Anti-cycling road infrastructure and conditions
Allocation of space on the road
As it is
Ignore cyclists - they don't count
North Somerset council narrows the road to stop drivers overtaking, but ignores the danger this creates for cyclists. Wouldn't it be simpler to have speed limits and keep the road wide enough for motors to pass bikes?
As it could be
Derbyshire
Cycle lane on a main road in Derbyshire.
...and in Maine, USA
Virtually all roads have a 'shoulder' a continuous band usually about 1.2m wide. This is used by cycles, walkers, and when necessary by vehicles (such as when passing a vehicle waiting to turn left).. It is the 'emergency zone' for motor vehicles if they cannot stop in the main carriageway. Thus all roads have a place where cyclists can proceed, without motor vehicles having to make an overtaking manoeuvre. Advantage: it's (nearly) always there. Much better than our main roads. Disadvantages: usually not really wide enough - this example is exceptionally wide - and have to be in single file. Motorists are not used to slowing for and overtaking cycles in the main carriageway.
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