cycleway from the road with no alternative, as new plans give no safe
provision for cyclists, they are forced into direct conflict with
motorists.

rCLThis is not suitable or safe in this busy area. What needs to be created
is a segregated, designated rCylanerCO within the paved area. Or as a last option the entire paved area should be designated as a mixed-use paved area with clear signage for all to rCyshare with carerCO. Although not the ideal solution, it is safer to mix cyclists with pedestrians, rather than vehicles.rCY

The petition also noted that the revised scheme will potentially make life worse for cyclists on the Strand, either forcing them to use a now-narrower road alongside motorists, to mingle with pedestrians on the pavement, or
simply push their bikes.

rCLPreviously, when the road was a dual carriageway, vehicles had ample space to be able to overtake. The current plans for the harbourside have worsened
the provision for cyclists and are not acceptable,rCY the petition said.

rCLCyclists now have two options rCo to cycle very defensively, taking the lane and holding up traffic in this busy area, or to dismount and wheel their
bike through this section.

rCLFor some cyclists, their bike is their mobility aid so this second option
is discriminatory against them. For many, the road will feel unsafe and so
they will choose to cycle on the pavement anyway.rCY

Criticising the schemerCOs apparent active travel credentials, the petition concluded: rCLNone of this supports Torbay CouncilrCOs own stated desires to encourage active tourism and increase active travel uptake.

rCLWe call on Torbay Council to act as a progressive, supportive organisation and encourage cycling of all ages through Torquay. This will also benefit motorists as it gives cyclists the choice to come off the road when it is
not appropriate.rCY

When the revised plans for the Strand were announced in July, Beth Huntley,
a campaigner from Safe, Sustainable Travel Torbay, added that rCLless
confident cyclists and children wonrCOt be able to use it and it will
encourage drivers to close-passrCY, while denouncing the rCLunderhand way this major change has been hidden in a press releaserCY.

rCLNo consultation has occurred and it doesnrCOt appear that any other options have been considered,rCY she said.

rCLThese plans must be reconsidered rCo all road users will be frustrated with these arrangements.rCY

Responding to the criticisms from cyclists, Chris Lewis, the Conservative cabinet member for economic growth on Torbay Council, argued that it was a question of keeping the trees or keeping the cycle lane.

He said a new 20mph speed limit would be introduced and claimed that the
road would be rCLa lot safer than beforerCY.

rCLIn the past the Strand was really a bus terminal, now it will be traffic running smoothly through the Strand which only stretches for about 200 yards,rCY he said.

rCLI think when the scheme is finished the cyclists will be pleased with what they see.rCY

<https://road.cc/content/news/new-seafront-plans-force-cyclists-conflict-drivers-310223>

Beth Huntley: rCLrCamajor change has been hidden in a press releaserCY. No sense
of irony there?

Torquay rCycycling communityrCO: rCLrCathe entire paved area should be designated
as a mixed-use paved area with clear signage for all to rCyshare with carerCO.rCY
No sense of irony there either?
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