Undertaking may require undertaker

The first lorry at the red light is in the ASL and partly in the cycle lane. Its rear section straddles a KEEP CLEAR sign painted on the carriageway, designed to keep access to the side road clear when traffic is stationary. With a left turn at the next set of lights, about thirty metres beyond the nearest lights, using the cycle lane to undertake these two stationary giants would be inadvisable, even though the glowing lights on the first lorry are brake lights, not indicator lights. Forest Road E17, approaching the junction with Palmerston Road, yesterday.

With a double-yellow line 'no waiting at any time' restriction running alongside the kerb there is an obvious case here for introducing a continuous white line cycle lane, which would make it unlawful for a driver to intrude into the cyclist's territory. But of course the safety of cyclists is not the top priority in our transport planning culture. And isn't it amazing how much road space just two lorries occupy.

New traffic calming device!

This new metal speed cushion has been specially engineered to slow down the speeding cyclist and cleverly incorporated into the speed table on Melville Road at the junction with Greenleaf Road E17.

Pavements are for...

Well, not pedestrians, obviously. Pavements, like cycle stands, have innumerable uses.




















Forest Road at the junction with King Edward Road E17. Let’s remind Bob Belam, cabinet member for the environment, that before he comes up with a grand climate change strategy he could start by addressing a few of the very basic things that deter walking and cycling.

So, Bob, here it is yet again. Transport for London’s Walking Plan for London requires local authorities to

Carry out regular inspections of the highway to remove temporary obstructions to the footway e.g. advertising boards and display goods.

The Council’s own Green Charter asserts

We will improve the street environment for pedestrians by ensuring the provision of unobstructed and well protected footways.

And this crap Council does neither.

Cyclists must NOT cycle in a straight line

This cycle lane on Wood Street E17 cleverly guides cyclists out past a parking bay, then requires a left turn to the kerb, followed by a move to the right around the bus boarder, followed by another move right, round another parking bay, to join the original line of the cycle lane. The star-like pointy bit in the foreground provides room for manoeuvre for any inattentive cyclist who is about to continue in a straight line and then recognises the need to swerve left.

Uses for a cycle stand #84

A cycle stand makes a marvellous anchor for a Council trade refuse bin.

Vernon Road E17. Yesterday.

Off-road cycling opportunities in Waltham Forest

Mountain bikes are essential for anyone seeking to access local cycle stands just off Walthamstow High Street.

Lots of challenging fun for the serious off-roader!






















































(Above) Mission Grove E17, June 8.
(Below) In the shadows behind the mattress lie three cycle stands. Erskine Road E17, June 4.

Attractive local walking routes #37

To spare pedestrians from the proximity of traffic, the Borough's highway engineers have thoughtfully terminated the pavement and directed walkers down some steps and along this quiet sunken pathway which runs alongside a derelict bingo hall. The perfect walking route to and from Buxton Road E17, which meets the path at the end.