Hounslow borough cyclists ( new cycle lanes planned )

[Cuchilo]

This dropped through my door this morning
http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/council_and_democracy/consultations/hanworth_cycle_improvements.htm

The download shows the proposed plans for the new cycle lanes on the Hounslow road .
Option A is my preferred design as it puts the cycle lane next to the road . Option B is how it was before they shoved a cycle lane between two rows of parked cars
Anyway . It would be nice to hear the thoughts of people using the lanes and roads .
Fanks .

 

[Cuchilo]

Hmmmmmmm I was hoping for some views from you lot about cycle lanes so I could give an objective opinion to the council rather than just my own .
To save people downloading the pdf the plan is for a 2m cycle lane on one side of the road and then to make a cycle lane on the pavement on the other side . After looking at the plans again and looking at the road . The road is wide enough for two 1m cycle lanes on both sides
I guess the question is . Would you use a cycle lane that took you off the road or stay on the road ?

 

[CopperCyclist]

I'm not a 'hounslow borough' cyclist, but my answer to these cycle lanes is always "yes, if...". IF the cycle lane is swept clean of dirt and debris. IF it didn't keep crossing side roads making lane users 'lost' the priority of the main road. IF it was appropriate to travel at the same speed as the main road on it. Most don't fit these criteria.

 

[screenman]

I used to live just off of that road, how things have changed as it never used to be a problem to ride on.

 

[Cuchilo]

This one will take you off the road and let you play with the parked cars and driveways until it spits you back onto the road again . It does that right now and both sets of plans will do the same .
Maybe I should rename the thread so I get a good point to put across to the council with more votes from cyclists ?
What do you want from a cycle lane and where do you want it may be a better title ?

 

[Cuchilo]

I used to live just off of that road, how things have changed as it never used to be a problem to ride on.

It still isn't . That's whats so crazy !

 

[Glow worm]

Unfortunately, Britain + cycle lane = crap

 

[Drago]

Can't help thinking the money would be better spent on improving roads and more robust road traffic policing.

 

[Cuchilo]

I went along to the public consultation today and after old people had taken an hour to talk about puddles and pulled out pages and pages of notes about puddles and other boroughs I managed to have a chat with the councillors .
They are very interested in local points of view before this goes to the council forum where the plans will be hard drafted .
It seems to me and other comments today that the aim is to make cycling safer and forget everyone else . Seems ideal doesn't it but the councillors where unaware of the main post office and every other courier company that use the road as a trunk road to the M3 . They want to divert them at a junction........... with railings .
I am seriously amazed that no other traffic is even given a thought towards these plans and in doing that they are making the situation worse .
I guess the main problem is its a local problem for local people and I guess that's why there is not a lot of feed back here ?
The public meetings are finishing tomorrow and then it goes to council .
I really would like some feed back from you lot about what you want as cyclists from a cycle lane just so I can give Hounslow council the information .
Tom , my ( the public ) contact at the council is a cyclist so these comments wont fall on deaf ears .
Please have your personal say about what you want so I can pass it on or direct him here to reply if he wishes .

 

[Cuchilo]

Can't help thinking the money would be better spent on improving roads and more robust road traffic policing.

The money allocated is for cycling only as far as I can see and its orders from the Mayor with blinkered vision . No one has really looked at the situation for 24 hours a day 7 days a week etc . So unless people say something they will just go ahead with the plans . But no one ever says anything . Just complain about it after .