Suspension Bridge Upgrade: making cyclists less welcome

Clifton is the home of Bristol's bikelash, so we are glad to announce another council proposal to make cycling there less pleasant. This is a particularly good new feature as it is designed to impact even passing-through and leisure cyclists. By placing it at the entrance to the city, cyclists will immediately know that this city does not welcome them.

The proposals are for some traffic calming measures at the Clifton side of the Suspension Bridge.

1. some raised pavement things
2. a buildout before the left turn to Observatory Road
3. A bit of the downs turned into tarmac coach parking
4. that's it.

Here is what the approach looks like today. A wide road with some paint in the gutter to remind cyclists to get out of the way.

A central reservation appears, just at the corner where even cars are forced into the gutter.

The risk of hitting a cyclist here is so high we think they should be banned -if not formally, then informally, the way they are at the Bedminster and Templemeads bridges/roundabouts.

Looking the other way, you can see a 30 mph sign indicating that this is a driving part of the city and you can put your foot down

The road here widens. but not quite enough to get past those cyclists who are not following the niceway code -and are instead holding us up.

 
You have to wait until the central barrier goes before you can speed up and get past them.
 
Yet it is up ahead here, at the approaching left turn, that a build out will be added. This will mean that not-nice cyclists will stay in the middle of the lane, while even nicewaycode cyclists who stay in the gutter will suddenly swing out.

This gives us mixed feelings. Pro: it makes it worse for cycling. Con: those few who do cycle will inconvenience us more.

Have a look at the plans -and write in to the Council by Aug 5 to let them know whether you approve or not!