To my disgust, traffic islands have been installed in a village road along my commute. These are in addition to those things that block a lane at either end off said village. The road is (was) plenty wide for traffic to pass safely and unhindered. Since these ****in things have been installed, there is simply not enough space for traffic to overtake cyclists. Havent had any problems yet, but I feel that drivers may end up getting frustrated at not being able to pass and take unnecessary risks. What are the legal implications if such installations resulted in an RTC or proved to encourage risk taking?
What are those traffic islands for?
- Thread starter User16625
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Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Same thing happened in a village on my commute. The island has made a non situation into an accident waiting to happen.
I spoke to the bloke at the council (who is a cyclist) and he said there would be little chance of a reversal.
I spoke to the bloke at the council (who is a cyclist) and he said there would be little chance of a reversal.
Garry A
Calibrating.....
- Location
- Grangemouth
I hate those things, I always dread passing two on a busy road just before my house. I've had a few numpties flooring it to beat me to the gap even with me taking primary.
raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
Perversely they're known as 'Traffic Calming Islands' when in fact they just wind people up. 
Reminds me a bit of when I first saw 'Speed Humps' in a road near me (late 80s), the guy I saw on a Motocrosser thought they were great, he was getting about 8-10 foot of 'air' and landing 30yds further on down the road.
Reminds me a bit of when I first saw 'Speed Humps' in a road near me (late 80s), the guy I saw on a Motocrosser thought they were great, he was getting about 8-10 foot of 'air' and landing 30yds further on down the road.
growingvegetables
Guru
- Location
- Leeds
- Location
- Manchester
There's always going to be risk takers unfortunately.
There's been a few put on the main roads around us which are really good for crossing the road which was difficult before. Sometimes when I'm in the car and slowing for my left turn, impatient drivers will overtake despite the fact that there is an island just after the turn.
On the bike I always take primary to stop people trying to squeeze through.
I actually use one for getting across on my bike when it's too busy to turn right.
There's been a few put on the main roads around us which are really good for crossing the road which was difficult before. Sometimes when I'm in the car and slowing for my left turn, impatient drivers will overtake despite the fact that there is an island just after the turn.
On the bike I always take primary to stop people trying to squeeze through.
I actually use one for getting across on my bike when it's too busy to turn right.
The village I go through has houses on one side and a field (not a farm) on the other. No reason to cross the road except for a bus stop. If crossing a road is an issue then there's the option of proper pedestrian crossings which can be operated via lights, or just a bit of paint.
I cannot understand the mentality of creating a pinch point as a safety measure. Im assuming they are safety measures, so many things are done with Health and Safety so high on the agenda that the result can impact actual safety.
I cannot understand the mentality of creating a pinch point as a safety measure. Im assuming they are safety measures, so many things are done with Health and Safety so high on the agenda that the result can impact actual safety.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Take the lane. It's ruined some roads I ride on. I am awaiting the last minute overtake and a bang as the front wheel is destroyed. 
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
I don't mind the pedestrian refuges, although they probably ought to be zebras or pelicans. It's the islands that only contain lights that annoy me.
Complain to the police about shoot driving. Ask the council for the safety audit on the island, just to make sure it isn't unnecessarily dangerous.
Complain to the police about shoot driving. Ask the council for the safety audit on the island, just to make sure it isn't unnecessarily dangerous.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Unfortunately, the type of driver who goes for that last minute overtake is probably also the type who will swerve left to avoid damaging that front wheel!Take the lane. It's ruined some roads I ride on. I am awaiting the last minute overtake and a bang as the front wheel is destroyed.
KneesUp
Guru
Did he give a reason?
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Yup - that's the usual outcome.
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
They do help pedestrians cross the road. I wasn't aware how much until they took out an island at traffic lights so that you have to cross the entire road in one go (one of the selling points for the change), now I find I have to wait for the lights to change. Previously I could cross each half when I saw a gap in the traffic, as it's too wide and busy to do in one go.
As for my opinion as a cyclist varies from good to bad, some help to form a protective zone in the middle of the road for turning right, mostly they are slightly annoying as you have to think about your road position as you approach them. One set I absolutely hate, there are two sets about 100/200 meters apart, and in an area of town where you would see a lot more cars where the occupants aren't wearing seat belts. They just floor it to try and get past, and I worry about them ricocheting off the island, or more often they just go round the wrong side.
As for my opinion as a cyclist varies from good to bad, some help to form a protective zone in the middle of the road for turning right, mostly they are slightly annoying as you have to think about your road position as you approach them. One set I absolutely hate, there are two sets about 100/200 meters apart, and in an area of town where you would see a lot more cars where the occupants aren't wearing seat belts. They just floor it to try and get past, and I worry about them ricocheting off the island, or more often they just go round the wrong side.
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
The parish council had applied for them as a traffic calming measure and that they wouldn't agree to having them moved. If I get time later on I'll draw it out and post a picture.
