Clik here to view.
Hammersmith Bridge, which cyclists currently have to push their bikes across, is to get a two-way cycle lane from next Tuesday 13 February – although it will only be open for 10 weeks. And unlikely as it sounds, the temporary installation of the active travel infrastructure is in part thanks to the decision of a group of West Ham United fans to travel to an away match at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground before Christmas by boat.
Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) council says that “significant damage” caused to a gantry running along the underside of the bridge when the boat became wedged underneath it means that ongoing stabilisation work to the historic structure has been temporarily halted.
The local authority is taking advantage of the pause in works to put in place a two-way, three-metre-wide cycle lane in the centre of the bridge’s carriageway which it says will “allow greater access to residents, visitors and businesses on both sides of the river,” and which is “likely to remain open for around 10 weeks.”
> Read more: Hammersmith Bridge to reopen to bike riders with two-way cycle lane – but only for 10 weeks
While we discuss the latest episodes of Strictly Come Dancing and University Challenge at the road.cc editorial day (I know, pressing cycling issues right?), here's some pesky cycling barriers from Thames Path.
These barriers, like the ones that appeared further up the Thames Path, are a sledgehammer to crack a nut. They are bad for disabled people, those with buggies, walkers, joggers, cyclists and tourists. Such hostile and unnecessary obstacles should be removed https://t.co/URsmRH114F
— Greenwich Cyclists (@GreenwichCycle) February 8, 2024
Cycling barriers are pieces of infrastructure that have been widely criticised for their lack of inclusivity by putting people using bikes dedicated for disabled users, or those travelling with cargo bikes or with their children, other than the maybe-obvious anti-cycling aspect of it.
Most recently, we encountered this “Kerplunk-style” barriers on cycle path in Salford which left people wondering if it was actually designed for "ferret slalom racing".
This recent one, interestingly, has been installed by a private landlord, claims cyclist Calum O'Byrne Mulligan. "I’m urgently seeking their removal on accessibility grounds and as they are an unnecessary and unhelpful obstruction of the public footpath," he added.
A resident from Blackheath Standrard replied under the post: "I assume a private developer would need permission to obstruct the Thames pathway, which wouldn’t be granted? That’s such a busy part of the river frontage, crazy idea."
Greenwich Cyclists group quote tweeted the original post saying: "These barriers, like the ones that appeared further up the Thames Path, are a sledgehammer to crack a nut. They are bad for disabled people, those with buggies, walkers, joggers, cyclists and tourists. Such hostile and unnecessary obstacles should be removed."
Clik here to view.
So, it appears that yesterday’s story on Cycling Time Trials’ reaction to the increasingly widespread implementation of 20mph speed limits in built-up areas – which includes forcing participants to slow to the required 20mph during those particular sections – has elicited quite the reaction online.
For those who missed it – CTT, the governing body for that classically British, self-loathing discipline of racing your bike solo against nothing but a clock, this week issued new guidance advising those taking part in its time trials to adhere to new 20mph speed limits, and any other rule of the road, following the default implementation of these reduced zones in Wales, as well as other parts of England, last year.
CTT’s guidance also stipulated that any course with a lengthy 20mph section should not be used if a viable alternative is available, due to concerns over safety for participants and other road users, along with the risk of causing “public outrage” which, CTT says, could put the future of time trialling in Britain in jeopardy.
Clik here to view.
And how did the internet react to this new safety-oriented, anti-“public outrage” measure? By checking the calendar, apparently.
April fool, it’s a bit early isn’t it? pic.twitter.com/tH5EBSZDHx
— Cyclegranny 🚴♀️ (@anneramsey740) February 7, 2024
“This is either a joke, or the world really has gone mad. Next, rugby players must wear bubble wrap onesies,” said Joe.
“This rubbish is contagious! Time to come to our senses!!” exclaimed Paul, representing the rather odd, sparsely populated central part of the Venn diagram of cyclists and those opposed to reduced speed limits.
“Emailed dropped into my inbox last night. I found the position hilarious. Granted it makes sense but just don’t run TTs on 20mph roads and all good,” said an amused cycling lawyer Rory McCarron.
Tell me this is a parody 🙄
— John Willis (@bugg3r_it) February 7, 2024
“Why? There is no speed limit for bicycles on Britain's roads,” Adabadang wrote on Twitter, summing up the general attitude of the non-TTing cyclist.
Pointing out the difficulty of enforcing these measures, Shit Cycling Shots wrote: “Marshalls with speed guns in every village? Good luck enforcing this one!”
Others noted the irony of forcing cyclists, during a race, to adhere to a speed limit apparently, ahem, often ignored by other road users.
“Maybe the weekend before the event they should do a speed check on cars in any 20 limit they pass through. Max speed for riders is the highest recorded by a car,” said Stuart.
“Tell drivers to stick to it then you have a deal,” agreed Sebastian, with Dan describing the measure as “kowtowing to the anti-cycling mob”.
“Can’t wait for speed limits at the next F1 race in Vegas,” wrote the Entitled Cyclist, while Eamonn said: “Schrodinger’s Cyclist. Going too fast while simultaneously going too slow and delaying the all-important drivers.”
Clik here to view.
On the more extreme end of the reaction spectrum, one Facebook user, Shaun, however, reckons time trialling shouldn’t even take place on a road, never mind a 20mph section.
“If you want to TT, get a road closure or do it on a track. Sport shouldn't take place on the public highway. I'm a cyclist by the way,” says ‘cyclist’ Shaun.
Some, meanwhile, used the guidance to pitch their own, groundbreaking vision for the future of time trialling in the UK.
“They should do the whole route on 20mph roads and disqualify anyone who is even a tiny bit over 20mph average,” said cat-owning cyclist Travis (and Sigrid, I suppose), while Phil described the new world of time trialling as an “acceleration test”.
“Or a time trial in the truest sense of the term. Getting from A to B as close to an allotted time as possible,” said Farrell.
Now, that is a time trial I could get behind…
Clik here to view.
Folding bike brand Brompton’s plans for an ambitious new eco-friendly factory and headquarters in Kent are facing further delays after the highways authority raised concerns about the scheme’s impact on the local road network and the lack of any car parking facilities at the site.
Under the travel plan drawn up for the site, no new parking spaces will be also created. Staff and visitors will instead be encouraged to cycle, walk, or use public transport to reach the factory, which will also have a visitors’ centre, museum, and café.
However, the active travel-centred nature of the £100m scheme now appears to have been the catalyst for a series of delays to the project.
When you’ve got an interval session in the morning and a two-bed semi to do in magnolia in the afternoon:
For those wondering what the heat training part looks like… 🥵🥵 https://t.co/BIRRKAmeyKpic.twitter.com/8iv6GOxjTa
— Oscar Onley (@OscarOnley) February 8, 2024
And maybe a crystal meth deal in the evening…