Does anyone know if there's any special provisions contractors/councils are required to take when closing off a cycle track/cycle lane to dig up part of it?
Earlier this year a contractor for Conwy County Council had established their site compound right in the middle of the coastal cycle track with no signs warning that the cycle track ahead was closed and at night you couldn't see the heras fencing because some of the streetlights were out. Another contractor fenced off another part of the same route with red/white tape around a blind bend while resurfacing it - again no sign warning that if you weren't paying attention you were about to get strangled (a letter to the council about it did not yield a response).
Today, there's a contractor digging up a busy shared footpath/cycle lane in Loughborough. There's a sign up sending pedestrians through a narrow gap in a hedge onto an adjacent road which is pretty tricky to do on a bike because of the tight turn then drop off a kerb and pedestrians trying to get through the same gap.
I know there's regulations which dictate the number, spacing and types of signs needed for works in the road but it seems cyclists aren't worthy of advance notice that the route ahead is blocked off.
Does anyone know if there's any special provisions contractors/councils are required to take when closing off a cycle track/cycle lane to dig up part of it?
Quite often when there are works in the road the cycle path is used to house piles of sand, compressors, wheelbarrows, and the big red sign warning motorists of the roadworks. Just one more reason why you're better off sticking to the road.
Does anyone know if there's any special provisions contractors/councils are required to take when closing off a cycle track/cycle lane to dig up part of it?
It will depend on the nature of the path/track.
On road Mandatory Cycle Lanes (marked with solid line)will, I believe, require a TRO 'Traffic Regulation Order' if they are to be obstructed. Contractors can probably obtain and 'emergency' one which does not require SIX weeke notice.
I don't know about 'cycle tracks' as there are none in Cambridgeshire, but cycle paths, and 'advisory' lanes can probably be closed wioth no notice!
Does anyone know if there's any special provisions contractors/councils are required to take when closing off a cycle track/cycle lane to dig up part of it?
Your council should have a Street Works officer whose job it is to ensure that general works do not unduly inconvenience the general public, so you should get on to him.
Also CTC Cymru may be able to help - Roy Spilsbury the vice-chair is in your area and works tirelessly for cyclists. http://www.ctc-wales.org.uk/
