Policy Statement: Standards

The cycle campaign is concerned at the growing number of poor quality cycle facilities in Warrington. These are often introducing new hazards where none existed before. Footways have been converted to shared-use with little thought to the safety or practicality of using the facilities. Roads that were tolerable, if not exactly pleasant, before cycle schemes were introduced have become much less acceptable with narrow cycle lanes added.

There is also evidence of increased aggression from some drivers who expect cyclists to keep out of their way if any separate facility is provided. Compromises in quality are not going to attract people out of their cars onto bikes.

This problem is not restricted to Warrington and cycle campaigners from round the country have come together through the Cycle Campaign Network (CCN) to launch the Campaign for High Standards. http://www.cyclenetwork.org.uk/high/high.pdf

POLICY The cycle campaign supports the CCN campaign for high standards and will oppose the introduction of poor quality cycle facilities.

• Cyclists need 2m unencroached space for safety and comfort. Without cycle facilities, this is what an astute cyclist will normally get on most roads. Cycle-only space, such as cycle lanes, must encompass this whole requirement in their width for a cyclist can expect nothing outside.
• You should not have to look through more than 90° for conflicting traffic, except when overtaking or changing lanes. New cyclists and children find it difficult to survey traffic behind them; don't expect them to look backwards confidently or force them to change lanes frequently (e.g. in and out of a cycle lane, perhaps because it's obstructed) just to go ahead.
• Visibility should be sufficient to see the fastest approaching vehicle in sufficient time to assess its progress and react accordingly. If you cannot see a hazard approaching, you cannot react to it in the way that maximizes safety and comfort.
• 6m is the minimum radius a cycle should have to negotiate. Cycles don't turn on the spot, and sharp bends tend to be accompanied by poor visibility.
• Two-way cycle paths need centre lines even more than roads. Keeping left is probably the most important rule of the road, but, on an undelineated path, cyclists frequently wander over its width, which can lead to serious cyclist injuries. On a cycle path, a cyclist is closer to oncoming vehicles than on most roads and has less escape room - good riding discipline is essential.
• Surfaces must be level and even. More casualties happen due to poor surfaces than motor vehicles. Cross-joins between surfaces must be at 90°. Even flush joins - which all should be - erode over time.
• Any route for cyclists must be 100% compatible with the Highway Code. If cyclists have to follow two sets of rules there'll be confusion and conflict. The Highway Code sets out the established rules for cyclists and all cycle routes should assist these rules to be obeyed.