‘No more lip service, let’s see real action’
GUERNSEY has simply been tinkering around the edges of making improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, it has been claimed, with real action needed instead.
Environment & Infrastructure has released a review of the 2014 transport strategy with suggestions on its next priority areas.
The principal aim of the strategy is to reduce motor vehicle travel in favour of walking, cycling and bus use.
‘The report highlights how little progress has been made in real terms over the past five years,’ said Sam Field, chairman of the Guernsey Bicycle Group.
‘If the States of Guernsey wish to see a substantial modal shift there needs to be a real push to improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the island. This needs to go from being lip service to real action.’
More protected infrastructure is being considered, meaning pavements and cycle paths separated from the main carriageway, which could include a path linking the east and west coast.
‘Despite initiatives such as the e-bike scheme, and improving the northern and southern end of the eastern sea board cycle path, there has been no real improvement in cycle infrastructure on Guernsey,’ said Mr Field.
The review indicated that many road users of single occupancy vehicles would travel by foot or bike if they felt it was a safe option.
‘Until people feel they have a safe alternative to vehicle use, the island’s personal transport mix will be dominated by short, single occupancy vehicle trips,’ Mr Field said.
‘It is well proven across the world with pedestrian and cycle infrastructure – if you build it, they will use it. The hard part is making that initial commitment to build it and we hope the States makes this shift soon.’
The review investigates the safety of roads and proposals to improve infrastructure.
‘It is a fair comment to say we have been tinkering at the edges of the existing meagre infrastructure for bike and pedestrian commuters – any improvements have felt more of a tick box exercise rather than a determined effort,’ said Mr Field.
‘Developments such as the toucan crossing and shared use of pathways on Val de Terres shows that pedestrians and bikes can co-exist in safety on Guernsey.’
Protected infrastructure is, according to the report, an ‘optimum solution, as many people are put off the idea of travelling by foot or by bike if it means mixing with motorised traffic, but it is not always a realistic option for our roads’.
‘The report is correct that Guernsey is not blessed with ample space, nor infinite finances to simply build new cycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This means we need to work smarter with what we have,’ said Mr Field.
There are only two sections of protected cycling lanes – Baubigny and the eastern seaboard.
‘Simple changes such as painted bike boxes at traffic lights and making all out-of-town crossings Toucan crossings cost virtually nothing to do, but make a huge difference when cycle commuting,’ said Mr Field.
‘This does not punish any motor vehicle drivers – if anything, it makes their life easier by allowing a bike rider more time to move ahead in the traffic flow.’
Simple but effective solutions are suggested by the GBG to accelerate improvements to infrastructure.
‘One way and contraflow cycle systems will be the biggest game changer. This will give people a feeling of safety when moving about by bike or foot,’ Mr Field said.
‘Correctly laid out these will not punish vehicle drivers as all areas of the island would still be accessible by vehicle, just as the Baubigny system allows today, and will allow fast, safe, economical travel by bike and foot.’
He said that if the two-school system goes ahead, these types of changes will be required to allow children to ride, walk and bus to school in safety.
‘Trials of such a system could be achieved with little more than road cones and temporary street markings should the States desire.’
The next review will be in 2023.
