Highbury & Islington

Today I saw (wasn't there this morning) a notice attached to the traffic island railings on Highbury corner and on the railings surrounding the roundabout, the notice warned bike users that the railings are to be removed on the 29th of March. This is part of TFLs policy to remove all pedestrain railings from (presumably)all the roads that they have control over. I wondered where else these notices had been displayed. I attach my bike to these railings for two reasons 1. It is highly visible and feels secure, i have been doing so for 8 months with no problems I then use the tube. 2. There are no cycle u tubes provided outside Highbury and Islington, a very busy hub station. What's going on is this a covert anti cycle issue? Does any one have any info on TFLs intentions?

Replies

No, but am asking...

I don't know exactly why tfl are doing it but I don't think this should be percieved as anti cycling. Railing removal is something cyclists should be supporting as it has massive saftey benefits:

With railings in place cyclists have nomeans of escape if, as a result of impatient/dangerous drivers or their own stupidity, they end up down the left side of an HGV. See, for example, this incident: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/london/warn-of-dangers-partner-of-dead-cyclist-in-plea-to-politicians-7578895.html. With the railings removed a cyclists in that situation can escape onto the pavement should the need arise.

I also find that it leaves you feeling less enclosed and claustrophobic - adding breathing space if you will.

I, for one, certainly welcome tfl's railing removal.

A cycnical thought which just occured to me it that TfL just want to cash them in for their scarp metal value...

Andy


ICAG raised this issue with TfL months ago. TfL told us that they have two separate programs, one for removing barriers and another for adding cycle racks and didn't see any need to to bring these together. My feeling is that the best approach right now, if you are directly affected, is to write to one of your GLA representatives who will shortly be seeking reelection.

Incidentally, if you get desperate, you can lock your bike to the railings around the island.

John 

ICAG (Islington Cyclists)

Andy, I have written to GLA member Jeanette Arnold.

  • By Paul S at 10:27pm 15 Apr 2012

Scrap steel is worth 10p / kg.  That does not make it worthwhile to cut down railings for scrap value.

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