Bike Week VIP Ride 2007
Every year during Bike Week there is a short cycle ride around the city to which councillors, traffic engineers and others of influence are invited with the aim of showing them the good and bad points as far as cyclists are concerned. Unfortunately this year’s ride was attended by only a few councillors, of the LibDem and Green persuasions, but also our city cycling officer, Tim Mellors, and a few Cycling Campaign members. We were, however, very ably led by our consultations officer, Matthew Williams. A route map was provided, which also listed features needing attention to make them safer and more attractive to cyclists, as well as those already available and an asset - 'lovely bits'.
We set off from City Hall and cycled west along Pottergate, noting a surface still awaiting work to make it comfortable to ride on - Cycling Campaign target 1. The underpass is a valuable asset allowing cyclists and pedestrians to avoid having to use the bridge over Grapes Hill, a very busy dual carriageway. At the junction of Heigham Road and Earlham Road we had pointed out to us the pedestrian crossing island. Such crossings are designed not to impede vehicle flow, but due to width issues they are a hazard for cyclists who tend to get squeezed off the road, and into the railings if provided. I remember there being a lot of correspondence by concerned Earlham Road residents in the local press when these crossings were planned. But of course, the planners know best, or so they think.
Taking to small roads parallel to the narrow but congested Heigham Road we crossed Dereham Road and entered Adelaide Street where we were confronted by a new health centre and associated large car park - 'We don't want cyclists passing our front door, or cycling through the car park either - safety issues!' So much for the NHS encouraging a more active lifestyle by getting people out of their cars and onto bikes.
After a rather dodgy crossing of Heigham Street, the Dolphin Path and Bridge took us onto Marriott's Way, a 'lovely bit'. The two-stage pelican crossing of St Crispin's Road took more than 30 seconds wait for each stage before the lights permitted us to cross this inner ring road dual carriageway. No wonder some people get impatient and cross on the red, and this is a part of National Cycle Network route 1. This is another device aimed at maximising vehicle flow at the expense of cyclists and walkers, those whom we’re told are top of the transport hierarchy but see little evidence of on the ground. Also the narrow right angle turns make this crossing difficult for cyclists - did the planners try it out on their bikes before approving it? Improving and increasing the number of crossing points on the inner ring road is Cycling Campaign target 2.
Down Oak Street and along Colegate, we heard of the proposal for a counter-flow for cyclists along Duke Street. This will allow access to St Andrew's multi-storey car park where there is now cycle parking under the watchful eye of the attendant, allowing tourists on NCN route 1 to leave their bikes and bags securely while they explore our 'fine city' on foot. Almost a cycle centre in fact - we have found similar facilities elsewhere a great asset while on tour.
Avoiding a very large crane in Fishergate - 'Road Closed' rarely applies to cyclists! – we entered the Jarrold's site along a riverside path to see the site of the proposed cycle/pedestrian bridge over the river. This will give access to the riverside path and cathedral precincts from the north of the city. Back on the road we passed through Tombland, along Upper King Street and down Prince of Wales Road. We needed to turn right into the railway station; an advanced stop line at the lights on Foundry Bridge would be very helpful here - ASLs are Cycling Campaign target 3. At the station we saw the new set-up for buses and bikes. All the Sheffield racks were occupied by locked bikes. More racks are awaited. My feeling is that no matter how many are provided they will be fully used, surely an encouraging sign.
Crossing Koblenz Avenue and accessing Riverside we were now on another 'lovely bit'. At the end of Riverside crossing Carrow Road was not easy as the traffic both ways was continuous and no-one was prepared to let our group over – Cycling Campaign target 2. Around the back of Norwich City football ground we came to a long barrier right across, the site for forthcoming development of what is currently called the Utilities Site. Now we heard some interesting news. A continuation of the riverside path under the railway line by the swing bridge and over two bridges, or self-operated chain ferries, to allow access to Whitlingham Country Park, is one of 79 nationwide community schemes proposed by Sustrans for their innovative Connect2 project. Connect2 is being submitted to the Big Lottery Fund's 'Living Landmarks: the People's Millions' programme, and indeed has been short listed, one of six to be decided on by public vote on ITV1 in December. Watch out for it and, when the time comes, please vote for the Sustrans project. More info can be found on www.sustransconnect2.org.uk
Back at City Hall we were provided with a buffet lunch and the time to chat. It had been an excellent informative tour, but what a pity there were so few VIPs to learn from it. This again reinforces the idea, for me, that cycling continues to be considered as of minor importance, not worth bothering about and certainly not worth spending much money on. In other words, it continues to have an attitude problem. For us cycling campaigners there is still plenty to do.