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2009-10-28 Harolds Cross Road
Ireland's National Cycle Policy Framework was launched in April 2009.
On page 18 it states that there is a need for "learning from examples of QBC/cycle designs in which the route is not perceived to be cycle-friendly."
Policy 2.5 States:
Audits of Existing Infrastructure
"We will carry out audits of existing urban infrastructure to assess the quality of the cycling routes using an agreed set of criteria. This would include not only existing dedicated cycling facilities but all of the other elements of the roads infrastructure used by cyclists – roundabouts, one-way streets, road narrowings, narrow traffic lanes (in the context of the development of the Quality Bus Network etc)." Policy 2.6 States:
Remedial Measures
"We will carry out remedial measures on existing cyclist-unfriendly urban roads with a special focus on roundabouts, multi-lane oneway streets and road narrowing schemes. Without addressing the difficulties posed by high capacity, high speed roundabouts in urban locations – and particularly those between residential areas and schools - it will be very difficult to encourage more of the public to cycle."
However, I notice that the lining on Harold's Cross Road has just been completely redone (since I passed in August 2009) with all the same problems we see across the city. Here are some examples:
The general use of sub standard 1,2 m wide cycle lanes. Here is Harold's Cross Road at Kenilworth Sq. N.
These substandard lanes are not accidental. Note the dimensions 1,2 and 3,0 marked on the kerb in spraypaint by the contractors below in a photo opposite Harold's Cross Park:
The same cycle lane continues along a line of parked cars where cyclists will hit opening doors. Note under the mandatory use regulation cyclists must use cycle lanes where they are provided. This is perverse in this case as the cycle lane is marked in the one place where cyclists should not cycle.
And lastly we have a reprise of the much used 1.2 m cycle lane in a 3.0 m bus lane. This instance is particularly offensive as the cycle lane is along the railing to Harold's Cross Park giving cyclists no route of escape.
In summary:
This design contains at least three things which are unacceptable by any standard:
- 1.2 m wide cycle lanes. Nowhere should lanes less than 1.5 m wide be provided.
- The marking of a cycle lane in a 3.0 m wide bus lane leaving only 1.8 m for buses and taxis to pass. This encourages dangerous overtaking and makes it illegal for cyclists to cycle in the middle of the 3.0 m lane to defend themselves from this dangerous overtaking.
- Cycle lanes marked in the path of the opening doors of a line of parked cars.
If we are not to believe that Smarter Travel is just an exercise in Greenwash to disguise business as usual then we must why, six months after the publication of the National Cycle Policy Framework, these works have been carried out with these gross deficiencies.
Who instigated these works?
Who designed them?
Who approved them?
Who funded them?
Who built them?
James Leahy 29/10/09
