Ealing Cycling Campaign Report: Uxbridge Road Route

Ealing Friends Of The Earth / Ealing Cycle Campaign

Joint Report

Uxbridge Road Cycle Route

June 1999

Prepared by Ealing Cycling Campaign and members of Ealing Friends of the Earth including Andrew Bell as a document to guide planners and to make them aware of the poor provision for cyclists on the Ealing's major east-west route. Prepared in response to a Council survey of the Uxbridge Road by consultants Allott & Lomax. Please e-mail us your additional comments. Maps to accompany this document could not be posted on the Web, but are available from Andrew (Error! Bookmark not defined.)

In late 1998 the London Cycle Network [LCN] commissioned consultants to carry out a quality monitoring exercise of a number of strategic cycle routes. Allott Transportation carried out an audit of the A4020 Uxbridge Road in Ealing.

* an important link between the main centres of Uxbridge, Southall, Hanwell, Ealing, Acton, Shepherds Bush and Central London;

* the only viable east-west route for cyclists as both the A4 and the A40/A40(M) are neither conducive to cycling nor offer comparable directness and accessibility to centres;

* consequently, a key transport route for cyclists, with huge potential for increased usage if very serious deficiencies are addressed and rectified.

Glenda Jackson, former Minister for Local Transport, writes: 'The benefits of cycling, both as a mode of transport in its own right and in combination with public transport, are becoming more and more widely recognised. If cyclists are to enjoy a better deal as promised in the Government's White paper A New Deal for Transport and if the National Cycling Strategy of quadrupling cycling by 2010 is to be attained, then conditions for cyclists have to be improved. Physical infrastructure is a key element in delivering these objectives: safe and convenient facilities for cyclists that are likely to encourage more people to cycle more often.'(1)

Ealing Friends of the Earth and the Ealing branch of the London Cycling Campaign [LCC] welcome the Allott Transportation review of the Uxbridge Road, but believe that Ealing has a long way to go "to achieve standards that are as good or better than anything in Britain or Europe" (London Borough of Ealing TPP 1999/2000). Unless Ealing makes cycling a priority we will never achieve the Government's 2010 target.

In 1998, of the outer London boroughs, Ealing had the second highest accident count for cyclists (2). The Uxbridge Road itself has sustained a high proportion of these accidents and a 1996 London Cycle Campaign survey revealed this road to be a major problem for cyclists. We believe that it is a very significant deterrent to young cyclists and to inexperienced cyclists - precisely those we should be looking to in order to achieve the hoped-for increase in cycling.

As a group of experienced cyclists we have studied Allott Transportation's report and surveyed the Uxbridge Road both on the ground and using maps. From this we have identified many additional problems for which we have suggested solutions. Importantly, emphasis has been placed on access to and from the Uxbridge Road.

Widespread illegally parked vehicles forcing cyclists out into fast moving traffic.

The advisory cycle lane has frequent breaks and is totally absent for significant parts of the route

These factors combine to produce unsafe cycling conditions on the Uxbridge Road.

Vigorous enforcement of traffic laws, especially with respect to parking and loading. This should become more practicable when legislation enables the Borough to collect and keep their own revenue from fines.

Stop and shop parking bays set into pavements with cycle lane continuing outside them.

Cycle lanes 1.5m wide, continuous across junctions with a solid white line and coloured surface.

Re-allocation of road space to give more to cyclists and buses, reducing to one lane for other vehicles [which also has the benefit of reducing traffic speeds]

Bus Lanes effective for 24 hours, as peak hour operation is not satisfactory for cyclists or buses.

The road has been reviewed in three sections, east- and west-bound. Detailed findings, and proposed solutions, are itemised below. Numbers refer to maps in the printed version of this report, available from Ealing FoE .

The major problems for cyclists on this part of the route are the junctions with Windmill Lane and Greenford Road. These difficult junctions require serious and large-scale improvement to enable cyclists to turn right without having to dismount, or cycle half-a-mile out of their way. They are particularly difficult for cyclists coming from Greenford Road wishing to cycle down Windmill Lane and vice-versa.

Suggestion: Constrain carriageway to one vehicle lane. Extend cycle lane across junction and continue westwards to join up with existing lane

1c. Problem: No provision at hospital junction and westwards. Cyclists frequently have to overtake parked buses.

Suggestion: Extend cycle lane across junction. Widen bus lane at bus stop to allow cyclists to overtake stopped buses. Extend widened bus lane West to traffic lights at St. Bernards.

1.d Problem: St. Bernard's traffic lights change frequently preventing cyclists maintaining momentum up hill. Most cyclists ignore this red light, as passing through it doesn't cause an obstruction to traffic merging from the right.

Suggestion: Legalise cyclists crossing lights on red by installing separate permanent green light for cyclists on inside lane, or cyclists exempt sign.

Also provide cycle lane on nearside of middle carriageway for 100 yards East of Windmill Lane junction for experienced cyclists heading straight on.

2.b. Problem: Cyclists wanting to turn right into Greenford Road either have to cycle half-a-mile out of their way, or dismount.

Suggestion: Constrain carriageway under bridge to one vehicle lane. Provide ASL at lights and two cycle lanes - one on the inside, and one on the outside of the vehicle lane. Provide loop detection and right turn phase for cyclists turning into Greenford Road.

3. Agree with proposal to reduce speed limit to 30mph, widen ACL and repair surface near golf course.

4. Agree with proposal to cut back curb line to provide carriageway width for ACL near Dormer's Wells Lane, though may need double yellow lines to enforce no parking in cycle lane.

4.a Problem: Cyclists wishing to turn right at Dormer's Wells Lane have to cross three lanes of traffic.

Suggestion: Provide deep ASL at Dormer's Wells Lane traffic lights, to allow cyclists to position themselves to turn right.

5. Agree with proposal to remove sharp bends from cycle track and provide ACL across Green Drive junction.

6. Problem: We call this the sucker-trap. The first time you cycle along here you get drawn into the bus lane then find you have to give way to get back on the road you were on. Experienced cyclists cycle in the middle carriageway and ignore the bus gate completely.

Suggestion: Cycle by-pass of signals and extend cycle lane west to join up with existing cycle lane. Possibly widen gap to allow room for cyclists on the inside of buses.

Suggestion: Remove Pay and Display parking bays and move parking to side streets. Reinstate cycle lane. Provide effective enforcement of waiting restrictions.

9. Agree with proposal to provide ACL leading to ASL at Hayes Bridge Retail Park signals.

10. Agree with proposal to continue ACL across side turnings on Southall Broadway.

11. Agree with proposal to enforce existing parking restrictions on Southall Broadway.

12. Agree with proposal to move centre line to add ASL with feeder lane at junction with South Road.

13. Agree with proposal to remark worn ACL and add coloured surfacing at Southall High Street.

14. Agree with proposal to provide access to cycle track away from junction with Park View Road and give priority to cycle track with raised crossings at side roads. However we suspect off-road cycle track may not be used by most cyclists. Consider providing on-carriageway lane as well.

15.b. Problem: Gap in provision. Buses parked at bus-stop force cyclists out into busy traffic.

Suggestion: Install wide 4m bus lane East from Junction with Dormers Wells to bus stop.

Provide cycle lane on nearside of middle carriageway for 100 yards West of Greenford Avenue junction for experienced cyclists heading straight on.

16.b Problem: Cyclists wanting to turn right into Windmill Lane either have to cycle half-a-mile out of their way, or dismount.

17. Problem: Near Wharncliffe Drive most cyclists will take the shortest route and avoid the bus gate.

Suggestion: Reduce carriageway to single vehicle lane and provide cycle lane and ASL at lights.

1. Problem: The Common. Some uncertainty as to what cyclists are meant to do at lights re rejoining road after lights; very narrow turn on to cycle lane.

3. Problem: Bus stop east of Windsor Road - traffic lights. No bus or cycle lanes from bus stop to lights.

4. Problem: Ealing Broadway - High Street. No cycle lane. Illegal parking. Junction unclear.

Suggestion: Instate cycle / bus lane. Enforce restrictions. Agree suggestions re junction.

7. Problem: Culmington - Chapel Road. Illegal parking. Discontinuous cycle lane.

10. Problem: Ecclestone Road - St George's Road. Bus lane stops before lights. Right hand traffic lane disproportionately wide.

Suggestion: Suggest revised road markings with continuous cycle lane and ASL at lights.

Suggestion: Short term parking bay within continuous cycle lane, allowing 1m gap for car doors opening and coloured for greater visibility and increased driver awareness. If this is not possible then in the interests of safety it would be best to remove the parking bays.

Suggestion: Continue cycle lane to lights with ASL. Suggest one lane of motor traffic up to lights - it has to become one lane at bridge anyway.

13. Problem: Narrow ACL between Half-Acre Road and Station Road. Particularly dangerous because of uphill gradient.

14. Problem: No provision for cyclists heading northbound towards Hanwell Station.

Solution: Set up contraflow cycle lane east along Cherington Road for northbound cyclists, with segregation at junction with Church Road.

Suggestion: Continue cycle lane up to Boston Road, across slip road, instead of 3rd motor lane. Agree ASL at lights.

Suggestion: Some short term parking - most shops small ones where people spend little time, or 2nd hand shops where people need to park briefly to collect large items. Parking bays built into pavement, within continuous cycle lane allowing 1m gap for car doors opening. Agree with continuous coloured cycle lane. Also suggest ASL at Church Road lights and allow cycle access from Lower Boston Road into Westminster Road.

17. Problem: Church Road - Ecclestone Road. Narrow lane; however consider width of lane less important than good surface, visibility (colour) and continuity. Cycle lane stops short of lights.

Suggestion: Enforce parking restrictions. Suggest continuous bus/cycle lane. Allow southbound access onto Uxbridge Road from Bedford Road.

Suggestion: Agree with recommendations. Drastic revision needed. Consider phased lights for cyclists and pedestrians. Consider filters.

Suggestion: Agree enforcement and continuous (coloured) cycle lane across junctions

Suggestion: Agree replace markings, continue across junctions, with ASL at Springbridge Road.

Suggestion: Suggest continuous cycle/bus lane, enforcement of parking restrictions.

Suggestion: Implement plan submitted by Cardinal (formerly BRETS) to Government Office for London in 1996, and first developed by Peter Mynors of ECC (see Error! Bookmark not defined.). This proposed a contraflow cycle lane along The Broadway with multiple ASLs at junction with Uxbridge Road. Also a right turn filter for westbound cyclists should be provided to avoid pushing bikes across crowded pedestrian crossing. Contraflow lane should be continued along Haven Green to roundabout.

24. Problem: The Mall to The Common. Cycle lane disappears between Hamilton and North Common Roads. Entry to pavement cycle lane not signed; entry poorly sited.

Suggestion: Provide continuous lane, extended past North Common Road to give cycles right of way across side road instead of at present where entry is via North Common Road and across 2 lines of traffic; resite entry as slip lane onto pavement after junction.

1. Problem: The bus lane between Stanley Gardens and Birbeck Road is an example of good practice but could be improved.

2. Problem: Along the majority of Acton High Street there is parking in the cycle lanes.

3a. Problem: At the Toucan crossing at King Street/Crown Street it is unclear whether left or right turns can be legitimately made to or from the High Street.

Suggestion: Separate the pedestrian function of the lights from the cycle crossing function. Integrate the cars turning left only out of Crown Street into the traffic light sequence.

3b. Problem: We agree the cycle lane between Crown Street and Steyne Road is too narrow.

4. Problem: Junctions with Steyne Road and Gunnersbury Lane are far too dangerous and fast even for the most experienced cyclists.

Suggestion: All approaches should be narrowed to one lane with ASL and feeder lane. This would simplify movements for cyclists and keep traffic speeds down. Also the traffic lights should be phased to encourage slow movement between the junctions. The left hand turn from Uxbridge Road into Steyne Road should be made more acute, again to slow traffic speeds, especially as the approach is on a downhill stretch. A cycle lane continuing straight on would be very helpful here. The traffic lights in the centre island at the junction of Steyne Road need moving further south in order to widen the eastbound lane to stop cars swinging in to the cycle lane here.

This junction is the most serious problem on this section of the route and we would urge the engineers to arrange a special meeting on site just for this particular junction.

Suggestion: Agree with proposal to move centre of carriageway markings and widen ACL to 1.5m.

6. Problem: No provision near signals at Hanger Lane and unnecessarily narrow ACL further east.

Suggestion: Agree with proposal to provide 1.5m wide ACL leading to an ASL at Hanger Lane signals.

7a. Problem: No provision near Hanger Lane signals and unnecessarily narrow ACL further east.

Suggestion: Agree with proposal to provide 1.5m ACL which should continue over side turnings.

7b. Problem: Between Ealing Common station and Birch Grove the cycle lane is wide enough, but is useless with cars parked in it. (12 were counted at time of inspection).

Suggestion: This would be an ideal place to start a bus/cycle lane continuing to lights at Gunnersbury Lane.

9. Problem: Between Steyne Road and King Street the cycle lane does not provide perceived safety benefits.