Issues

This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.

Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.

You can create a new issue using the button on the right.

Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Bristol Cycling Campaign:

  • Ambiguous Junction For Cycle Path at Clift House Road

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    Twice in recent days I have encountered ambiguity over right of way when cycling westward from the shared foot/cycle path on Clift House Road, across an entrance road and onto the new continuation path towards Ashton Avenue Bridge. Four lanes of merging traffic are travelling eastbound and occasionally one vehicle will turn off the main road into the access road. While I might assume that having started to cross this road I have right of way over a vehicle turning into it, the road markings and the sheer size of the junction make it unclear as to what ought to happen. It might be that the left turning traffic should have to negotiate a much more obvious turning, rather than the wide sweep that allows the turn to be made at full speed.

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  • Northbound turning conflicts Gloucester Road / Zetland Road

    Created by christhebull // 0 threads

    The northbound approach to this junction poses a significant hazard for cyclists bearing right onto Gloucester Road, due to the poorly delineated approach and potential conflicts with traffic taking other exits, namely:

    1) Cyclists are at risk of being left hooked by vehicles turning left into Zetland Road, and adopting a more central road position may result in the unsettling experience of having faster traffic pass on both sides

    2) Cyclists using the central filter lane to access Gloucester Road are at risk of colliding with traffic continuing into Elton Road from the right hand lane - this is because there are no arrow markings painted in the approach lanes, nor any markings in the junction itself to tell road users which lanes to adopt so as to avoid this conflict.

    Therefore, I consider it necessary for this junction to have, as a minimum, arrow markings showing which movements are permissible from which approach lane, and markings within the junction to further clarify this. The left hand lane ought to be used by traffic turning left or continuing straight, and the right hand lane for continuing on Gloucester Road only.

    If the opportunity for a more substantial rebuild occurs at some point in the future, a wider filter lane should be provided, or some other solution sought.

    The other directions of travel at this junction are clearer (apart from the southbound contraflow lane which ends on a pavement, but that is probably less of a road safety issue)

    I am fully aware there are proposed changes relating to Gloucester Road under the government's Cycle Safety Fund, but the plans which I have seen do not rectify this particular issue (but if I see the relevant people in the near future, I will raise this issue with them).

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  • Awkward Junction For Cyclists in 20 mph Zone

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    Busy Ashton Road (a 20 mph road from the A3029) bends eastward into the commercial area of North Street, close to a well-used park. On the bend, immediately adjacent to a park entrance, Frayne Street brings one-way traffic from the north west, and allows cycles to travel in the opposite direction towards Cumberland Basin. Coronation Road has two way traffic on the north east side.

    A recently installed calming measure has narrowed the road on the bend, as shown in the picture. The irregular shape of the road that results has made the turn into Coronation Road awkward for cyclists and, as can be seen from the lower half of the picture, some cyclists take ad hoc routes to avoid the complication. Buses and large lorries also use the route into North Street and most vehicles take the bend at about 30 mph, despite the speed restriction.

    As a route for cyclists, there could be a continuous segregated lane alongside the park (perhaps shaving a metre from the park itself, crossing Frayne Road with priority and following Coronation Road eastbound. A large number of school children use the route along the park every day but only a very few use a bicycle.

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  • Prince St Bridge - Quick Fix

    Created by Eric Booth // 2 threads

    Prince St bridge is an anarchic pigs ear. I like pigs and fond of a bit of anarchy but it's getting beyond a joke. Of course it will all be sorted out properly in due course but we could live with this for years. Here's a quick fix:

    SOUTH
    1. Move south vehicle stop line back 10m behind tramlines
    2. Remove all bollards unless one or two kept in line with centre of bridge with arrows right for cars
    3. Widen cycle lane from bridge to Festival way turn so suitable for 2-way cycling.
    4. Put in Give Way painted line at an angle running from enlarged cycle lane to centre line so southbound cyclists alerted to need to filter across traffic.

    NORTH
    1. Remove all bollards
    2. Widen cycle lane for 2 way cycling all the way up to the traffic lights with The Grove.
    3. Remove 5 bollards on each side of north bound traffic light along with the two set back
    4. Paint cycle lane passing behind light and then back onto carriageway making it nice and clear that it's an option for cyclists when lights red or they can carry on (as most will, no worse than now but at least it will be clear that they can treat these as 'give way')
    5. There will need to be 'give way' paint to make clear that pedestrians have right of way on the by-pass.

    Yes it's muddled but less so than now and makes the desire lines easier. It's also a cheap paint based fix pending the proper job.

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  • Inadequate Cycle Signage

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    Cycling North along Westbury Road (A4018) on a shared-use pathway beside the main carriageway there is a sign to "Westbury Park Shops". It is about 50 yards before the Parry's Lane roundabout and indicates a right turn ahead for cyclists and pedestrians. It has been added to a larger sign that reads "New Road Layout".

    In practice, on arrival at the roundabout there is no indication before, on or after the roundabout as to where cyclists should go next. A zebra crossing before the roundabout offers a dismounted route to the other side of the road, but there is no indication of which direction to take thereafter. There are 4 roads to chose from, Westbury Park, Etloe Road, North View and Downs Park West but none of them seem to offer shops. There are two ambiguous cycle lane markings on the entrance to Westbury Park and "NO CYCLING" is painted on one footpath.

    The problem, in a nutshell, is one that recurs all over Bristol: if you don't already know the way a first encouraging sign gives expectations that are not followed through. A route that had been indicated as a cycle route (with the cycle symbol) at its origin is left to chance and guesswork. The effect on cycling is to increase uncertainty and unpredictability. Each cyclist is obliged to make guesses about how to use a junction or follow a route. An association of cycling with expert and arcane knowledge is reinforced. Many routes (including this one) could be improved with a few additional signs or road markings and their use by casual or less well-informed cyclists could be encouraged.

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  • Restrictive Permeability between Bristol and South Gloucestshire on Wordsworth Road

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    A northern stretch of Bristol's waymarked "Concorde Way" runs along a quiet residential street, Wordsworth Road. On the newest housing development as Bristol gives way to South Gloucestershire there is a barrier between the end of Wordsworth Road and the start of Eighth Avenue to prevent motor vehicles passing through. There is a raised curb, offset railings and large grey concrete bollards and only a narrow passage either side of one bollard for cyclists to ride through. Tricycles, cargo bikes, or trailers might be to be lifted over the raised curb. In dusk or darkness neither the bollards nor the curb are easy to see. There is a light on the traffic sign offering some help, but a less intimidating arrangements or reflective/high-visibility surfaces could be considered.

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  • Unsatisfactory Dighton Street Cycle Lane (& Enforcement)

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    The unusual arrangement at the beginning of this cycle lane in Dighton Street Bristol might lead some road users to take it lightly. It could be that experience of moving or replacing trees with less destructive varieties in suitable containers should be sought from other places. Dighton Street is part of a well-used natural route from east to west near the city centre and efforts to establish serious, continuous and high quality cycle routes on roads like this one could represent very good value for money. Mandatory cycle lanes, once installed, need to be policed.

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  • Narrow Approach To Clifton Suspension Bridge With Unsuitable Cycle Lane

    Created by Sam Saunders // 2 threads

    On the eastern approach to Clifton Suspension Bridge the narrow road curves past a pedestrian refuge next to a toilet block. The short cycle lane that had started as approximately 1.2 metres wide narrows to approximately 0.9 metres at the refuge. More than half of the cycle lane at that point is paved with uneven cobbles unsuitable for cycling, especially on a bend. The traffic lane (approx 3.2 metres) is too narrow for a car and a bicycle to pass together. The cycle lane, in effect, is encouraging inexperienced cyclists to adopt a vulnerable road position and to cycle on an unsuitable surface.

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  • Inadequate Cycle Channels On Vauxhall Foot Bridge

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    Vauxhall Bridge between Coronation Road and Cumberland Road has a channel provided for wheeling bicycles on one side of its stepped sections. The channel is so narrow and so close to the railings that a bike can only be wheeled along it at a severe tilt. In addition only one side has a channel so wheeling the bike in the opposite direction has to be done from the wrong side of the bike, making it even more awkward.

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  • Possible extension to existing cycle route

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    The existing continuous route from Bristol's Cumberland Basin Swing Bridge along The Portway towards Sea Mills and Avonmouth runs under a footbridge beside the sea lock that provides a direct traffic-free link to quiet streets on the other side of a very busy road system. The footbridge is wide and occasionally used by cyclists who carry or bump their bikes up and then down a long series of steps on each side to get to Granby Hill and Cumberland Place. The advantage of using the bridge is that it avoids crossing or joining the multi-lane traffic of Hotwell Road and offers a quiet route to Clifton, and to Hotwells Primary School. It would be useful for cyclists travelling from the west or the east along the existing cycle route. A continuous channel in which to wheel a bicycle at one side of the steps would be helpful for some and make use of the bridge a more viable option than it is now.

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  • Advisory Cycle Lane Onto Queens Road Bristol Problem

    Created by Sam Saunders // 0 threads

    A twenty metre stretch of advisory cycle lane at the end of Whiteladies Road, from a zebra crossing to its junction with Queens Road, encourages cyclists to take a position near to the curb as they enter the and leave the junction. This puts them exposed to frequent buses turning immediately left into Queens Avenue and in a vulnerable position from which to continue a journey south west towards Park Street or Park Row.

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  • Coronation Road Cycle Path

    Created by Keeno // 1 thread

    Someone wrote and complained in The Pigeon magazine, saying "why do cyclists not use the cyclepath on Coronation road and hold up traffic?"

    Good question. Because some people don't know it's there and the road is a smoother surface.
    It needs clear delineation, a smooth surface, and if the railings aren't to be moved, large "SHARED SPACES" marked around the tree bottlenecks (chevrons on pavement) so people know what's what.

    You wouldn't really know to look at it, that it's a cyclepath, with loats of signs stickered over.

    Ideally the Railing will be moved back to make it wider and so the large trees aren't a problem, but if money's tight, smooth surface and clear markings on the floor will do.

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  • Manor Road traffic speeds

    Created by christhebull // 1 thread

    This section of road is surprisingly hostile to cycle along on account of the restricted width, parked vehicles and high traffic speeds. I have had drivers behind me screech to a halt when they realised that they are likely to collide with me or an oncoming vehicle, and moving out to pass parked vehicles is needlessly stressful.

    There is a vehicle activated "30 mph" light-up sign along this road but it is hopelessly inadequate, and more substantial methods of reducing traffic speed are going to be necessary.

    Note also that the option of using Snowdon Road and then Fishponds Road is not only longer and steeper, but still involves awkward pinch points northbound along Fishponds Road. This is an important route linking the Hollies (halls of residence) and UWE Glenside with the centre of Fishponds and thus ought to be a priority within this area.

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  • Lansdown Road one-way

    Created by christhebull // 1 thread

    Lansdown Road is one way, hindering cycling in Clifton. The forthcoming introduction of residents parking zones ought to provide an ideal opportunity to introduce contraflow cycling here and elsewhere in Clifton. Minor changes to the build-outs by the Fosseway are likely to be necessary but contraflow cycling should not be an issue in terms of engineering or traffic speeds / volumes.

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  • Frome Valley Greenway (Eastville Park)

    Created by christhebull // 1 thread

    Alright folks, if we're going to get the whole "Freeways and Greenways" network off the ground than we need to make sure we know what the existing routes are like (as some of us know certain parts of the city better than others). Here is my take on this section of the Frome Greenway:

    1) The route is fairly direct and a lot flatter than the road through Stapleton past Colston's School, it is also free of motor traffic

    2) Part of the route twists and turns *right next to* a lake and is shared by dog walkers. Whilst I recognise that this is meant to be a relatively leisurely route through a park, we don't want anybody taking an unexpected swim. The path also floods after heavy rainfall.

    3) The lakeside stretch is particularly hazardous at light. To cut down on energy costs, movement activated lights could be installed on an ideally re-aligned path.

    4) The route loses cohesiveness near the M32 junction. Improvements to the path and to signage are needed to direct cyclists to the Stapleton Road shared use section.

    5) One of the bridges is exceptionally narrow (haven't measured, but can't be more than 1 metre) and is only fit for single track use

    6) At the gated access off Wickham Glen, there is a passage to the side which is filled with loose gravel which gives poor traction on cycles as well as an open drainage channel which is a trip hazard on foot and bike

    Overall the route already has strong potential to form a quality part of the greenway network, but these issues should be addressed as part of the overall network creation.

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  • Berkeley Place/Triangle West Pinch-Point, Bristol

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    New lights and crossings have been installed and pedestrians have recently been given a much safer way to cross Berkeley Place from west to east. The build-out near the end of Procathedral Lane has narrowed the roadway and made the pedestrian crossing time much shorter than it was. The two traffic lanes heading north east out of Berkeley Place are each now reduced to about 2.9 metres wide, leaving very little, or no space for a vehicle to pass a cyclist or for a cyclist to approach the ASL when traffic is stationary. The upward incline can make this even more awkward for a cyclist who needs to stop and then restart from a position behind or alongside vehicles south west of the build-out.

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  • Advisory Cycle Lane Being Used As A Car Park

    Created by Sam Saunders // 0 threads

    The south-west bound advisory cycle lane, marked with dotted lines and with a small traffic island to funnel cycles into it (creating a pinch-point) seems to be regularly used a car park. If the parking is being encouraged or allowed, the island and the markings should be removed to allow the hazard to be more clearly seen. Preferably, the parking should be disallowed and a mandatory cycle lane should be installed.

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  • Pinch Point On Northumberland Road, Bristol

    Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread

    Northumberland Road (part of Concord Way at this point) has been deliberately narrowed to allow pedestrians to cross between the footbridge and the Sports Centre and a cycle lane marking has been placed to one side of the narrow gap. The gap, however, is not wide enough to allow a car and a bicycle to go safely through the pinch point at the same time. A cyclist needs to take the centre of the lane, or pull over and wait for vehicles to pass.

    Either the carriageway should be re-widened (preferred) or the cycle lane indicator should be removed.

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  • Lower Redland Road false one-way

    Created by christhebull // 2 threads

    A short section of Lower Redland Road adjoining Whiteladies Road is eastbound only, hindering cycling in this area. A simple remedial measure would be to allow legal contraflow cycling in the westbound direction on this road. Although no longer required for contraflows, a small traffic island exists at the exit of this one way street which could either removed, or utilised as the entrance to the contraflow. This would be relatively simple to implement as there are no intermediate junctions or traffic lights, only signs to be altered at either end and various formalities to go through.

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  • Westbury Hill: Bristol. New Tesco's Express

    Created by David Wilcox // 0 threads

    The Foresters Arms in Westbury on Trym in Bristol is being converted to a Tesco Express.

    The Council want to change the waiting restrictions by a whole one metre!

    http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/transport-and-streets/traffic-regulation-orders-tros#jump-link-3

    "It is proposed that the current prohibition of waiting at any time (indicated by double yellow lines) on the south west side of Westbury Hill, which currently terminates in line with the common boundary line of numbers 73 and 75 Westbury Hill, should be extended by one metre in a south easterly direction. Delivery vehicles are permitted to wait on yellow lines while goods are being loaded or unloaded and the proposal is intended to provide vehicles being used to make deliveries to the new supermarket with sufficient space to pull in close to the kerb, to minimise interference with the movement of other traffic."

    Since this will have a minimal effect on the ease of delivery to the Tesco's - remember most Articulated Lorries are 13- 16 Metres in length
    http://www.intelligentanswers.co.uk/index.php?topic=2851.0
    Why bother changing anything?

    Looking at the google street view pic attached, parking an Artic on this road will cause major disruption and be a safety issue for the pedestrian crossing on the mini roundabout.

    I wonder what the cost of raising a TRO for one metre change in parking restrictions is?

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  • New Road Layout Wade St & Lamb St Junction Old Market

    Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread

    The junction of Wade Street and Lamb Street used to have a dedicated segregated cycle lane to enable cyclists to turn right (against the traffic on the one way Lamb Street) via a pedestrian Pelican crossing to get to the Park opposite. This park has connections to the Bristol 2 Bath Railway Path and Temple Meads.

    Speaking to the Council Officer at the cycle forum on 17/01/2013, It seems that this road layout is changing. Cyclists will be able to join the widened pavement much earlier on Wade Street to cross at the Pelican Crossing. This will cut down on collisions with cyclists having to cross the traffic at the junction.

    The work was not subject to a normal Council Consultation as much of the work is being done by Wessex Water who are laying some pipes in the area. Changing this junction would of cost in the of £150k and the council are only being charged £5k for the work.

    No final details are available for the junction layout, so we need to keep an eye on this junction

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  • Dutch Style Infrastructure for the end of Bristol to Bath Railway Path

    Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread

    Proposal
    To provide a shared use facility on St Phillips Road that links the Toucan Crossing on Midland Road with the Bristol Bath Railway Path. The route will then continue on a traffic calmed Horton Street

    Rationale
    The Railway Path is one of the City's busiest parks, with an estimated 5,000 sustainable transport journeys made along the St. Philips end of the path each day either by foot or by bike. With this volume of traffic using the path, it is unsatisfactory that users are channelled into St Philips Road into a busy industrial estate. Since the bus priority measures on West Street and Old Market on the A420 corridor, there has been an increase in private motor vehicles using St Philips Road as a rat-run causing conflict with the volume of cycle traffic. The end journey for users of the Railway Path acts as a barrier to new cyclists.

    An improved link form the railway path to Temple Meads would help achieve the Local Enterprise Site aims for sustainable transport and will help to provide for the 17,000 employees at the site.

    Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF proposals.

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