In May we carried out a survey of Ealing cyclists to find out what you thought would be the best way for the council to improve cycling in Ealing. We passed the results on to the council, and it sent us its response. Below are the proposals - in order of votes - with the council's response in italics.
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 fully supports this proposal and our earlier mini-Holland work has identified a preferred route. (Madeley Road, Queen’s Drive, and Saxon Drive, to link up with the A40 at Allan Way - Ed.). This will be developed further during 2016/17, subject to the outcome of our Quietways funding bid with TfL. Ealing has been pressing TfL for a response to our bid."
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.
"Ealing is committed to achieving consistent waiting and loading restrictions along Uxbridge Rd that operate up to 7pm (as a minimum) during 2015/16. During 2016/17, we will investigate the scope and feasibility study for increasing this up to 8pm. It is worth noting that mandatory cycle lanes are to be implemented along Uxbridge Rd as part of Corridor 1C during the next 12 months between Hanwell & West Ealing and wider cycle lanes between Lower Boston Rd and Boston Rd. Along Southall Broadway, the new layout prevents obstructive kerbside parking and loading 24/7. A similar approach using inset parking and loading bays has been used elsewhere along Uxbridge Rd (between North Circular Road and The Vale)."
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.
"We have already adopted these standards in our work. For example they are being applied in the development of the mini Holland plans."
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.
"Ealing has identified 9 Quietway routes and funding is awaited for the first tranche from TfL for 2016/17. The Quietways will facilitate circular quiet routes in combination with sections of the canal towpath that is being incrementally improved, both with Ealing LIP funding and Canal River Trust funding."
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.
"Whenever roads with round topped humps are resurfaced, they are systematically being replaced with sinusoidal humps. For example, during 2014/2015, 26 roads were resurfaced and 73 non-sinusoidal humps were replaced with sinusoidal. The resurfacing programme prioritises roads that are in greatest need and hence this delivers double benefits for cyclists ..... a new smooth surface along the whole length of the road and sinusoidal humps. There is insufficient funding available to remove sinusoidal humps on cycle routes in addition to the resurfacing programme. However, when the 2016/2017 transport deliverables plan and budget is being prepared, an amount could be set aside to deliver hump improvements on one or two high priority cycle routes."
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.
"A few of these types of gates have been improved in the past and it is proposed to seek out funding in 15/16 to improve another location (for example St Kilda Rd TBC). In future years, a small amount of funding will be allocated to improve other gates as part of a rolling programme. Details of the programme to be developed by the end of the year."
7. At subways with pairs of barriers, remove at least one of the barriers to allow cyclists to pass without dismounting
In cycle-friendly Europe, barriers are rarely used. Where they are, a single barrier is sufficient to improve sight lines and prevent collisions.
"Most of these subway barriers are TfL's infrastructure and changes will require further negotiation with TfL who have, to date, been resistant. Ealing will take this further over the coming months and report back."
8. Key routes across parks to be clearly signed as permissible for cyclists
Cycling 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.
"Erecting shared use cycle signs along footpaths through parks would not be suitable because of the visual intrusion and cost (every path would need to be signed because otherwise the absence of signs on any path would imply cycling is not permitted). However, the Council can use other means to communicate this to pedestrians and cyclists alike such as information in Around Ealing, the website. In addition, when park signs are being improved or replaced, transport officers can work with Parks dept to include this information."
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.
"Work is in hand to produce this guidance."
