Training for Tramlines

[Sheepy1209]

In Blackpool and Fleetwood, where trams have been around continuously for well over anyone's lifetime, the local cyclists learn pretty quickly how to deal with the tram tracks - the problem is (as usual) the drivers who simply don't understand why cyclists (and motorcyclists) don't follow the same line as them.

There's a section near the Metropole in Blackpool where the road and tracks separate at a fairly shallow angle - even on my motorbike I've had car drivers try to overtake me as I slow and position myself to cross the tracks.

Once again - it becomes the job of the more vulnerable road user to 'herd' the drivers.

It's not the cyclists who need the training - it's the drivers.

 

[dellzeqq]

In Blackpool and Fleetwood, where trams have been around continuously for well over anyone's lifetime, the local cyclists learn pretty quickly how to deal with the tram tracks - the problem is (as usual) the drivers who simply don't understand why cyclists (and motorcyclists) don't follow the same line as them.

There's a section near the Metropole in Blackpool where the road and tracks separate at a fairly shallow angle - even on my motorbike I've had car drivers try to overtake me as I slow and position myself to cross the tracks.

Once again - it becomes the job of the more vulnerable road user to 'herd' the drivers.

It's not the cyclists who need the training - it's the drivers.

that's a very good point - but, then again, a bit of thought could have been put in to the junction.

 

[gaz]

'training for cyclists'. What a load of cock! A bit of design at the right time would have been better.

Tramliness are a menace, but, if we're serious about sustainable transport we're going to see a lot more of them. The trick, surely, is to design the points at which tramlines come in to roadways at an angle to ensure that cyclists aren't trapped by the things.

this is my least favourite - the road curves round, but the tram goes straight on. The cyclist following the main road has to cross the tramlines at an acute angle - if you're coming down from Addiscombe at 30+ it's not easy. You can see the tram in the pic below.

That is a lot easier than going up Cherry Orchard Road towards No 1. addiscommbe road and then going up addiscoombe road, it's near impossible without looking like your going left, and if you got a short wheelbase you have to take it real slow!

See here

 

[dellzeqq]

I avoid that one, Gaz. Too damn scary.

 

[gaz]

me to! apart from the two we have mentioned, and the one at Kent Gate Way (addington village) i would say the road vs tram crossings in croydon are fine for cyclists.

The only real issue is riding on shared road and tram track, thats when it gets bad!

 

[GAVSTER]

Is it not generally possible to avoid Princes Street? Obviously there are lines elsewhere, but if the issue is this bad I'd be looking at alternative routes.

I think that is probably the best bet. When commuting in at the moment I come up past the Dean Bridge and the only part of Princes Street I use is crossing it from Queensferry St onto Lothian Road.

If I want to go towards Leith I would turn off earlier and and go through Stockbridge. If I was wanting to go to Abbeyhill I'd go through Castle St and then the Grassmarket.

I've never liked cycling on Princes Street even pre-trams.

 

[jimboalee]

 

[HJ]

Ops just started another thread before seeing this one.

Anyone know who the youtube cyclist is? Anyone we know?

Dave, he posts on the CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum...

 

[snorri]

The cyclist interviewed on BBC Radio seemed to suggest it was the lack of continuity during the construction phase that was causing probs. You are cycling along with no tramlines in sight, then from under the bus ahead of you the tramlines suddenly appear, too late to adjust angle of approach.
Anyway, it's not the first bit of controversy surrounding Edinburgh trams.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8400094.stm

 

[661-Pete]

Croydon's tram network has some notoriety, though I'm sure others are just as treacherous. One junction I've very gingerly negotiated a number of times, is this one, close to West Croydon station. I'm usually wanting to turn right, like the bus. Notice the angle with the tram rails, also the thoughtfully laid out cycle 'infrastructure' which does indeed direct cyclists at a very obtuse angle with the rails. Well and good, except that that same marked lane causes cyclists to veer out directly across the line of traffic going straight on...

Sometimes it's best to get off and walk.

Incidentally, up until about 1960 there used to be trolleybuses on that road, not trams. Much more cyclist-friendly. (*sigh*)

 

[chap]

A bit of road paint, problem solved.

 

[HJ]

A bit of road paint, problem solved.

Aye, we are trying to tell the Council that, but apparently this might be a threat to World Heritage status of the city Then there is the Streetscape lobby to contend with...

 

[gavintc]

Aye, we are trying to tell the Council that, but apparently this might be a threat to World Heritage status of the city Then there is the Streetscape lobby to contend with...

Is that why you are missing the ride on Sun - doing some painting on Princes St?

 

[HJ]

Why are you going to come and hold the paint pot??

Na I'll not be painting, nor will I be wearing CC gear, but yous is all welcome to come and join the fun...

 

[HJ]

Well after three hours of pointing out the correct way to cross a tram line some 30 cyclist in Edinburgh now have a lot confidence in cycling down Princes Street.

In case you are wondering, the correct way to cross a tram line is at an angle of at least 45 degrees or greater. Do not be tempted to drift across at a shallow angle. While you may get away with this in the dry, if the rail is at all wet you will go down. Also make sure you are looking ahead while making the turn, do not be tempted to take another look to check where that bus is, as this may cause you to straighten the bars and reduce the angle at which you are crossing the rail. Finally should choose to disregard this advice, try to make sure there is not a journalist standing on the pavement as you do so...