I have been cycling under this roundabout in Headington for the past 15 years. Recently, I became aware of how many conflicting signs there are in the area.
Headington Roundabout – very busy junction.
Firstly, Cyclists are not supposed to use the roundabout (and I guess for a good reason) even the most experienced cyclist would want to avoid this very busy roundabout with several lanes, exits and fast moving cars.
Secondly, there is a shared use cycle path to the left. (basically a pavement)
Thirdly, there is an underpass to get around to other exits, but there is a sign saying ‘cyclists dismount’ It took me several years of using this roundabout before I ever even noticed it (if you approach from right of picture you never see the sign which is high up on right. When I did see it, I’m afraid I didn’t start to dismount and walk (the quite considerable way).
Why?
- When cycling, I don’t want to inconvenience other people, naturally, when using this underpath I cycle with great caution, slowly and always give way to pedestrians.
- In the past 15 years I have never had a single pedestrian upset with me or say even a bad word (quite a contrast to being on the road). Most smile and say thanks when I tell them to go first.
- I have clipless pedals and it is practically very difficult to walk in shoes with cleats.
It would be better to have a sign ‘Pedestrian priority‘ or ‘Cyclists give way to pedestrians‘
Although I’ve never had any problems, I don’t like ignoring signs. It’s just that I don’t feel this one makes any sense.
- It’s not often you see a sign like this. But, it says ‘cyclists only’
- It is literally just around the corner from the Headington roundabout where cyclists are told to dismount.
- Rather ironically, someone has tried to cross out the word ‘cyclist’. Probably from an irate pedestrian who thinks? – why should this be only for cyclists?
- Although I never walk on this stretch of the road, I think a cyclist only sign is unfortunate. Pedestrians feel it is unfair and it creates needless friction between different road users.
- Here I would be tempted to have no signs. Maybe draw a picture of cyclist on main cycle path, indicating that it is best for cyclists to use wide part and pedestrians can stick to left. But, a cyclist sign on the road is less confrontational than spelling it out ‘cyclists only’ (which some will interpret as ‘pedestrians get lost’)
It reminds me of ‘naked street experiments’ – reduce street signs and traffic furniture, and encourage people to use common sense. Rather than trying to think up of the right sign, the aim is to design roads which place the emphasis on encouraging people to share harmoniously.
When you start dividing road up into ‘cyclists only’ cars only’ ‘pedestrians only’ it becomes a possessive thing, and people become annoyed when you stray into ‘their’ section.
BTW: ‘cyclists only’ unconsciously reminds you of those old signs in the deep south like ‘whites only’
Are there any signs that don’t make any sense in your local area?
If you have blog or photo account Feel free to post link in comments.
Related
- Traffic Lights Rules and common sense
- Naked Street Experiment – how removing street signs and street furniture can promote better road use and greater though.
I think those Cyclists Dismount signs are only advisory.