Petition - Let's make Tooting Bec Road safe for all! Post Reply

[jon_events]

Afternoon folks,

I've recently set up this petition, you can add your name via this link:
http://www.wandsworthlibdems.org.uk/let ... fe_for_all

Here are some of the comments from the people supporting it:

I agree – this road would work brilliantly with a cycle path. And so worthwhile, given its proximity to the common. This road does get clogged up at weekends. - Jenny

Myself and my dog nearly run over each day we cross the lights near franciscan rd with drivers going 40 mph in a 30 and they go through the red lights – the quicker this happens the better. - Niall

Seems like there is room for cycle way here, it’s not a road I look forward to. - Ben

Let's not wait for more people to get hurt and then complain that 'something' should have been done.

Thanks in advance for your support.

[Goldhawk]

I don't see how a cycle path will stop people speeding or driving through red lights?

[jon_events]

Hi Goldhawk,

Fair point re: drivers jumping lights & speeding. I guess if we have proper cycle lanes then those of us who do cycle won't have to share the roads so frequently with those who are speeding etc.

Narrower road widths have been shown to result in lower top speeds.

First thing we need though is to show that enough local residents want our council's engineers to come up with a better solution. Most people won't get on a bike at all at the moment because they feel it's too dangerous. Not because they wouldn't like to be able to cycle around the neighbourhood.

I'm a permanent optimist, here's to hoping we can make things happen!

ATB,
Jon

[gruffalo's dad]

A related suggestion - make the pedestrian crossing at the junction of Elmbourne Road and Tooting Bec Road a toucan crossing (I don't think it is currently).

Coming from Elmbourne Road It is very difficult to turn right at this junction - there is very limited visibility of that part of Tooting Bec Road that lies to the right of the junction. Car drivers get frustrated waiting behind a bicycle looking to turn right.

[jon_events]

Another good point. For what it's worth, I think if enough people support the petition linked in my original post then officers will have to look at all the side roads and the associated issues.

[Denwand]

support the petition linked in my original post then officers will have to look at all the side roads and the associated issues.

Ah that's what you really want isn't it Jon?

Looking back at your posts I see that you are a single-issue petition fanatic.

I also see that the organisation you represent wants a blanket 20mph everywhere in Wandsworth.. night and day.. on main roads and bus routes...leading to drivers limited to 20mph at 3 o'clock in the morning on three lane stretches like the Trinity Road or the three lane stretch of the A3.

Of course buses and taxis would be limited to 20mph as well ... on main roads in the middle of the night.

For what it's worth the cycle lane you propose is one of the few sensible ideas you've made.

But , dear Jon , try to get out more and how about a few more interesting posts on here than trying to push petitions to criminalise those who need to use a car in Wandsworth.

Also as for road speed being an issue keeping people off cycles - of course it is an element - but so is the weather, the rain and cold, thje fact that you cannot transport 3 children on a pushbike, the fact that you cannot transport shopping or goods bought etc.

I know you have a vision, and things like cycle lanes are sensible but, 1) not everyone wants to cycle. not everyone is a fit 20 something, not everyone has full mobility... Until public transport came compete we need our cars and we don't want the anti-car lobby to "encourage" us out of them by closing roads and restricting speeds to make it easier for a single cyclist to wobble down a busy A road like the A3.

[jon_events]

Thanks Denwand for your constructive comments.

On 20mph you mis-represent my views. I would like our council to consult borough wide on widespread 20mph limits with exceptions made for key routes. The evidence from elsewhere shows that this doesn't reduce journey times for drivers as you imply it would.

Worth looking at wheels for wellbeing, a local charity which helps mobility impaired people gain more personal freedom by using bikes/trikes etc. Some elderly people find it hard to walk, but can easily cycle. With the roads as they are today it is too scary to be a viable option for most. My wife rode through her pregnancy and found it certainly easier than walking.

Having recently become a father has highlighted even more the need for safer streets so that more people can choose different ways to travel. More people cycling fewer people driving = less congestion and everyone gets about easier.

Have a chat with your friends that drive. Ask them if they think our streets are safe enough to cycle on. Ask them if they would like them to be safe enough, if our engineers could design it in a way to work for all.

I spoke with a lot of people in the local elections last year and found a lot of ssupport on the doorstep. I will continue to campaign till we do have safer streets. I think that will benefit the whole community. Each to their own.

[Denwand]

Have a chat with your friends that drive. Ask them if they think our streets are safe enough to cycle on. Ask them if they would like them to be safe enough, if our engineers could design it in a way to work for all.

Jon that is reductive and absurd!

Of course if you ask people if roads are safe enough they will not say "No I think they should be much more dangerous!"

Is that how you conduct your doorstop surveys with loaded questions like that?

Try asking them if drivers in London face too many restrictions...

or "should buses and taxis and cars be restricted (or banned) to give priority to a minority of cycle users who only use them to commute twice a day"

Loaded questions Jon, Loaded questions produce the sort of statistics that single-issue fanatics thive on.

Sorry you feel I mis-represented you - but do carry on -