North Somerset Cycle Campaign

As it is

Highway designers use cyclists for traffic calming

Barrow Gurney. Typical picture of this very common way of slowing motor traffic that gives no thought at all to the danger it introduces for cyclists.

Tip: Look round well in advance, move into centre of the pinched carriageway and hold your course through the pinch point so that drivers don't try to pass you in the pinch point. Act with confidence and control the traffic behind you. Take great care and be and vigilant throughout the manoeuvre. Most drivers recognize competence and will hold back - but there a few who will not.

Yatton

See how space is taken from the centre of the road that could have been given to cycles at the sides. This exists to slow down motor traffic - which could be done more effectively by a speed limit and safety cameras. It is also intended to act as pedestrian crossing - see the ramps in the pavement - by giving pedestrians a refuge as they scuttle across the road so motors don't have to stop. A zebra crossing would put the priority where it should be - with the pedestrian - and be more effective.

Tip: When you see you are approaching a pinch point, look round, get into the traffic lane and go through the middle of the pinch point so motor vehicles have to follow you through. Make your intention clear by your position on the road. But keep alert and aware - that incompetent boy racer might still try to beat you to it

Long Ashton

North Somerset ignore the danger they create to cyclists by building yet more pinch points.

As it could be

Near Amsterdam, Netherlands

The cyclist has priority and continues straight through. Motor traffic has to slow and negotiate to pass.

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