A vision of the future of cycling in London

[torrent99]

Steve,

Remember that the governing philosophy behind cycle route design in this country has generally been to get cyclists off the road and out of the way of the cars. You seem to have fallen into the trap of thinking they are for the convenience of cyclists!

Yes I have a bit haven't I? (No I haven't really, I just suspended my disbelief for a brief moment of insanity! )

Seriously from your experience of Holland, it seems clear to me now that we do need cycle dual carriage ways.

Where? Well on those nice wide bus lanes that the droopy one has so "wisely" decided that motorbikes can ride in.

The problem with bus-lanes for 2-wheelers at the moment is that it's a free-for all. So you get all manner of crazy riding, undertaking, swerving etc this becomes even more scary with motor cyclists roaring about. Another drop of paint for some sub-lanes would help.

Another thing they can do is just re-assess the "alloted" cycle routes. I'm sure there are quite a few examples of where they've created a south-circular (=random collection of high streets) of roads and called it a cycle route, where running almost parallel there's a perfectly good road that isn't too busy. Case in point is the Highbury/ Hollaway- City route:

Palmer Pl, London N7, UK to Penton St - Google Maps

A nightmare zig zag of giveways, one ways and traffic lights on a pot hole+cobble infested track.

Compare with the Liverpool Road alternative that I take:

Palmer Pl, London N7, UK to Penton St - Google Maps

Have a "ride" down each with streetview. I'm sure there are numerous examples of this.