Little has happened since my last report in September, but a number of things are worth reporting:
Cycle Forum
The last Forum was on 2 August and was reported in the previous issue of CycleReading. Another meeting is imminent, but these are announced at short notice. The RCC Committee is intending to be more proactive at these meetings. We already have a list of subjects, but if you have something which you think should be raised, please let us know.
Traffic Management Sub Committee – Redlands Road Traffic Calming
RCC has raised the issue of the traffic calming measures being difficult and maybe dangerous for cyclists. Primarily the poor positioning of chicanes with no or inadequate cycle gaps, and also the poor positioning and use of speed cushions.
A review of the scheme was presented to the TMSC on 10 November, but only one change was recommended. However, RCC Chair Joe Edwards and three Councillors spoke about some problems with the scheme. As a result, the committee agreed to further review the scheme in conjunction with RCC. So maybe we’ll get some improvements, subject to funding.
Shinfield Road Active Travel Scheme Tranche 2
Site works have now started and most of the detailed design work is apparently complete. The largely safety design issues that we raised have supposedly been considered but not accepted. These related mainly to the Queens Drive University entrance and to sideroad junctions.
We requested a central island in Shinfield Road to help cyclists turn safely in and out of the University. We are also concerned motorists will fail to give way to cyclists when turning at sideroads. Again, we hope this will not result in cyclist injuries.
Bath Road and Castle Hill Active Travel Scheme Tranche 3
Design work is progressing on this scheme. The main problem areas are the IDR roundabout and the width of and parking in Castle Hill. We have commented on the plans and are waiting for revisions to be tabled.
Cycle Hub
Good news, the Council Cycle Hub in West Street is likely to open shortly, with funding of £125k from the government’s Capability Fund.
Vastern Road Roundabout Cyclist Collisions
The changes to the road markings on the roundabout by Reading Bridge have reduced the appalling level of cyclists’ injuries there. However, this is still the most dangerous junction for cyclists in Reading, with many cyclists being injured, mainly where Vastern Road joins the roundabout. We are raising the problem with RBC. You can check your journey routes with www.crashmap.co.uk.
Lists of Improvements Cyclists Want
The Council has a long ongoing list of schemes requested by the Campaign and others which is now on the RCC website. We have also added a road-by-road list of improvements that we want; please let us know of problems/solutions to add. Wards have been added so chase your councillor on your pet subjects and do let us know any responses.
Town Centre
Because of the number of problems that persist in the town centre we are adding to our website the lists of ‘Signing Changes required’ and ‘Improvements to Cycle Routes in Reading’. Too many lists yes, but far too much needs to be done.
The good news is the station subway may become legal for cyclists to ride through.
John Lee
RBC Campaigner for RCC