No, I don't have to get off my bike!

Oh dear here we go again.... back in October 2010 this blog queried the propensity of contractors digging up Manchester's roads to (mis)use Cyclists Dismount signs - contrary to all the guidance from the Department from Transport.


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." (Emphasis added).

The photo was taken on the start of Princess Street in Albert Square, next to Manchester Town Hall.   The carriageway is not closed off and access is still permitted for motor vehicles. 


When Manchester Highway Services was previously asked to explain the use of these signs the response was a glorious example of officialese:


"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." (18th October 2010).

Which we think translates as - we will ask the contractors to remove the signs.  Unfortunately, there seems to have been very little institutional learning....

The site does not identify which contractor is doing the road works. However,  one traffic cone with a blue traffic arrow sign does have a Manchester Contracts sticker on the back with the telephone number 0161 908 5700.

It is not clear whether these are the contact details for the owner of the sign....  but ironically a Google search for this telephone number finds the "Improved Cycling Facilities in Your Area" document.


Question: 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?


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

We can hardly await the response....



Update (1st May) Now you see it....now you don't.

 Well who says that the Council never listens...

The day after details of the "Cyclists Dismount" sign were emailed to Environment on Call (and copied in to an Executive Member) I received this response from the Councillor:

"I can confirm that Officers have arranged for the sign to be removed."

and indeed it was. See photo to the right.  In response to an additional email highlighting the previous (mis)use of these signs the Executive Member stated that Council officers had been requested to:

"arrange for all personnel involved with managing our own MCC works or supervising other peoples works (i.e. utility or developers works) to be reminded / educated as to the correct use of signs at road works.  We will ensure that this particular sign is no longer used."

There was also a request to: 
 
"please let me know if you or your colleagues do still see this sign in use as I suspect that some contractors may still be using older 'procedures' where this sign is still referenced."

By all means post comments, or contact this blog if you see any of these signs popping up on Manchester's roads. So... there you have it.  Only a small issue...but any progress, even if only baby steps, has got to be good !


PS. Am wondering if I will be contacted by a Highways Services person within the 3 working days....
 
"Thank you for contacting Contact Manchester. The details have been logged on our system and your service ticket number is CRM-133-0108. A member of the Highways department will contact you within the next 3 working days." (27th April).