Islington councillors are demanding more consistent safety measures for cyclists during roadworks, citing a postcode lottery in how different areas of the borough manage traffic and pedestrian flow.
During a meeting of the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee, councillors discussed the council's network management and the challenges of coordinating roadworks. While utility companies and contractors have statutory rights to carry out works, the management of these projects can significantly impact various road users, including cyclists.
The council manages roadworks through a permit system and reviews traffic management plans submitted by utility companies and contractors, engaging in quarterly coordination meetings to share work plans. Traffic management conditions are attached to permits, and inspections are conducted during and after works, with penalties in place for overruns.
Councillor Sophia Brown highlighted inconsistencies, pointing to differing approaches at Middleton Square and Highbury Grove. At Middleton Square, an open lane was retained for cyclists, whereas at Highbury Grove, this was not the case, leading to cyclists using pavements and the implementation of 'cyclist dismount' signs. Councillor Brown argued that some individuals rely on bicycles as mobility aids and cannot dismount, creating further difficulties.
The council's Streetworks Manager explained that traffic management plans are reviewed on a site-specific basis, balancing network management, operation, and safety. The decision to retain an open lane for cyclists is site-specific and involves weighing these factors. For Highbury Grove, the council determined that maintaining two-way cycling would require a 3-meter space, which, with a half-meter safety zone and accounting for general traffic lane reduction, would create a 3-meter space. This was deemed insufficient, as the council's guidance suggests a minimum of 3.5 meters for buses and 2.75 meters for general traffic. A key concern was that if two-way cycling was permitted, general traffic might use this space, especially at night, making it unsafe. In contrast, Middleton Square was able to retain an open lane for cyclists throughout its works.
Councillor Brown challenged the notion that prohibiting cyclists eliminates risk, arguing it can push them onto pavements, creating a different hazard. She urged the council to consider the residual risk and the accessibility needs of cyclists who use bikes as mobility aids. The council acknowledged the challenge for these cyclists, stating that 'cyclist dismount' signs are not an acceptable solution and that longer detours are being forced upon people with accessibility needs. The council committed to taking this issue away for further consideration and a more detailed response.
Regarding 'cyclist dismount' signs, the council uses them when cyclists are not following diversion signs, which then creates an enforcement issue, typically handled by the police. The council acknowledged that cyclists can choose to follow diversions, unlike cars, and ideally, they would like everyone to follow safe sign diversions. This aspect, along with the resulting longer detours for those with accessibility needs, will be taken away for further consideration.
On busy roads like Highbury Grove, maintaining a safe space for cyclists during roadworks presents significant challenges due to space constraints. To safely maintain two-way cycling, even without separation, would necessitate doubling the space for cyclists. Combined with the safety zone required for the works, this could lead to a 3-meter space, which is often not feasible. The concern is that if the lane is reduced for general traffic, it might be perceived as passable, especially at night, leading to unsafe conditions.
The council acknowledged that by not permitting cyclists through roadworks, the risk is not eliminated, as cyclists may still use the pavement, creating a different risk. They stated they would take this challenge away for further consideration and a more detailed response, particularly regarding the discrimination factor for those who use cycles as mobility aids and cannot dismount.
Minutes of the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting provide further details on the discussions.