Book Review : Transport for Suburbia - Beyond the Automobile Age

At nearly £40, the hardback edition is not cheap which unfortunately could limit its readership. This is a real shame as it deserves to be widely read – particularly by Government ministers and officials with responsibility for transport planning. But this is not to suggest that the book is a lifeless, academic or technical presentation of transport policies.

The book’s simple message is that with high levels of co-ordination, public transport can work even in low density suburban areas.

The book provides both anecdotal and detailed evidence of how the lack of co-ordination introduced by the ‘free-market’ approach to public transport (de-regulation) has resulted in falling passenger numbers and poorer services. In a lively and readable style, Mees illustrates how co-ordinated 'European-style' public transport provides a generalizable model of network planning that has worked in a wide range of places such as rural Switzerland, the Brazilian city of Curitiba and the Canadian cities of Toronto and Vancouver. Mees argues that this model can be adapted to suburban, ex-urban and also rural areas to provide an alternative to the car.

The book also raises issues that some in the transport policy and cycling communities would do well to consider. Mees highlights how “some environmentalists are so certain that cycling is the answer to urban transport problem that they are not interested in hearing about public transport – or in many cases, walking.” The book also highlights how many local authorities cycling policies, because they do not form part of a co-ordinated effort to reduce car use, result in tokenistic cycling policies that are “usually poorly thought through, with a focus on stunts and satisfying the demands of the small, but vocal, group of existing cyclists – whose male, middle-class demographic profile mirrors that of transport planners. So measures that appeal to ‘racing’ cyclists, such as showers at work and high-security storage for expensive bikes, predominate at the expense of practical issues like safe cycle paths and reduced speed limits. Where bicycle routes are provided, this is often at the expense of pedestrians, rather than motorists.” (p190). Sound familiar?

Transport for Suburbia – Beyond the Automobile Age, Paul Mees, Earthscan, 2010.  Available from good bookshops and Amazon.

Bike Maintenance - learning to D.I.Y

The leaves are falling, its getting colder and the hours of darkness are increasing... so perhaps now is a good time to give your bicycle that TLC you have been promising it for ages...  and if your bicycle maintenance skills are not all they could be then there are a number of bike maintenance training courses on offer.  

Have listed several courses below - ranging from free to quite expensive. Have not done any of these courses so cannot comment on the quality (or otherwise) and value for money. If your organisation offers cycle maintenance and I have missed you off then please leave a comment.

Suggest you contact the organisation concerned and ask for more details to make sure the training matches your budget and skill level.

In alphabetical order

BikeRight!

Unit 8, 877 Ashton Old Road, Manchester, M11 2NA
Tel: 0161 230 7007

Email: info@bikeright.co.uk

Certified maintenance courses for beginners and the more experienced

"We currently run one day and two day courses which build up your maintenance skills step by step. By working with us you will soon develop the skills needed to keep your bike road-worthy and safe. Courses are for a maximum of 8 people so book early to avoid disappointment - dates are limited to availability. We also run bespoke courses for groups and offer maintenance contracts for bike fleet and pool bike owners.

Basic, intermediate and advanced courses 
By working with us you will soon develop the skills needed to keep your bike road-worthy and safe. Courses are for a max of 8 people so book early!" 

One day overview course – covering the basics
Two day course – the basics and more
Course costs range from £65 to £130.

British Cycling

Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ

Tel 0161 274 2000end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Learn Bike Maintenance and Repair with the Professionals British Cycling is launching bike maintenance and repair workshops aimed at beginner and intermediate cyclists. Workshops will be delivered by world renowned mechanic Peter ‘Spike’ Taylor. Courses take place at the Manchester Velodrome on Wednesday 27 October 6pm -9.30pm (Beginners); and Thursday 28 October 9.30am – 5.30pm (Intermediate) Stewart Kellett, Director of Recreation and Partnerships, British Cycling said; ‘Manchester is the home of British Cycling as well as thousands of cycle commuters, leisure cyclists and would-be regular cyclists. We know that many would like help to develop their maintenance and repair skills, giving them the confidence to take their cycling further. As the national governing body British Cycling can offer something different. We have the real inside track on maintenance and repair, and a fun, hands-on, expert approach with wide appeal.’

For more info see britishcycling.org.uk/recreation or contact bikemaintenance@britishcycling.org.uk or 0161 274 2049

Course costs range from £65 to £130.

Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative

7 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5FT 

Tel: 0161 257 3897 

"And the easiest way to get hands-on mechanical experience is to spend a Saturday or Sunday at one of our day classes where you will be shown how it's done by one of our mechanics. You will then get to practice your newly-learnt skills on your own bike on a proper workstand using the right tools. Choose between the all-day Intensive Class or the half-day Foundation Course. Beginners welcome to either (though if you have a smattering of mechanical experience you might find the Foundation Course too basic)."

Half-Day and Full-Day Classes

Half-Day Foundation Course in Cycle Maintenance
All-Day Intensive Course in Cycle Maintenance
Intensive Cycle Maintenance Course for Women
All-Day Course in Wheel Building

Course costs range £25 to £49.

FW Evans

201 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3NW.

Tel: 0161 834 6732 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Chill Factor, Trafford Way, Trafford Quays, Manchester, M41 7JA

Tel: 

Are running FREE bi-monthly sessionson basic cycle maintenance in every store.  The staff in the shop have been trained by a Cytech mechanic to demonstrate the best methods of home maintenance and are eager to share these techniques.
The session will cover the following topics:

Punctures/Tube Replacement – some handy tips to make the process stress free! 
Brake Set Up – adjustment of your braking system and how to check for wear 
Gear Set Up – adjustment of your gear system, including how to ‘index’ your gears 
Transmission Cleaning – cleaning of the drive chain and how to check for wear
Q & A – the opportunity to speak directly with one of our trained mechanics
 

Every attendee will also receive a FREE Fix It Home Cycle Maintenance Guide
For more infromation visit: www.evanscycles.com/servicing/free-bike-maintenance-classes

Pedal Mcr

Website

Birch Community Centre

Workshop 3 (24/10/10; 2pm- 4pm): Bike Basics: Brakes- including types of brakes, changing brake cables
and brake blocks.

Workshop 4 (7/11/10; 2pm- 4pm): Bike Basics: Gears-How gears work + correct use of gears (cycling skills); Basic gear adjustments barrel adjusters +
understanding what limit screws do + no adjustments to limit screws and solving common gear problems such as erratic shifting and chain coming off.

To secure your place at the basic bike maintenance workshops please fill in
your details here:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZZRHIxT2E2RXFXaU9oQ2l...

All workshops are 2 hours long and cost 5.00 benefits/students etc. and 6.50
for employed people. If you would like to do pay in advance for the 4 weeks
then it will be 18/24- you can pay in advance by paypal to nesthebear_23(at)riseup.net

All tools and components (such as cables etc) are included in the cost of the
course. Drop-in is fine but where possible please let me know if you are coming so
that i can bring enough tools etc. (if we are mega short of components compared to
attendants those that have reserved a spot will take priority)

You can email info(at)pedalmcr.org.uk or text 07866734351 for more info.

Well at least they got the colour right !

An earlier blog raised the subject of the inappropriate use of a "cyclist dismount" sign on Princess Street in Manchester City Centre.


Unfortunately it would seem that Manchester's highway maintenance contractors are intent on trying to reverse the recent increase in levels of cycling!

This sign was recently spotted on Stretford Road in Hulme (by the newly demolished Arch pub).  As was previously mentioned the Department for Transport (DfT) Traffic Advisory Leaflet 15/99 (Cyclists at Road Works) section on "Cyclist dismount and footway cycling" states that:

"Where access is permitted for motor vehicles, "Cyclist Dismount" signs should not be used. The hazards to cyclists at roadworks are rarely great enough to justify this measure. In any case, cyclists are likely to ignore such instructions. The only situation where cyclists should be advised to dismount is where the carriageway is closed off but the footway remains open."

The carriageway on Stretford Road is not closed off - so why are people cycling being asked to dismount?  As with any situation when faced with a hazard or obstacle in the road the person cycling simply takes the appropriate action to safely avoid the obstacle  and continue on their journey.

But hey, while the use of the sign may be inappropriate - at least these contractors managed to get the colour of the sign right....  as the DfT guidance notes that:

"In such cases a white-on-red temporary sign "CYCLISTS DISMOUNT AND USE FOOTWAY" may be used. Under Regulation 41 of the "Transport Signs Regulations And General Directions 1994" this can be done without special authorisation if the sign is not used for longer than 6 months." (Page 6).

So.... wrong use of signage, right colour and partially correct wording gives them a 1 out of 3 score.

It is not not clear who installed the temporary pedestrian barriers and the "Cyclists Dismount" sign but the only name and logo on the building site fences is Shepherd.

 Anyone have any contacts within this company - or any Hulme residents care to raise this issue with their local councillors?




Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) has just launched the consultation on the Local Transport Plan (LTP3) which notes that "[C]omparable European cities have much higher levels of cycling than currently found locally and addressing this disparity will enhance Greater Manchester’s reputation as an international destination" and also boldy states that Greater Manchester authorities will ensure "better maintenance in support of road safety, walking and cycling" and will also "ensure that our infrastructure schemes encourage walking and cycling through their design".  Perhaps someone should tell the Greater Manchester highway contractors about these priorities.


It would seem that several other local authorities have struggled with working out when (and when not) to use "Cyclist Dismount" signs... but at least the meaning of the Mancunian road signs (incorrect, inappropriate  or otherwise) was not "lost in translation" as happened with these Welsh signs!

Trafford finally get on board the bus lane ?

Well here we are in October 2010 and another consultation on a Local Transport Plan (LTP3) is upon us.  A key part of the two previous LTP strategy documents was a focus on work to create a network of quality bus corridors to provide priority routes for public transport bus services across Greater Manchester.

These Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs) are designed to help buses avoid traffic congestion bottlenecks and so help provide a more reliable bus service - they also double up as very wide cycle lanes. 

 

The two photographs are of a bus corridor on Upper Chorlton Road - the north bound carriageway of which falls within Trafford Borough Council's responsibility.  Despite the "bus lane" road markings and the blue sign that makes it very clear that the lane is only meant to be used by buses, cycles and taxis between the hours of 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm (Monday to Friday) - for the best part of the last three years this "bus lane" has functioned as a 24 hour car park facility.

The reasons for this stretch back to 20th September 2007 when Trafford Council sought authorisation for the Upper Chorlton Road, Old Trafford and Edge Lane, Stretford (Reserved Bus Lane) (Peak Hours) Order and announced that:

"NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Trafford Borough Council proposes to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit all vehicles other than buses, pedal cycles and taxis from entering, proceeding or waiting in the bus lanes during the stated days and hours:-

RESERVED BUS LANE - PEAK HOURS
Monday – Friday 0700 – 1000 and 1600 - 1900
Upper Chorlton Road, Old Trafford - north side.

This "Reserved Bus Lane Order on Upper Chorlton Road" became operative on 7^thApril 2008 but according to Trafford Council there were no enforceable waiting restrictions within the bus lane.

Unfortunately, Trafford Council never got round to applying for the powers to be able to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’ (ie travelling in a bus lane).  In August 2009, Trafford Council stated that the "Council may obtain powers to carry out this type of enforcement in the future, but the cost of doing so would probably not be justified, in view of the relatively short lengths of bus lanes that we currently have within Trafford."

It went on to add that "Enforcement of any parking that takes place within a bus lane, by a Civil Enforcement Officer, has proved difficult using the bus lane traffic regulation Order. The Council is therefore considering a proposal to introduce corresponding waiting restrictions, in addition to the bus lane, that could be enforced by its Civil Enforcement Officers, however, the time span for such a proposal is approximately 6-9 months."

Finally, in September 2010, a report has been sent to the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation which stated that Trafford Council wanted "To seek approval to introduce waiting restrictions along Upper Chorlton Road, Old Trafford."  We are seeking confirmation that this request was approved.

So over 3 years after the original Reserved Bus Lane (Peak Orders) Order was submitted, Trafford Council have finally got round to obtaining the necessary powers to stop this "bus lane" from being used as a car parking facility.  We can only hope that any necessary enforcement actions are implemented a little more speedily.... but then again if the rumours that Trafford Council are planning to reduce its Highways Department from the current workforce complement of 28 down to 12 staff are accurate - then the wait for any future bus corridor enforcement may have to wait for many more buses to come along... 

You have until the 24th December 2010 to submit your suggestions and comments on the Local Transport Plan (LTP3) consultation.  Perhaps you might like to comment on bus lanes and parking enforcement..... just a thought !

Any ideas ?

Location: Road works on Princess Street approaching the junction with Whitworth Street in Manchester City Centre. 
Three lanes have been reduced to one - so I can understand the Cycle Lane Closed instruction - what I do not understand is why the instruction for Cyclists to Dismount. 

Am I supposed to get off an walk on the pavement? What is wrong with cycling in the traffic lane as I would normally do? Particularly if I was going straight on or turning right.

Would welcome any suggestions or pointers on the traffic regulations or guidance that the contractors / Manchester Highways could consider for this instruction.....

Update 1 (with thanks to Steve from Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign).

The Department for Transport (DfT) Traffic Advisory Leaflet 15/99 (Cyclists at Road Works) section on "Cyclist dismount and footway cycling" states that:


"Where access is permitted for motor vehicles, "Cyclist Dismount" signs should not be used. The hazards to cyclists at roadworks are rarely great enough to justify this measure. In any case, cyclists are likely to ignore such instructions. The only situation where cyclists should be advised to dismount is where the carriageway is closed off but the footway remains open.

In such cases a white-on-red temporary sign "CYCLISTS DISMOUNT AND USE FOOTWAY" may be used. Under Regulation 41 of the "Transport Signs Regulations And General Directions 1994" this can be done without special authorisation if the sign is not used for longer than 6 months." (Page 6).

From this guidance it would appear that, a) the contractors should have allowed cycling through the road works given that vehicles are still allowed, and b) the sign use may be incorrect as it is the wrong colour, i.e. should be white on red.

A query has been sent to Environment on Call (Manchester City Council) seeking clarification.  Email: contact@manchester.gov.uk


Update 2 : (14th October)  Well at least the sign has been moved...

...onto the pavement.  Am wondering if the sign means that I should get off my bicycle whilst in the road!

Ironically the poster (below right) from United Utilities / Enterprise shows the cycle happily travelling along in a line of traffic. Perhaps their marketing people would like to have a little chat to their road engineering people....

Update 3 : Email from Environment on Call - received 15th October

"Thank you for contacting Environment On Call. The details have been logged on our system. An officer will inspect the location within the next 5 working days."

Hmmm - wonder if the roadworks will have been completed before the officer goes inspecting!


Update 4: Message from Manchester Highway Services - 18th October


"Thank you for your recent email regarding signage relating to cyclist at the above location. I will pass on your comments to the traffic management company working on behalf of United Utilities at this location requesting them to remove any signs that are causing a problem and to also discuss the implications for cyclists at these works.
I would suspect that they need to consider the traffic management implications  in relation to cyclists safety at this location. I believe in this particular case no guidance would have been issued as the company are working for United Utilities. The Authority would work to National guidelines for works affecting cyclists and in view of this I will as stated above speak to the company concerned regarding the removal of the signage highlighted."

Translation? I will ask the contractors to remove the 'cyclists dismount' sign... well at least I think that is what this means but to misquote George Bush (Junior) I may have misunderstoodificated.




 Update 5: Spot the difference!  21st October

So finally.... after seven days the sign has gone. Am assuming it was as a result of MCC Highways requesting that the contractors remove the sign - alternatively it may have been a mildly miffed cyclist deciding to do a little DIY recycling ....perish the thought!













Update 6: 27th October

Oh dear, it would seem that we are back to the drawing board.  It would seem that the contractors have gone away, read the DfT guidance as it relates to the required colour schemes (see above) but ignored the substantive part of the guidance... eg the bit that says very clearly...

"Where access is permitted for motor vehicles, "Cyclist Dismount" signs should not be used. The hazards to cyclists at roadworks are rarely great enough to justify this measure. In any case, cyclists are likely to ignore such instructions. The only situation where cyclists should be advised to dismount is where the carriageway is closed off but the footway remains open. "

So, need to have a think about what to do next. Ideas and suggestions most welcome - please leave a comment on the blog.

Thanks.