Training for Tramlines

[marinyork]

You can still come off in the wet at 45 degrees. It's a lot less likely than at a smaller angle but still a fair risk of a wobble or hitting the floor completely.

 

[Theseus]

HJ, when is the next session running? I may have to learn how to bunny hop a fixed wheel. No, it isn't a skill I have in my repertoire.

 

[marinyork]

HJ, when is the next session running? I may have to learn how to bunny hop a fixed wheel. No, it isn't a skill I have in my repertoire.

What's the surface made of between the tram lines. Not sure I'd recommend bunny hopping. Round here it is concrete and there's significantly less grip on that than the tarmac.

 

[jimboalee]

On my last trip to San Francisco, Cable car passengers are still allowed to ride standing on the running boards, hanging on to the grab-rails.
I wouldn't let my son do this but I did.

On the Midland Metro from B'ham Snow Hill to St Georges, Wolverhampton; the Tram won't move until all the doors are securely closed.

No-one can ride on the outside - "It's Health and Safety GONE MAD!!"

 

[sunnyjim]

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...

A bit like this then?

"
306

All road users, but particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should take extra care when driving or riding close to or crossing the tracks, especially if the rails are wet. You should take particular care when crossing the rails at shallow angles, on bends and at junctions. It is safest to cross the tracks directly at right angles. Other road users should be aware that cyclists and motorcyclists may need more space to cross the tracks safely
"

 

[Lurker]

... 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.

Couldn't agree more.

On a recent trip to Antwerp I noticed motorists very slowly and carefully trundling along behind cyclists riding sociably side by side on a tramlined street. Nobody seemed to find this the slightest problem and this kind of respectful behaviour towards cyclists was the norm.

 

[Norm]

... and this kind of respectful behaviour towards cyclists was the norm.

Thanks, I do try.

 

[HJ]

What's the surface made of between the tram lines. Not sure I'd recommend bunny hopping. Round here it is concrete and there's significantly less grip on that than the tarmac.

The surface is tarmac and I can't bunny hop, nor do recommend trying it. However one of my colleges can, in a quiet period yesterday he was bunny hopping back and forth across the tracks on Princes Street...

Touche know about this because we discussed it over mince pies and stollen yesterday.

 

[HJ]

A bit like this then?

"
306

All road users, but particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should take extra care when driving or riding close to or crossing the tracks, especially if the rails are wet. You should take particular care when crossing the rails at shallow angles, on bends and at junctions. It is safest to cross the tracks directly at right angles. Other road users should be aware that cyclists and motorcyclists may need more space to cross the tracks safely
"

Thanks for pointing up HC rule 306, I was looking for that the other day. One of the big problems I foresee coming here in Edinburgh, is getting other road users to understand the need of those on two wheels and take their responsibilities seriously. Currently all the training is being aimed at cyclist (not that I am complaining) and at the present the only place cyclist encounter the tram tracks is Princes Street which has limited traffic. Once the tracks are layed over a wider area there will be greater risks from less knowledgeable driving population.

Couldn't agree more.

On a recent trip to Antwerp I noticed motorists very slowly and carefully trundling along behind cyclists riding sociably side by side on a tramlined street. Nobody seemed to find this the slightest problem and this kind of respectful behaviour towards cyclists was the norm.

Could you tell that to LRT and the other bus companies using Princes Street...

 

[marinyork]

The surface is tarmac and I can't bunny hop, nor do recommend trying it. However one of my colleges can, in a quiet period yesterday he was bunny hopping back and forth across the tracks on Princes Street...

Really? You did all right then. That's nearly safe!

 

[sunnyjim]

TOnce the tracks are layed over a wider area there will be greater risks from less knowledgeable driving population.


Don't worry - the council are probably now considering banning cycling on tramlined streets. The publicity drummed up from this somewhat predictable incident, while no doubt well meant, could backfire.

 

[gavintc]

TOnce the tracks are layed over a wider area there will be greater risks from less knowledgeable driving population.


Don't worry - the council are probably now considering banning cycling on tramlined streets. The publicity drummed up from this somewhat predictable incident, while no doubt well meant, could backfire.

Just wait until the tram lines start appearing on streets used by cars, then you will hear the whines. Tramlines and wet roads do not make for good grip. I predict some bumps on Leith Walk, then the cyclists complaints will be quickly forgotten under the deluge of complaints against TIE and the Cooncil.

 

[marinyork]

Just wait until the tram lines start appearing on streets used by cars, then you will hear the whines. Tramlines and wet roads do not make for good grip. I predict some bumps on Leith Walk, then the cyclists complaints will be quickly forgotten under the deluge of complaints against TIE and the Cooncil.

Or you could do what Sheffield has and have tram gates that ban drivers .

 

[HJ]

TOnce the tracks are layed over a wider area there will be greater risks from less knowledgeable driving population.

Don't worry - the council are probably now considering banning cycling on tramlined streets. The publicity drummed up from this somewhat predictable incident, while no doubt well meant, could backfire.[/QUOTE]

This is the same council that has signed the Charter of Brussels committing it's self “To set a target of at least 15% for the share of cycling in the modal split of trips for the year 2020 and of further growth if this target already is achieved.” Some chance!!

 

[goo_mason]

This is the same council that has signed the Charter of Brussels committing it's self “To set a target of at least 15% for the share of cycling in the modal split of trips for the year 2020 and of further growth if this target already is achieved.” Some chance!!

Das Cooncil are a' mooth an' nae troosers.