Topic: | Re:Terrific new proposal for the High Street | |
Posted by: | Richard Carter | |
Date/Time: | 30/01/13 13:50:00 |
I was interested to see Dave's presentation at the Putney Society meeting, but I'm afraid the last thing I would describe it as, would be "terrific." In fact, combined with the revelation (I probably should have noticed this before but anyway) that the new Putney Exchange would be expanding its car park by an extra 45 places, Dave's proposal, in the unlikely event that it is implemented, would take us back 30 years. Although it has some interesting aspects (at least it doesn't try to speed traffic flow through PHS), the one glaring fault in his idea is the total lack of any provision for cyclists. In fact, the only reference to cyclists at all is the bland statement that "it is envisaged that cyclists will negotiate traffic in the normal way (with no additional danger to themselves or other road users) without provision of a cycle lane" and a half-hearted attempt to add a few cycle parking places. Leaving aside the daft reference to cyclists' supposed danger to other road users (how many motor vehicle occupants are killed or injured by cyclists in an average year?), the fact is that by restricting the roadway without adding any cycling provision will obviously increase the danger to cyclists (and motorcycle riders, who are similarly neglected). But beyond this, the proposal does absolutely nothing to encourage people to cycle in Putney; actually, it does the opposite, and coupled with the increased car parking at the Exchange it will mean more cars in Putney streets, more congestion and, inevitably, more atmospheric pollution. It really is time to get away from the domination of the car. And before someone complains that I'm anti car, I'm not, but I do think we need to balance our road use better, and to treat all vulnerable road users better than this idea even begins to do. |