Westonman wrote:
.....
In addition to the road changes to install bus lanes, the local authority is busy installing a very large network of cycle paths, complete with additional traffic signals that provide priority for cyclists. At the same time the local roads are breaking-up from the effects of frost and heavy rain over the last two winters - but we are told there is NO MONEY to repair the roads. It appears that the political insanity knows no bounds.
In the meantime the madness that is Tfl and Boris Johnson are about to spend another £25m or so on
' upgrading' the 'super cycle highway'.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cs2-upgrade.
Note the following extract from their consultation :
"Our latest analysis shows the proposals would mean longer journey times for motorists and bus, coach and taxi passengers along most of the route, both during construction and once complete. There would also be longer journey times for users of many of the roads approaching the proposed route and longer waits for pedestrians at some signalised crossings".
In the mad dash to appease the green agenda by installing yet more cycle lanes, they are openly admitting that these plans are going to impose even longer journey times on BUSES and TAXI's. I thought the whole idea of bus lanes in the first place was to REDUCE the journey time for them and taxi's ?
Of course it also it mentions that motorists and coach passengers will also be subjected to longer delays and journey times, so that is 4 types of motorised transport which will be deliberately held up and delayed to make way for lycra clad Bradley Wiggins wannabees*. Think of all the extra fumes and pollution those vehicles will be pumping into the immediate surroundings and atmosphere while they sit and wait.
Last but by no means least, is the statement that there will be 'Longer waits for pedestrians at some signalised crossings '. I'm not even sure there such a word as signalised, but if there isn't, Tfl have just invented it. So the least polluting and harmless form of transport, Shank's Pony is also to be held up and delayed and forced to breathe in the resultant pollution ?
Common sense and years of experience tell me that pedestrians ( closely followed by cyclists ) are the least likely folk to wait patiently for traffic signals.
London is simply not suited to cycling in a way that cities like Amsterdam are. Why don't the powers that be understand that simple fact ? Make improvements where possible by all means, but don't bring the whole city to a standstill for what is still a very small minority, and is likely to remain so.
* Re my lycra clad comment earlier. Don't take my word for it, there's plenty of evidence out there on the internet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZBKzkz6dFEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYOz86G_oYUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PeXgHnrM6EBe safe out there folks. Moley