Contraflow cycle lanes (Roads)

Fri 13 Jun, 07:24

I hear no grudge against cyclists, Chris; I just don’t like it when people -  be they motorists, cyclists or pedestrians - think they are above the law and/or inconvenience other road users.

Thu 12 Jun, 20:07 (last edited on Thu 12 Jun, 22:44)

Most cyclists are motorists and pedestrians as well, and don’t feel that they should have different rules. I really don’t understand what the grudge is Angus, except you seem to have an issue with cyclists, but hey so be it. 

Thu 12 Jun, 19:16

I genuinely don’t understand why cyclists think they should have different rules from other road users.

Thu 12 Jun, 14:53

Thank you Emily.  

I wondered why there was a dearth of buses outside my cottage.

I've just checked the Fiveways bus stop and there is no notice there.

Could lead to the situation I and others had a few months ago, when, waiting at the bus stop, we watched the X9 to Witney sail past down Sturt Road and across to the Fawler Road.  Two of us had Hospital appointments.  Is it too much to ask, to receive communication from the bus companies?

Thu 12 Jun, 14:49

Yes, Chris Tatton, I agree but my comment was restricted on a thread about cyclists!

We were nearly mown down by a speeding motorist travelling towards the town in Sheep Street not so long ago!.

Thu 12 Jun, 14:48

I have noticed cars ‘accidentally’ being driven the wrong way up Brown’s Lane between The Bull car park exit and the junction with Pooles Lane. I don’t think there is a one-way sign visible opposite the car park?

Thu 12 Jun, 13:48

Over on the main forum, the buses have been diverted and yet again there has been no communication from either OCC or the Town Council. No signs, no temporary bus stops.

Instead of testing ridiculous ideas like contraflow systems the Vice Chair of the Council could focus on making the existing public transport we have better.

Wed 11 Jun, 22:47

So do some motorists, ignore the one way signs in fairness, that is. 

Wed 11 Jun, 22:44

I don’t know if much will change: many cyclists ignore the one-way signs now!

Wed 11 Jun, 22:40 (last edited on Thu 12 Jun, 05:13)

As a cyclist of 60 years, I think contra flow cycling systems are highly dangerous for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in narrow streets. Daft idea, especially in most of Charlbury. 

Wed 11 Jun, 20:01

Only a couple of years ago a cyclist was knocked off on Market Street by a car going in the same direction - trying to overtake and finding out the hard way that there wasn’t room. 

Wed 11 Jun, 19:54

Yes, I live near the very narrow part of Park Street and rarely see any problems involving cyclists travelling in either direction. If there any disputes it always seems to involve cars/vans/lorries etc. (Inconsiderate parking makes the road even narrower and then the problem is the buses can't get past but that is another story...)

We all assume that efficient flow of motor vehicles should take priority when designing roads which encourages speeding and unsafe driving in residential areas. A different mindset and more innovative ideas with road design can lead to calmer streets and a more pleasant local environment.

Wed 11 Jun, 17:24

Let’s not forget that pedestrians often have to step or walk on the Charlbury one-way roads that have narrow pavements, to accommodate other pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelie bins etc. We don’t want an unexpected cyclist colliding with us.

Wed 11 Jun, 16:48 (last edited on Wed 11 Jun, 16:48)

There isn’t space for a car and a bike to pass each other on Park Street, let alone two cars. Yet people manage fine, because most people are fundamentally decent and are happy to wait a few seconds for someone in the other direction to pass. Contraflow cycling on Browns Lane would be exactly the same.

Wed 11 Jun, 13:04 (last edited on Wed 11 Jun, 13:41)

We should definitely encourage more cycling in Charlbury, alongside public transport, which needs to be cheaper, reliable (GWR I'm looking at you!) and frequent for commuters to the town, but having contraflow cycle lanes in Charlbury is ridiculous. There's no space on the majority of roads, especially now that more people are using the roads to park their cars. The only places I can think it would work, would be the Woodstock Rd and the Slade. 

Perhaps focus on making the exisiting public transport better and more appealing? 

Tue 10 Jun, 17:55

And of course it goes without saying that if there are two vehicles - whether car and car or lorry and bicycle for which there is not room for the two to pass at the same time - then one of them gives way. It happens all the time.

Tue 10 Jun, 17:53

Believe me I have cycled on extremely narrow contraflow cycle lanes in the City of London and never had a problem. Read the link I sent. There is no evidence of increased danger from contraflow cycle lanes from this thorough research.

Mon 9 Jun, 17:20

I appreciate they may work well on wider roads, but on the narrow roads of Charlbury, I honestly don't think there is room for a car and bike to pass each other safely let alone a van or lorry which we seem to see a number of in the town centre.

Mon 9 Jun, 16:06

I  know that a few people get very exercised at the idea of contra flow cycle lanes. As a cyclist who uses them all the time, I have been puzzled at these reactions. I imagine people fear that cyclists - or motorists - might be harmed because contraflow lanes suggest a higher risk to all. I've actually been doing some research and found this: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000145752200330X