As a former cyclist, I've been following news reports about the creation of a cycling lane around the Queen's Park Savannah. I got the impression that it was to be a regular road traffic lane that would, at specific times of day, be reserved for the exclusive use of cyclists.So, the last time I went around the Savannah, I was looking out for signs alerting drivers to the existence of this lane. I saw several large, black and white signs bearing a bicycle icon and the words "May use full lane. Change lanes to pass." There is no mention of any times of day.
I take it that the signs refer to the innermost lane of the road around the Savannah, and are announcing that cyclists are entitled to use any part of that lane, rather than just the narrow swathe, about three or four feet wide, along the curb. Also, that drivers must "change lanes to pass" cyclists riding in the lane.
Clearly, the signs imply that cyclists will be sharing the lane with drivers, who are being instructed to move into another lane when overtaking cyclists. But this shared-lane arrangement–and speeding–has caused several near misses and at least one incident of a car hitting cyclists riding around the Savannah. This arrangement is what prompted the call for a cycling lane in the first place.
I suggest the following, in no particular order of importance:
�2 Signs should say: Cyclists only 4 am-6 am; 8.30 pm � 10.30 pm (the times I saw in one news report)
�2 Signs should be in yellow, with matching bicycle icons painted on the road surface
�2 Enforce the speed limit
�2 A fine of at least $500 for driving in the cycling lane at the designated times and
�2 Traffic wardens to monitor the use of the lane for the first six months.
If these or similar suggestions are implemented, the Government will demonstrate that it is serous about protecting cyclists riding around the Savannah.
Nigel Bishop
Cascade