Concern is mounting among cyclists whether the innovative new traffic scheme
in Exhibition Road is actually safe.
Cyclists have reported a number of problems, including the following:
Motorists are not slowing down or taking care as the
planners intended, as well as going over the speed
limit.
The roundabout at the junction with Prince Consort Road is
not used as intended: cars drive through
the centre and don't give way in general.
Motorists (and some cyclists) don't give way to
pedestrians.
Stone pedestals of lamp columns are not clearly marked,
making them hazardous for a car or bicycle wheel.
Motorists heading south on Exhibition road turn onto
Prince Consort Road too fast, making it hazardous to
cyclists and pedestrians.
A cyclist fell off and dislocated
his shoulder after slipping on the new surface in wet weather.
A motorist, not realising that the
street was two-way, stopped in the right-hand (inbound) lane
at the junction with Cromwell Road. Fortunately no-one tried to
drive into the street while he was there.
More cycle stands could have been and should be
installed, for example on the outside of the lamp column
islands, there is sufficient space for three or four sheffield
stands.
The Union of Imperial College is putting together some feedback on the scheme.
Local campaigners are also reporting problems to Kensington & Chelsea's road safety
manager.
