tfl trees > cyclists lol(?)

Had a couple of emails ages ago about some crap to do with buses(once tfl get your email they send you huge amounts of irrelevant crap). So I respond to each and every one. Anyway I dislike the road by streatham common so banged that into a reply a few weeks back.

Subject: Re: Bikes on buses

So why email me this(copy paste at end of email)? What use is knowing where a bus stop is if I can't get on and have a perfectly good bike lol

Also can you fix the road alongside streatham common, the wall/4ft curb blocks escape in much the same way as roadside railings and poor road surface along with dual carriageway traffic can cause cyclists to weave instead of ride in a constant secondary position, is a disaster waiting to happen. You could fix the road, fix the wall/curb or even make a cycle path that goes onto the common and make the path shared but I would guess it's too much effort.

Thanks for your reply.
Chris

Quoted email.

Dear Mr xxxxx,

I am writing to let you know we have introduced new features to our website, including the following for cyclists:

A more intuitive Journey Planner, which saves recent searches and provides a recommended cycling route with the journey time clearly displayed

A new ‘Nearby’ feature, which gives you a map of all our services in your vicinity, such as bus stops, Tube stations and river piers as well as live information on departure times

A new road status board, which gives you live traffic information on major roads.

So then today I got this reply...

Dear Mr xxxxx

Thank you for your reply and for your continued patience while I liaised with our various teams responsible for the condition of the road surface, the implementation of a cycle lane or the removal of the wall on Streatham High Road. I am very sorry for the time it has taken to provide you with this response.

I can confirm that, having thoroughly investigated your request for the removal of the high kerb / wall, our Capital Development team have found that this would have a detrimental effect on the stability of the mature trees at this location.

Our Capital Development team have a study to identify road safety improvements at this location, planned for the end of this year. Please be assured that if there are collisions involving cyclists we would be happy to investigate a route through the Common, however this may not mean that a cycle path along the road is implemented. It may also be found that including a paved path at higher level may fall foul of a safety audit and may still harm the trees. Unfortunately, until our study has been carried out, I am unable to comment any further on proposed action.

Finally, with regards to your comments on the condition of the road surface, our Highways Maintenance team have instructed their inspectors to visit the site for inspection and issue maintenance orders where required; I trust you will notice the improvement in due course.

I hope that this formation has addressed your concerns, however if you need any further assistance please feel free to contact me.

Yours sincerely

xxxxx

Customer Service Adviser
Transport for London Customer Services

Removed names but am I reading that right that even if someone has an accident your life/safety isn't as important as the trees?