Ok, this is what I'm sending CCd to the CTC, Cycling England, and Cllr Assenheim (cllr for health and safety)::
Dear Councillor Flewitt,
Having found Southend's Western Esplanade cycle lane completely blocked this afternoon (Sat 07/08/10) by a coach parked in the cycle track, and having my own safety severely compromised by this dangerous parking, I wonder if you might answer a few questions for me regarding the bus stops along the Western esplanade cycle track:
How is it proposed to stop non scheduled buses from stopping?
Will buses/coaches be stopping on the cycle track regularly?
If so, how are cyclists expected to pass a stationary bus or coach?
Will buses/coaches be stopping on the carriageway?
If so how will traffic pass?
As you can see in the attached photographs the cycle track was completely blocked for some time (there was at least fifteen minutes between the two photographs being taken). How are cyclists traveling east supposed to pass such a dangerous obstruction? They cannot ride in the road because they are on the wrong side of the road. they cannot ride on the pavement because riding on the pavement is illegal (and even if they wanted to there is no pavement at this point on the seafront).
I would also ask what the council proposes to do about all the waste bins, concrete framed benches, concrete plant pots, signs etc. along the length of the Western Esplanade cycle track which are ALL extremely close to the cycle track, much closer in fact than the recommended minimum distance of one metre, in some cases less than 20cm. This is a serious hazard to cyclists, should they have to swerve or fall to avoid car doors opening into the cycle track, children running into the cycle track, pedestrians in the cycle track motorcycles using the cycle track etc. (ALL of which I have encountered in recent weeks), colliding with any of these obstacles could cause serious injury.
Also what does the council propose to prevent cars, vans, coaches, motorcycles etc. from entering the cycle track? The double yellow lines, unbroken white line, and two inch kerb have completely failed to do this. Also the council said signage would keep the cycle track clear of pedestrians, this also is a total failure.
Please see the videos linked which demonstrate just a few of the dangers cyclists are being confronted with on a daily basis along the Western Esplanade cycle track:
http://www.youtube.com/v/yL6XRJL8gSs&rel=1
http://www.youtube.com/v/nF1EpgPC0cY&rel=1I await your earliest response,
Sincerely,