Cyclists Touring Club

Right to Ride Network

www.ctc.org.uk         www.northhertsctc.org.uk

 

Dear all,

 

Bad news on Hitchin station.

 

Despite all of our representations, and the time spent meeting representatives of Herts County Council and the rail operator, there appears to have been no material improvement in the proposed cycle access to the station.

 

Just as a reminder of what is proposed, HCC intend to put cyclists onto the pavement along Station Row. When leaving the station people will have to join the road right on the corner where the current taxi lane starts. There will be a taxi waiting area blocking the end of the “cycle path” , and you will have to negotiate traffic entering the bus lane, the taxi rank, the short stay area and the car park access road, all in the space of a few yards. This is the worst possible place to join the traffic.

 

For more information on the proposals and to read our previous letters go to the CTC campaigning page

 

If you think that is an appalling way to treat people who cycle to the station (and you really should think it is appalling) then make a noise about it by writing to your local councillor and your MP (Peter Lilley feedback@...). If you don’t know who your councillor is then go to http://www.hertsdirect.org/actweb/postcode/postcode.cfm

 

 

 

Dear Larry,

 

Thank you for your response.

 

We welcome the additional cycle parking and proposed speed limit, HOWEVER it is extremely  unlikely that the proposed 10 mph speed limit will be respected with the road geometry previously shown. As explained at the meeting, if you want people to drive slowly then you must use tight geometry and “pedestrian” surfacing to slow them down. Signs only get ignored.

 

Cyclists already have the legal “right” to ignore poorly designed cycling infrastructure. However the mere existence of that right gives no protection against aggressive motorists who believe otherwise, or from insurance companies who contest injury claims, or indeed from officers of the police who have been known to stop and threaten cyclists with prosecution for cycling in the road. We note that there is no direct, on road route from the cycle parking to the entrance other than to cycle contraflow (as at present).

 

White line “segregation” of pavements is only theoretical and we know that pedestrians only respect this when there are large numbers of cyclists present. In most situations people walk on both sides of the line, making passage on a bicycle slow and frustrating – not what you need when rushing for a train.

 

From your description, no material improvement appears to have been made over the previous, unacceptable, proposals for cycle access. We will therefore regrettably be in the position of having to object, publicly, to the proposals. The current arrangement is bad, however these proposals are even worse.

 

This is a very disappointing result. We have had 10 years to think of something better but instead it is going to be made even worse. Hitchin’s station users deserve better.

Regards
 
 
 
Alasdair Massie
CTC North Herts

 

 

Dear Alasdair

Alissa Ede and I apologise for the delay in updating you on plans for Hitchin station forecourt following our meeting on site on 3 July. As a result of the discussions that took place, a number of changes have been made to the scheme.

In addition to the existing cycle and motorcycle parking there will be new covered cycle parking for 60 cycles (30 Sheffield racks) plus 12 metres of horizontal rail (under a shelter) for motor cycles. This will be in the area previously designated as over-spill disabled parking. Once these new racks have filled up, we plan to add additional cycle and motorcycle parking. This area will be covered by CCTV, as is the existing cycle parking area.

The spaces designated for 20 minute car parking have been amended to allow motorists to drive straight into them rather than to reverse in.

The swept areas for all vehicles, in particular buses of up to 15 metres, have been carefully checked to ensure there is no conflict with footpaths and kerbs.

A speed limit of 10 mph will be signed within the station forecourt and access road to the car park.

The cycle lane will be visually segregated from the footpath and not shared.

First Capital Connect will ensure that the vegetation adjacent to the fence which runs alongside the Station Terrace cottages will be regularly maintained to keep the footway clear of obstruction.

Cyclists will not be forced to use the segregated cycleway. If they feel more comfortable they will be free to use the roadway to enter and leave the station. It will be their own personal choice.

Safety is our Number One priority and the complete scheme has had a full safety audit and has been signed off accordingly.

A copy of the latest plan is attached; however please note that the positioning of the bus shelters has been changed.

First Capital Connect has offered residents of the Station Terrace properties two alternative discounted parking rates, one allowing parking at any time and the other allowing off-peak parking only.

We are determined that the new station forecourt at Hitchin station should work well for all station users. There are plans for further improvements to Hitchin station, each of which should provide noticeable improvements to our customers’ journeys.

Kind regards

Larry

_____________________________
Larry Heyman
Integration and Partnership Manager
First Capital Connect

Hertford House
1 Cranwood Street
London EC1V 9QS

Tel: 020 7713 2103
Fax: 020 7427 2074
Mob: 07711 149167

larry.heyman@...                
www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk

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