Cyclists need to slow, learn about mini zebra crossings
SOME clarity has finally been brought on how to use new mini zebra crossings along the seafront cycle lane, more than two months after questions were first posed to Traffic & Highway Services.
The painted crossings have been marked on the cycle path and allow pedestrians to cross the cycle way from bus stops or zebra crossings across the road.
But they have been causing confusion.
A member of the public, who regularly uses the crossings, said she had nearly been hit by a bicycle herself and witnessed a number of near misses.
‘I rang T&HS to check if these were technically zebra crossings painted on the pavement,’ she said.
‘They told me to ring the police, who said it was a matter for T&HS.’
‘At 8.15 every morning there is a stream of people coming out of Salerie car park trying to cross the road but also a steady stream of commuters cycling,’ she said.
‘It is quite clear that cyclists are not aware of the rules of the cycle path and are not stopping to let people cross. I fear there will soon be an accident.’
The Guernsey Press approached T&HS at the end of May for clarification, and finally received a response this week.
‘The use of the zebra style marking increases pedestrian priority, which is in line with the hierarchy of road users,’ said strategy and policy manager Colin Le Page.
‘As per the advice of the Highway Code, those using a cycle track should always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. We would advise those who are cycling to approach the markings at a speed low enough not to endanger pedestrians on or about to step on to the road marking.’
The woman who contacted the Guernsey Press said she was glad to finally have a response, but was frustrated that it had taken so long for T&HS to answer.
‘But we must take the positives from this and see how the “new” crossings go down with the cyclists,’ she said. ‘Maybe an A-frame signboard needs to be positioned on the pavement alerting cyclists to the new crossings?’
There are now a number of these crossings at bus stops and road crossings, and extra guidance has been painted on the pavement since the newspaper first posed questions.
The Guernsey Bicycle Group said urgent clarification was still required regarding the rules to maintain safety and prevent serious accidents.
‘We urge all cyclists to ride cautiously and be prepared for pedestrians to cross into the “cycle lane” at any point along the path,’ a spokesman said.
He added that while the markings and new crossings appear to guide pedestrians and cyclists where they should be, and where pedestrians can or should cross the ‘cycle lane,’ it was unclear what the actual rules and legislation were for the path, given that signs indicate it is a segregated path at many points, while historically, it has always been a shared-use pathway.
‘This is concerning because many sections along the route are not wide enough for two cyclists to pass each other safely in opposite directions and are only wide enough for pedestrians to walk single file.’
