Essex gives answer to kerbs query

CCC member Geoff Loates highlighted what was apparently a repeat of a lack of joined-up thinking by Colchester Council.

New cycle tracks at at Three Crowns Road and James Wick Court have high kerbs either end.

Geoff, an accredited cycling instructor, wrote to both Colchester and Essex asking for an explanation .

In his letter he said: "It is very annoying for cyclists to keep stopping and starting in this manner when a bit of thought would have pleased them instead. What tends to happen (and I don’t condone this) is that cyclists often look for a drop kerb nearby and then simply cycle along the pavement to the track. Alternatively, some will bump the kerb and risk an accident in the road when they get it wrong."

Geoff also drew attention to the forest of signs in the road leading from Colchester Business Park to Runkins Corner. He asked: "Who designs these things? Shared track, divided track, shared track, divided track ……. good grief. Just make it shared, save the paint on all the white lines, put up a couple of signs for information and just let people just get on with it."

Essex County Council replied to Geoff, to say that developers were at fault, and Essex were chasing them.

Geoff's comment about the "forest of signs" also drew action: the North Essex area office will now prefer shared use to segregated, only installing segregate when absolutely necessary.

A satisfactory outcome - well done to Geoff!