Cycle lanes

In relation to the scheme photographed by Tea Bee, Ruislip.

the Daft (DfT) Local Transport Note 2/08 October 2008 Cycle Infrastructure Design has plenty to say, specifically.

Section 10.3 (p64) Cycle track crossings near junctions.

Acknowledges problems mentioned above in clause 10.3.1,2,3,

clause 10.3.4 " A report into cycle tracks crossing minor roads (Pedler and Davies 2000) concluded that "the risk (of crossing the minor road) must be weighed against the risks to cyclists using the major road. the safer option will depend on a variety of site-specific factors. If satisfactory crossings of minor roads cannot be provided, the creation of a cycle track may not be a sensible option"

It advises that
10.3.6 " Crossings can be modified to mitigate hazards to pedestrians and cyclists. Possible modifications include localised carriageway narrowing with tight kerb radii, and placing the crossing on a flat topped road hump.Where the crossing is placed on a road hump, it may be better if it is "bent out"
10.3.7 "on a bent out crossing, the cycle track approaches are deflected away from the main carriageway to create a gap of one or two car- lengths between the main road and the crossing. A gap of about 5 metres is required to accomodate one car." etc etc

so the guidance is for raised tables, and a significant gap between crossing and main road-- both of which if my eyes serve me correctly are missing from above scheme (without mentioning specifics about signage which includes proper 'Give ways' on main carriageway) So we could conclude that it is a bit of a rush job.

Interestingly the next bit:-

10.4 Cycle track with cycle lane at side road with crossing.
10.4.1 "As a result of concerns over the safety of parallel tracks crossing side roads, it is becoming common European practice to reintroduce cyclists to the main road in advance of a junction. Cyclists pass the junction on the carriageway and then rejoin th cycle track"
10.4.2 "Cyclists join the road in line with the main flow on build outs ramped to carriageway level (pic no.10.6) and use an advisory cycle lane that continues past the junction until it rejoins the cycle track. if a build out is not possible, the cycle track may need to give way where it joins the carriageway"
and
10.4.3 "The advantage of this arrangement is that ity gives the cyclist unambiguous priority at the junction. The solution precludes two -way use of the cycle track. the merge onto the carriageway should be at least 30 metres from the junction to reduce the risk of conflict with left-turning traffic"

These 3 clauses ^ are news to me.

and heres the rub, the pic shown 10.6 is of a huge wide road, room for cycle lane build out, greensward and pavement, and that just aint available in pretty much all our urban areas.