My favorite option would be for Macrae Road to become a "bicycle boulevard" along the lines outlined in this
video from Portland
Below are the comments that the BTA sent in.
concept 1 Gives a mixed message – invites car drivers to practise how fast they can negotiate “slow” points. There is the possibility of cars swerving into cyclists after negotiating the narrowing obstacles, and cars queuing to pass might do so in the space needed by people on bicycle, forcing cyclists to ride (illegally) on the footpath. As most of the traffic will travel East in the morning, the calming effect might be minimal.
No
concept 2 It is doubtful if white paint on the road is enough to control the cars. As most of the traffic will travel East in the morning, cars will be tempted to roll through the give way signs. Seems to be a recipe to increase accidents, and the calming effect might be minimal
No
concept 3 The pre-deflection will force cars into a driving manoeuvre that will endanger cyclists whilst approaching the roundabout. The only safe measure for cyclists would be for them to “claim the lane”, that is riding in primary position as they approach the roundabout. My personal experience is that car drivers become irate when this happens, which can lead to aggressive driving and the endangering of the more vulnerable road users.
No
concept 4 Seems to be a recipe to increase accidents, generally white paint on the road is not enough to control cars….
The relocated bike route disadvantages cyclists by making them go further, and the profile is somewhat hillier. The new bicycle route would have to give priority to cyclists all the way to make it more attractive.
No
concept 5 OK in principle, except that the intersection priorities should favour Macrae road, so cyclists can continue without stopping. Not doing so will inadvertently prioritise cars over bicycles at this intersection. However to make the priority for the cyclists safe, the car traffic on Gairloch street would need to be slowed with the help of speed bumps.
Perhaps more than one cul-de-sac is needed along the route? See comments below.
Modify and it becomes a perhaps
concept 6 Similar effect to option 5. The deflection for cyclists should be less, and both Macrae and Gairloch would need markings to indicate that cyclists will be crossing the road at speed. The cycling route should be marked with green paint to motorists a visual clue where they will encounter people on bicycles. Dealing with only one crossing along the whole length of Macrae road might not be enough to stop the rat-running
Modify and it becomes a “Yes”
Comment: None of the options work well for people on bicycles. The preferred option from a cycling point of view is option 6, modified as explained. It is probably advisable to have more than one divergence point, or in heavy traffic the rat run will simply start east of the treated cross road.
Whilst we appreciate that the primary reason for the suggested measures is to stop rat-running, an opportunity presents itself here for a road that gives priority to children, older people, people on gopher cars and people riding bicycles. In some otherwise car centred communities in the USA the concept of “bicycle boulevards” has been used successfully to increase the quality of life for rate payers. The concept is explained here:
https://vimeo.com/16552771" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Using the concept explained in the video a mid-crossing concrete curb with pass-through for cyclists would be installed at most of the Macrae road intersections. This would allow for unimpeded travel for people on bicycles, but force all car traffic to turn left or right. Such a measure would decrease car volumes substantially. Alternatively the divergence method shown in concept 6 could be used at multiple location. As a trial the divergences could be constructed cheaply out of normal water filled traffic control barriers.
