http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bromley-heath-viaduct-labelled-death-237090.amp
Interesting story, if a little sad.
As background, the Bromley Heath viaduct is made up of two almost parallel bridges, and one has been shut down for work for 33wks with the other being set up as a contraflow. (see
http://www.southglos.gov.uk/transpo...adworks/bhviaduct/what-we-are-doing-and-when/).
For as long as I can remember, it has been well used by bikes and pedestrians who have in both directions shared a ~1m track next to a carriage way where lorries are doing 50mph. This has been widely seen as a 'deathtrap'. Part of this 33wk work is to really enhance the cycling / pedestrian facilities and this should improve things greatly.
While the works are ongoing, SGC has set up a contraflow path for the pedestrians and cyclists which seems about the same width as the old path, and is away from the traffic - so if anything, appears safer. However, SGC have felt the need to install "cyclist dismount" signs, and it seems to be these which are causing a lot of concern - including the link at the top.
I don't mean this to be a political post. I'm just more sad that in 'just' 33wks we'll get better facilities, and in the meantime we seem incapable of rubbing along with a situation which isn't ideal for anyone. Surely,
the dismount signs are not needed, and as a cyclist you cycle along that path, slowing or stopping should you encounter a pedestrian? Same as most of us have been doing for the last 20+ years?
Seems unnecessary to run to the press and turn pedestrians and cyclists against one another.
Just interested in other thoughts.
(Posting in "commuting" as a popular commuting route)