A Reversal on Advance Standing

Cycled into town again today. Along advisory cycle lanes that that don't mean much to many motorists. Cycle lanes that appear and disappear for no apparent reason. In streets choked with motor traffic even outside rush hour. Overtook by some drivers apparently desperate to overtake no matter what might be coming the other way or how little space there might be between us. Despite this almost all cycle parking spaces were full with bikes of all kinds. Parked outside shops who’s owners are at best lukewarm about bicycles, or oblivious to the evidence of the benefits of bicycle use for the local economy and physical environment. Did some shopping in some local shops, as people on bicycles have done since bicycles were invented , and for years before motor cars appeared on the roads to take local people to distant and out of town shops. As people on bicycles will still be doing when the price of petrol or traffic choked streets makes more people realize it's better (and usually quicker) by bicycle.

One disappointment is that the advance standing areas coming out of Saturday Market Place and at the traffic lights in Lairgate have been removed as part of the developments to Saturday Market Place. I understand from the council that the one in Lairgate will be replaced when the street is resurfaced in early 2014.

In the meantime, turning right from Lairgate into Hengate is now much more difficult and potentially more dangerous for people on bicycles. It certainly feels much less comfortable for cyclists in this area. Perhaps a young child or old person could accelerate up to 20 miles per hour and “take command of the lane” as per vehicular cycling. Or perhaps not. I certainly wouldn't advocate it.

Interestingly, I have written to my local councillors and more than one officer of the local council about this and other issues, inviting them to cycle around Beverley to experience what this is like, and  to talk to local cyclists, not just lycra-clad, sporting or touring types, but the everyday ones of both sexes and all ages in everyday clothes, going to work, doing their shopping, visiting friends and relatives. None of the councillors and council officers I invited have so far taken this up.

But then you probably knew that any way.