Richmond Cycling Campaign - Road Facility Audit
Richmond Cycling Campaign - Road Facility Audit
Site - HammersmithBridge
Location - Google MapLink
Google Streetview -Link
Last Update - October 2010
Summary of Problem
HammersmithBridge is a key transport route and carries a significant number of cyclists, particularly in the morning and evening, being part of the London Cycle Network. A survey in 2008 showed that in the morning peak hour, about a third of the total northbound traffic was cyclists. Hammersmith and Fulham Council was responsible for the upgrade scheme.
Two key issues:
-Routing of cyclists onto shared footpath on both sides of bridge to avoid a barrier on bus lane
-Cyclists being intimidated on crossing the bridge by motorists passing in an unsafe manner
Figure 1 - Approach to HammersmithBridge from North (left) and South (right)
Figure 2 - CrossingHammersmithBridge from the North
Detailed Discussion of Issues
Issue 1 - Bus Lane Barrier
Damage to the bridge caused by vehicles ignoring the weight limit mean that restrictions are in place to stop large vehicles from crossing while allowing London buses through. This has been achieved by providing a bus lane with a barrier which opens for buses on both the north and south sides of the bridge. (Note: A second lane, with a width restriction, is provided for motor traffic within the weight limit).
Due to the presence of this barrier, cyclists are not permitted to use the bus lane and instead are directed onto the pavement on both the north and south sides of the bridge (see figure 1 above). This layout was installed recently without a request for input from Richmond Cycling Campaign. Note that at present, the barrier has remained in the open position for most of 2010 and cyclists use the bus lane rather than cause conflict with pedestrians.
The current layout introduces two significant hazards:
-The shared pavement is narrow and is a key route for pedestrians, particularly in the mornings and afternoons for those walking to school (see figure 1). A conflict point between cyclists and pedestrians has been created and in case of the north side, there is also a bus stop and shelter on the pavement that cyclists are directed through (see figure 3).
-The return route for cyclists onto the carriageway creates a hazard for cyclists merging with the traffic, particularly on the south side where road signage creates several blind spots.
Overall, the current layout compromises the safety of both pedestrians and cyclists. It creates the potential for unnecessary conflict and antagonism between these groups. At present, the barriers are left in the open position and the majority of cyclists opt to use the bus lane.
Figure 3 - North Side of Bridge - Having been directed onto the footpath, there is no marked return to the carriageway. Cyclists must share a narrow path past a pedestrian crossing and through a bus stop.
Figure 4 - South Side of Bridge - Confusion on where to return to the carriageway puts cyclists at risk.
Issue 2 - Intimidation of CyclistsCrossingBridge
Despite congestion meaning that motor traffic crossing the bridge stops soon after on either side at the next set of traffic lights, there are frequent reports of cyclists being intimidated by motorists who over take them in an unsafe manner. This is inspite of the double white lines on the road. The narrow nature of the bridge, and the pinch points on the road way caused by the bridge structure, exacerbate this. (see figure 2 above) The Highway Code states that (Rule 129) with regards to double white lines:
“You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear [to] overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.”
Therefore motorists should not be overtaking cyclists on the bridge travelling at greater than 10mph and this should be more rigorously enforced.
Potential improvements - Issue 1
Remove shared pavement bypass, allow cyclists to use the bus lane and(along with appropriate change in signage) either:
- Leave barrier in open position with no changes
- Leave barrier in open position (or remove) and install number plate recognition cameras to capture bus lane contraveners (as routinely carried out on other bus lanes)
- Shorten barrier and provide markings on cycle bypass (as per Chelsea Harbour NCN Route 4 - figure 5, entrance to ImperialCollege - figure 6)
- Replace barrier with rising bollard, as extensively implemented in town centres with bus only access (e.g. Cambridge - see figure 7)
Potential improvements - Issue 2
Provide signage on bridge requesting motorists not to overtake cyclists while crossing the bridge (note, signage like this is often provided at road works - see figure 8 below)
Provide markings on the bridge road surface which legitimise cyclists presence
Figure 5 - Cycle Bypass at barrier in ChelseaHarbour on NCN4
Figure 6 - Cycle Bypass at barrier at entrance to ImperialCollegeLondon
Figure 7 - Bollard that opens to buses in Cambridge and allow cycles through
Figure 8 - Example of signage requesting motorists not to overtake cyclists(this was located on A243 near to Chessington during road works, where the road was too narrow to pass cyclists safely)
Richmond
Cycling Campaign