Travel Information - By Cycle

• By Bus and Tram
• By Rail
• By Road

Cycle Routes

At present, approximately 45 miles of cycle route have been implemented in the Borough since the inception of the London and National Cycle Networks. These routes incorporate mandatory lanes, advisory lanes and advisory routes. Cycle lanes are the primary measure to provide a safer, quicker journey as well as raising awareness to other road users. Advisory and mandatory lanes are differentiated by the lining used, solid for mandatory and dashed for advisory. Green surfacing across junctions also backs up cycle lanes. These routes may be:

• On the carriageway
• On footways shared with or segregated from pedestrians
• On specially designed cycle paths.

Cycle Information

Cycling is an efficient, cheap, quiet, healthy and non polluting sustainable form of transport and the Council seeks to provide safe, convenient and clearly identified cycle facilities both on their own or as part of other traffic management measures. The aim of this is to reduce accidents and casualties involving cyclists and to increase the number of cyclists on the road.

To date there have also been a number of features installed as part of the London and National Cycle Networks within Croydon by the Council and other agencies. These include:

Toucan Signals

These are special traffic signals, similar to pelican crossings, that are designed for cyclists when crossing the road.

Advanced Cycle Stop Lines

Within ordinary traffic signalled junctions, there are two sets of stop lines on each approach.

The one further from the signals is for general traffic, and the one nearer to the signals is for cyclists. This is gives space for cyclists to turn right safely changing from the nearside to the offside.

Contra Flow Cycle Lanes

A one-way street can mean that cyclists have to travel much further. A contra-flow cycle lane lets a cyclist travel against the direction of flow of the one-way street in safety, without being diverted from the road.

For a safe contra flow lane, the cyclists must be segregated at each end from the oncoming traffic by a traffic island. This can only be done if the road is wide enough. It also needs to have a parking ban throughout the length of the contra flow lane. This can be difficult in residential areas with limited off-street parking.

"Plug" No Entry

This is where a road is two way throughout its length except for a short length of one-way working at one end.

Entry into the road is banned at one end and traffic is only allowed to exit. To help cyclists, a short length of contra flow cycle lane lets a cyclist travel past the no-entry signs.

Cycle Parking

The Council has installed over 420 cycle parking stands for public use at various locations such as shopping parades, district centres, civic buildings, transport interchanges and other area of public interest. There are a number of cycle parking boxes at various car parks within the centre of the Borough which can store cycles, small belongings and provide shelter from the elements for cycles.

Cycle Safety

Croydon also has an element of the Local Safety Schemes programme called Cycle Safety Schemes which is intended to identify and treat danger sites for pedal cyclists. Aspects currently being investigated include the development of a series of local cycle routes that aim to link the strategic network with local destinations/ attractions. Exemptions for cyclists at existing traffic management measures where practicable is to be a high priority, as will further enhancement of existing cycle lanes.

Cycle Maps

Transport for London (TfL) has produced a series of Local Cycling Guides. Covering the whole of Greater London these guides give details of main cycle routes, quieter routes and off road routes. Copies of maps, local to Croydon, can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre, local libraries and via the TfL website www.tfl.gov.uk

Cycle Strategy

Following consultation with external organisations such as the Police, Health Authorities and Cycling groups within the Borough, Croydon Council adopted its own Cycling Strategy.

The Strategy seeks to consider cyclists as a whole throughout the Borough and sets out how cycling should be promoted and encouraged for both recreational and utility purposes, thereby seeking to increase the proportion of journeys made by bicycle.

Source text taken from the Croydon Council website - to see the full page please use this link: www.croydon.gov.uk

Friday, 25 July, 2008

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