In May we carried out an online survey of Ealing cyclists to find out what you thought would be the best way for the council to improve cycling in the borough. From a shortlist of nine proposals, the 135 people who completed the survey gave top priority to:
1. Provide a link to the Cycle Superhighway
Complete a scheme design for a borough cycle route to link Ealing Broadway to TfL’s East-West Cycling Super Highway in Acton and secure funding to install it at the same time as the Cycling Super Highway. The council is looking at a route via Madeley Road, Queen’s Drive, and Saxon Drive, to link up with the A40 at Allan Way.
Level of Support (weighted average): 4.45/5
2. Extend ‘No parking in cycle lane’ regulations along Uxbridge Rd to 8pm / or convert to mandatory cycle lane
The Uxbridge Road is a key commuter route for Ealing cyclists. At the moment, vehicles can park in the cycle lanes in Acton after 6.30pm. Our research shows that the cycling rush hour continues until 8pm, so it makes sense to extend these hours to 8pm. Not all cyclists are commuters, so a long-term aim is to see these lanes converted to mandatory lanes, so they are available to cyclists at all times. There is bound to be resistance from shopkeepers, but research from New York and elsewhere has shown that replacing car parking with cycle lanes can increase their revenue.
Level of Support: 4.25/5
3. Ealing Council to formally adopt the new London Cycle Design Standards 2014 as the default borough standard when designing facilities that affect cyclists
Adopting the new Cycle Design Standards will prevent the installation of the poorly designed infrastructure we have sometimes seen in the past.
Level of Support: 4.15/5
4. Construct a circular quiet route for cyclists
Ealing has some great off-road and quiet routes for cyclists. We would like to see sections of them linked together to form a circular quiet route that families and leisure riders will be able to enjoy.
Level of Support: 3.51/5
5. Remove non-sinusoidal speed humps from cycle routes shown on the London Cycle Guides and, where necessary, replace them with sinusoidal humps.
Sinusoidal humps, with their gentle initial slope, are smoother and easier for cyclists to ride over, but are just as effective at slowing down motor vehicles.
Sinusoidal humps, with their gentle initial slope, are smoother and easier for cyclists to ride over, but are just as effective at slowing down motor vehicles.
Level of Support: 3.41/5
6. At road closures replace barrier gates with a single foldable bollard.
Roads closed with a gate for emergency vehicles have gaps on either side for cyclists. Often these gaps are blocked by motor vehicles. Replacing the gates with a single foldable bollard in the centre of the road will allow cyclists to pass through the gap on a straight line, maintaining a safe central position on the road.
Level of Support: 3.33/5
7. At subways with pairs of barriers, remove at least one of the barriers to allow cyclists to pass without dismountingIn cycle-friendly Europe, barriers are rarely used. Where they are, a single barrier is sufficient to improve sight lines and prevent collisions.
Level of Support: 3.14/5
8. Key routes across parks to be clearly signed as permissible for cyclistsCycling is legal in Ealing parks, but can attract hostility from people who don’t know this. Research shows that where shared use is signed as permissible, the presence of cyclists is more readily accepted.
Level of Support: 3.08/5
9. Produce guidelines explaining the type of front garden bicycle storage that will be acceptable without requiring planning permissionStrictly speaking, you require planning permission to erect a bicycle shed in your front garden. We would like the position clarified so home owners can install them without fear of prosecution.
Level of Support: 2.51/5
Thanks to everyone who replied. A few people asked why 20mph speed limits weren't on the list. We have supported 20mph limits for many years now, and will encourage the council to keep introducing them.
