Forum Topic

Cycling in Putney. What do you think? Public meeting Mon 28 Oct, 7.30 pm

The Transport Panel of the Putney Society is having a public meeting on Monday 28 october, 7.30pm, Community Church, Werter Road (opposite Sainsbury's). Hear speakers from Wandsworth Council, Transport for London and the Wandsworth Cycling Campaign set out their cycling plans and ambitions. Your chance to ask them questions too!www.putneysociety.org.uk

Putney Society ● 743d17 Comments

Hopefully there will be lots of info available for cyclists wanting to cycle more to pick up or find out how to access.  The more who take advantage of the info already provided on the Council website together with all the free courses that are available for all ages the safer and healthier our streets should become for us all.

Philippa Bond ● 742d

This should be an excellent opportunity to discuss important issues such as cycling safety, how cyclists better coexist with both drivers and pedestrians in busy crowded streets. Another issue that I’m sure we will hear about is that of hire bikes and the problem of how badly parked they often are, how they could or should be better regulated.

Jonathan Callaway ● 742d

There should be an agenda item about teaching school pupils the rules of the road - in particular with regard to cycling. I am constantly seeing cyclists (not all of them youngsters) ignoring red lights. It is foolish, dangerous and discourteous. It is a product of ignorance and impatience. How many schools pass on the message to pupils? The same lesson could mention the risks involved in cycling double-file, particularly in narrow roads eg some stretches of URR and LRR.

Alexander MacLeod ● 742d

My son did his cycling proficiency course at school last year.

Michael Brigo ● 742d

"the risks involved in cycling double-file, particularly in narrow roads eg some stretches of URR and LRR."I don't think this is right, Alexander: riding two abreast on a narrow road is actually safer, as it would block impatient drivers from making dangerous close passes on single-file roads: "Take the lane – that is, primary position, in the centre of the lane – when the road narrows or there’s a pinch point." (www.cyclinguk.org/article/road-positioning-cycling-explained)

Richard Carter ● 742d

"Close pass" is now, following changes to the Highway Code, 1 1/2 metres, about 5 feet in old money.  Far too few drivers, in my cycling experience, adhere to that.As a driver I am ever more cautious around cyclists, whether lycra-clad speedsters or slower ones just pottering along.The unwary driver might need to keep an extra eye open for wild moped drivers, who also pose a real threat to cyclists.Perhaps copies of the Highway Code should be given out at this meeting - and to every child at school, whether doing their cycling proficiency or not.

Jonathan Callaway ● 741d

"Close pass" is now, following changes to the Highway Code, 1 1/2 metres, about 5 feet in old money.  Far too few drivers, in my cycling experience, adhere to that.As a driver I am ever more cautious around cyclists, whether lycra-clad speedsters or slower ones just pottering along.The unwary driver might need to keep an extra eye open for wild moped drivers, who also pose a real threat to cyclists.Perhaps copies of the Highway Code should be given out at this meeting - and to every child at school, whether doing their cycling proficiency or not.

Jonathan Callaway ● 741d

Well, makes no sense to me, why are cyclists allowed to cycle past your car on the passenger side, it doesn't bother them then. Or cycle 2 abreast, when the cycle lane clearly isn't wide enough.

Barbara Stevens ● 741d

Also speeding past you on the pavement side of the road, when a car isn't meant to overtake on the right hand side.

Barbara Stevens ● 741d

Come along and make your point!

Jonathan Callaway ● 741d

Jonathan, now the High Street is like an maze to get lost in. Especially now by the Putney Bridge road, coming to the High St, so many lanes, even cycle lanes in the middle of the road. Even a person with half a brain, if you see a cycle coming towards in the middle lane, your likely to veer to left or knock a cyclist on the left hand side of your vehicle. Heaven help Ambulances or Emergency Vehicles, we already have to try and let them pass as the pavements have been widened. The High Street is like an obstacle course, even more dangerous for everybody.

Barbara Stevens ● 741d

With ebikes there is very little difference between them and mopeds.Cycling two abreast on URR has more to do with chatting than taking the lane IMO. Spots like Dyers Lane where it does narrow could do with additional markings.Perhaps some large signs on Queens Ride to remind cyclists that they do have to give way at the mini roundabout.The URR/Roehampton Lane junction could do with improvements for cyclists and pedestrians but it is a TFL junction so do not expect anything to happen this decade.Perhaps a reminder to the cyclists that consider anything under £500 as not a true bicycle - that Poundland sells led bicycle lights for a quid. Clocks have not gone back yet but lots of cyclists can't be bothered to spend that quid!Let's hope those that cycle there can cycle back with lights without their bike's being stolen. Oddly enough I have never had my cheap led lights stolen apart from when the whole bike has been pinched!

Ed Robinson ● 741d

Jonathan, makes a good point.Please come along and express your views. There must be plenty of you who use hire bikes. Be great to hear how they benefit you and your opinion of the provision in Putney?

Stephen ● 741d

WBC have been very slow to rollout parking for hire bikes.Have WBC actually delivered any???More consultations and photo-opps. Everything has been kicked into the long grass - No Mow 2024 will become No Mow 2025!

Ed Robinson ● 740d

School Cycling Proficiency Courses & Tests disappeared for many years but as mentioned above are thankfully back.  The Councils also run courses.  There are a lot of cyclists and moped riders who I presume have missed out never learnt the rules of the road/read the Highway Code - new or old - as well as all the road users who just ignore them. The new Highway Code has info for everyone including pedestrians and horse riders.  It can be read online and borrowed from libraries as well as bought - so you can check new rules of precedence.

Philippa Bond ● 740d

https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/transport/active-modes-of-travel/cycling/There's lots of info on cycling and cycle training etc on the Wandsworth website.

Philippa Bond ● 737d

A lot out of date and hasn't been updated in years.

Ed Robinson ● 737d