Hammersmith Flyover

[joebe]

I've been varying my route recently and have opted for the A4 westbound as there are fewer lights and it's upped my average speed. But up to now I've avoided the flyover, opting for the convoluted route underneath on the one-way system, which is usually v. busy and slow.

I've been temped to just go for the flyover instead having seen one guy do it last week. Does any one here use it? According to the signage it's only "unsuitable" for cycles, there is a 4' hardsholder and interms of 'eek' moments can't be any worse than the gyratory (sp).

Background - I'm a pretty confident rider in traffic and the rest of the A4 doesn't phase me. I should also be able to keep a steady 20-25mph over it.

Cheers

 

[Trillian]

they also put 'unsuitable for cycles, cyclists advised to find alternate route' on the A46 in warwickshire, a road where the average speed of cars is above 70mph and it has a hard shoulder.

tis the same for queensway in birmingham, 2 lanes of tunnels under rounderbouts (each direction) 40mph limit, a police officer with a radar gun would have a field day there!

basically, as its an A road and not a motorway they can't say no bikes, they can however put signs up to deter cyclists from using it

 

[LLB]

they also put 'unsuitable for cycles, cyclists advised to find alternate route' on the A46 in warwickshire, a road where the average speed of cars is above 70mph and it has a hard shoulder.

tis the same for queensway in birmingham, 2 lanes of tunnels under rounderbouts (each direction) 40mph limit, a police officer with a radar gun would have a field day there!

basically, as its an A road and not a motorway they can't say no bikes, they can however put signs up to deter cyclists from using it

The speed limit on the Hammersmith flyover is 40mph IIRC. The danger is not from the traffic driving along this road, but to cyclists as you pass the slip roads, and they take you out as they exit.

 

[Twiggy]

it's important to take an assertive position around the slip roads, and always be watching and ready to brake/swerve if someone starts playing silly devils.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

The speed limit on the Hammersmith flyover is 40mph IIRC. The danger is not from the traffic driving along this road, but to cyclists as you pass the slip roads, and they take you out as they exit.

It is a 40mph Linford – and on exit (going towards the West End) the limit drops to 30mph. I’ve never cycled over it myself – I drive over it a fair bit and have seen occasional cyclists using it, but not many!
There shouldn’t be a problem using it on a bike – if the traffic is light then a good primary should help motorists to decide to overtake using the other lane – if the traffic is heavy then its probably flowing at 20mph tops anyway.
On the positive side, if anyone plays silly buggers with you, you’ll have ample opportunity to catch up with them at Earls Court!

 

[Riding in Circles]

Wasn't a cyclist killed there a few years ago?

 

[Bollo]

Don't understand these, as a few of the newer A roads (I'm thinking the A34 Newbury bypass and A46 past Silverstone) have the narrow hard shoulders labelled as 'cycle-paths', despite the 70mph+ traffic. On the A34 stretch in particular, the draught created by all the lorries would make it unlikely to feature on a CTC 'route of the month'.
(Places cynical head on shoulders in the style of Worzel Gummage) Its probably arse-covering along the lines of "Well if you cycle on Britain's roads then what do you expect..."

 

[zimzum42]

It is a 40 limit, and you should be fine, unless you're going over at night when it's 70mph plus for most!

I don't think there's any danger from the slip roads. Going up, the slip road is normally a tailback before the gyratory, and coming down the traffic is quite aware of the fact it's merging with a busier road

you should be fine, and it's a nice view!

 

[CopperBrompton]

Be careful on the westbound side - if I'm recalling the correct flyover, there's a speed camera just as the limit drops from 40mph to 30mph on the down slope, and you tend to get drivers wandering in their lane (and sometimes out of it) as they stare at their speedo instead of the road on the approach to that.

Ben

 

[Batzman]

The A3 - specifically the 10 mile stretch between the M25 and Kingston. It is, in all but name, a three lane motorway until the Hook RDB.

Cars do 70/80/90/100 mph. There is a hard shoulder.

Never EVER seen a cyclist on the A3 and I've lived in the area for 13 years. My wife said she saw one once.

...

I' ve seen one on the A3 down near Guildford ... a very, very brave man.

 

[Origamist]

I have ridden the flyover a few times and found it easier with heavy traffic. Stick in the centre of the lane and try to get some speed up. To be honest though, I'd rather not do this twice daily as merging traffic can be inconsiderate!

 

[joebe]

Well tried it this morning even though the traffic was flowing freely and it was OK. Much, much faster too.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Had to drive into Central London yesterday – route took me over the Hogarth Flyover & Hammersmith Flyover, around 8.15am. And it was the first time I’d ever seen a cyclist on either – same guy (roadie, yellow shades – was that you joebe?) taking both with ease – probably got to Piccadilly Circus a good half an hour before I did.
Then on the way back, there was a cyclist ahead of me coming out of the Hyde Park corner underpass – again, first time I’d ever witnessed that (although, thinking about it, I’d rather go under than around HPC on the road).

 

[joebe]

No, not me. I wouldn't want to try the Hogarth flyover, besides the signage for that specifically says cars and m/c only, shame really because the lights on the roundabout have such a long phase.

Hammersmith's been OK so far, except I'm sure I caught the expansion grill (or what ever you call those things) on the way home last week causing a pinch punct*re (and a 4 mile walk home - it's a long story). Seen a few people doing HPC underpass, but never bother as Piccadilly's too slow, Constitution Hill and The Mall are far quicker.

 

[mr_cellophane]

I saw a girl on a folder go under HP Underpass from Piccadily end.