CHIPS WITH EVERYTHING
Current City of Edinburgh Council policy is to add colour to all new bus and cycle lanes by embedding red stone chippings into normal grey tarmac, writes Tim Smith.
Provided this is done correctly, the advantage for the Council is minimal maintenance costs.
Applied red coatings (as used on the recently installed bike crossings on the tram route, for example) are much more visually striking, but are liable to wear away, often unevenly, needing costly replacement.
The downside of red chips is that they can only make up a minor proportion of the total road surface. Use too many, or let them clump together (see below), and the surface is liable to break up.
The visual effect that results from correct application is rarely more than a reddish grey, even in favourable light.
So the vital component of this method is prominent white lining, solid or dashed, to show the boundary.
The Council therefore has an ongoing obligation to refresh any white markings worn away by constant traffic (a small part of which admittedly includes the vicious tyres of bicycles).
The cycle lanes towards the Foot of Leith Walk already need attention, although, sadly for them, they lie outwith the Spurtleshire boundary.
And another thing
Most people would agree that the main point of a signpost is to convey information as quickly and unambiguously as possible.
Especially when the signpost is intended to inform those approaching and passing it at more than walking speed.
With this in mind, I'm underwhelmed by the new, temporary, Toblerone-shaped laminates aimed at cyclists approaching the new right turn option from Leith Walk/McDonald Road into Brunswick Road (see Issue 268, p.2).
At the very least, I feel it is crucial to show the two stages much more clearly in the graphic and also that these stages are coupled directly with two phases of green lights to complete the manoeuvre.
I also think the main wording could have been phrased better. I would omit “Follow” (it’s not obligatory, after all) and say instead 'It’s a safer way …’.
Suggested amendments are shown below.
[Image top-right: Wikimedia, creative commons.]
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