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| Western Cycle Route Sign Photo: Andrew Pope |
Today, safety campaigner Andrew Pope checked the road safety of the Western Cycle Route SCN1 from the Civic Centre, Southampton, through the West of the City and out to Totton over the River Test.
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| Western Cycle Route Millbrook Road Photo: Andrew Pope |
Andrew walked from the City Centre to the Redbridge Roundabout, checking as he went along and taking photos.
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| Cycle Route Sign Photo: Andrew Pope |
Andrew says:
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| Andrew Pope on the Western Cycle Route in Redbridge Ward Photo: Andrew Pope |
"I put in a lot of effort to get the Redbridge ward section of this route right. So I did not want to see it degrade over time.
The Redbridge ward used to go right up to Millbrook Roundabout, and that is where I took action - from Redbridge Roundabout to Millbrook Roundabout.
The original plans were dangerous, including bringing trucks into the same zone as cyclists at the UPS and Selco sites, on the pavement side. I stopped this by moving the cycle route to the far side.
I was the only councillor of the three Redbridge councillors who took action. The other two (both Labour) just went along with the original plans.
I worked with businesses, cyclists, the Southampton Cycling Campaign, Council officers, local residents and managers of the sites adjacent to the route.
It took years and great effort to get it right. I tried hard to minimise the risks:
- to residents
- to cyclists
- to motorists
- to pedestrians
- to truck drivers
I am pleased to report that the Redbridge ward section was the safest part of the route, containing a lot of segregated cycle paths from the road. And it still is the safest part.
I know from being a cyclist, a pedestrian and a motorist, what risks there are.
So I mitigated those risks by working in partnership, and being patient and thoughtful. Council officers eventually understood what I was trying to achieve, once I brought the Cycling Campaign out on site to meet them.
I spoke to Roy, a cyclist today that I flagged down on the route. I asked him what he thought of the route.
He said in 2012 it was unusable and dangerous. He said that I should be congratulated for my work, because it is now excellent, especially the segregated sections.
I am pleased. But on the way, I did find some concerns, which I will be acting on. I prioritise safety when other councillors either do not look, or do not see it or do not act."
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| Segregated Cycle Path Photo: Andrew Pope |