The Good Facility this week is the cycle-only exit of Keble Road onto Banbury Road in Oxford.
Although this is probably quite old, the closure of what was presumably a 'standard' junction has been designed well, with wide gaps on either side of the bollard, and clear distinction from the footway on either side (and dropped kerbs with tactile paving, for pedestrians to cross).
This short stretch of path allows people cycling to pass through onto the main road unhindered, while drivers have to take a longer route around. This means that Keble Road has no through-traffic (only cycle traffic!), and is consequently a quiet and pleasant street.
In addition, turning conflicts at the junction are eliminated. (And the road space reclaimed thanks to the closure can be used, as in this instance, for cycle parking).
A simple, cheap and easy way of turning residential streets into safe and attraactive places to cycle.
Comments
Chair_Cyclox
10 December, 2015 - 19:56
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Context matters too
Yes, the very short stretch with the bollard shown in the photo is OK (though why the expensive no-flying-motorbikes sign?). But where are the people who walk and cycle along it coming from and going to?
Most people passing through here on a bike want to cross the busy Banbury Road (daily flow roughly 15000 vehicles, including frequent buses). They're heading straight on past St Giles' Church, visible on the other side of the road, to Woodstock Rd and points west. Equally many, or more, pedestrians are doing the same.
The trouble, and it's big trouble, is the inadequate Pelican (note: not a Toucan) that's meant to cater for this, about 15m south of this junction. It's completely misaligned with the desire line alongside the church, and also with the exit from Keble Road as your photo illustrates. Peds and cyclists are herded together in the tiny signal wait-areas, by railings on the far side (hiding behind the van on the photo), and on a much too narrow pavement on the near side. Look around https://goo.gl/maps/EyP6DhF2Sq52
Why does the cyclepath not connect in a straight line with a crossing in the right place to connect to the straight line along the church?
Good Cycling Facilities must have good all-road-user contexts too.