Guidance for Local Authorities and their contractors has been limited to the Highways Agency Traffic Advisory Leaflet (TAL) 15/99 Cyclists at Roadworks, produced in 1999.
Transport for London has now prepared alternative guidance available from http://content.tfl.gov.uk/temporary-traffic-management-handbook.pdf.
It was initiated and specifically produced to include clearer and better provision for cyclists and pedestrians than in the TAL 15/99.
It includes a 44-page chapter on Cyclists at Roadworks giving a range of guidance on signing, lane widths and alternative road layouts and cycling provision.
As well as the infamous ‘Cyclists Dismount and Use Footway’, there are a number of other suggested signs which may be relevant, including:
- No Entry Except Cyclists
- Road Closed Except Cyclists
- Narrow Lanes Do Not Overtake Cyclists
- Cycle Lane Ahead Closed
The road layout examples given are largely those actually used by TfL in the preparation of the document, and include: single and dual carriage-ways, cycle tracks, temporary shared-use paths as well as at road junctions.
The TfL document should be accepted by all Highway Authorities as best practice, with any contracts and agreements specifically referring to it.
RCC has already asked RBC to adopt the TfL best practice guidance and to improve conditions for cyclists.
If you spot any roadworks where cyclists have not been adequately catered for, then check the TfL document for possible solutions and contact your councillors or the Council.
Karen Robertson
Events Co-ordinator
