Sheffield Train Station Cycle Lane Blocked.

[Sara_H]

The route out of Sheffeield Train Station has a seperate cycle Lane that goes against cars coming down a one way street. Theres an island between the road and cycle path for about three quaters the length of the cycle path to keep road and cycle lane seperate.

I don't know if I've described that very well so here a link to the street view.

Fornham Street Sheffield



That must have been taken on a sunday, because basically, throughout most of the day and especially at rush our that cycle lane is completely bloccked with taxis.

This forces cyclists out into the road against traffic coming the oppisite way on the one way street.

I took this photo yesterday, but it doesan't really do the situation justice as they'd just started to move forward.

I've reported it to the police, but since its an ongoing problem that seems to be having a blind eye turned to it I don't hold out much hope thhat anything will be done.

 

[2Loose]

That Bike only sign mentions no taxi rank.

keep complaining.

 

[Sara_H]

That Bike only sign mentions no taxi rank.

keep complaining.

Thats the problem - its used as an overflow taxi rank, the roads are all double parked and taxis blocking the pavement - the situation is obviously tolerated but I really think its a very dangerous situation.

 

[XmisterIS]

Keep complaining, keep photographic evidence (including number plates) and write to your local MP, cc a copy to the police too. It would be dead easy and dirt cheap for the council to install something to prevent taxis from using it as a taxi rank - e.g. a single bollard on the edge of the pavement.

 

[Sara_H]

Keep complaining, keep photographic evidence (including number plates) and write to your local MP, cc a copy to the police too. It would be dead easy and dirt cheap for the council to install something to prevent taxis from using it as a taxi rank - e.g. a single bollard on the edge of the pavement.

Believe me, I won't be taking any more photos, It created quite an ugly scene when I took that picture , I found myself surrounded by about 10 angry taxi drivers who were all quite aggressive and threatening and being egged on by about another 20 others hanging out of their taxi windows giving suggestions of how I (a woman on my own) should be dealt with.

 

[XmisterIS]

That is shocking but it doesn't surprise me in the least. They are among the most aggressive, arrogant drivers on the road. They gave you a hard time did they? Funny how taxi drivers become as meek as lambs when confronted by 6 feet of armour-plated (motor)biker with a full-face helmet and kevlar knuckles ... in the form of me when I'm on my motorbike and one of them has just cut me up. Totally different story when I'm on the bicycle.

 

[ufkacbln]

Complain to the licensing office, detail the vehicle, and the offence, especially if the driver is abusive. Especially as they are driving the wrong way, also make this speciic complaint to the Police that it is vehicle being driven down the road against the traffic flow.

 

[Sara_H]

Complain to the licensing office, detail the vehicle, and the offence, especially if the driver is abusive. Especially as they are driving the wrong way, also make this speciic complaint to the Police that it is vehicle being driven down the road against the traffic flow.

Just spoke at length to a police officer - thy're not really interested, he said the council deal with all parking offences.

I'm not really sure thats true, but he's very adamant.

 

[snailracer]

Believe me, I won't be taking any more photos, It created quite an ugly scene when I took that picture , I found myself surrounded by about 10 angry taxi drivers who were all quite aggressive and threatening and being egged on by about another 20 others hanging out of their taxi windows giving suggestions of how I (a woman on my own) should be dealt with.

Wow, if you ever pluck up the courage to do it again, station a mate around the corner to call 999 when you get swarmed.

 

[Sara_H]

Wow, if you ever pluck up the courage to do it again, station a mate around the corner to call 999 when you get swarmed.

At least the police officer today said if I find myself in that kind of situation again to ring 999.

I'd considered it but was thinking it wasn't really an emergency!

It was terrifying, I've never been threatened by a man before - let alone 10 at once!

 

[snorri]

It was terrifying, I've never been threatened by a man before - let alone 10 at once!

That's a dreadful state of affairs Sara H you have my sympathy, but it does show they realise they are on thin ice and worried about any changes.

 

[Norm]

I think that sounds like it is time to buy / borrow a small camera.

 

[Arch]

Sheffield must have a local cycle campaign or CTC branch or something? I'd like to see those cabbies being so brave if 20 or so strapping male cyclists turned up and took photos.

Failing that, a complaint to the cycling officer on the council. Might be worth pointing out the misuse of a facility that they've paid to put in. One department might just have a word with another.


http://www.cyclesheffield.org.uk/

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads/travel/cycling


You could even go 'undercover' to the local press - a nice ranty letter about how the facility is a waste of money because of all the taxis parking on it. Seems to me, the worst that happens is that the facility is removed, whereupon the cabbies lose their spot. As it is, the lane is useless anyway.

 

[Arch]

Oh, and send the pic to the Warrington Cycle Campaign Facility of the month. Although it's not the facility at fault in this case.


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility-of-the-month/April2011.htm

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Just spoke at length to a police officer - thy're not really interested, he said the council deal with all parking offences.

I'm not really sure thats true, but he's very adamant.

What, illegal parking on double yellows and the pavement is down to the council??? Fob off, IMO.