If you had been at the AGM, you would have realised that it is absolutely not the case that LCC is dismissing the "myriad ways in which streets can be more cycle friendly". In the afternoon, six policy and campaign development workshops were held, only one of which included segregation. These were Safe Routes to Schools, Quiet Zones, Dedicated Space on Main Roads, Greenways, 20mph speed limits and Liveable high streets. I led the Safe Routes to Schools one, and we didn't mention segregation at all. Closing rat runs, default two way cycling on all roads, restricting parking, reducing speed limits all these are integral and important components of policy. Even if LCC central were secretly committed to widespread segregation (which they aren't, I am sure) cost alone would preclude it's adoption as the main tenet of policy... It's by far the most expensive solution.
And it is unfair to blame LCC for the mass of sub standard infrastructure already out there. Cyclists are just one stakeholder group amongst many. For example, in Lewisham we have a junction that TfL wants to remodel due to a large number of pedestrian casualties. (Courthill Rd and Lewisham High St). The solution they consulted on was complex and expensive and involved banning left and right turns to all traffic, creating a one way Gyratory type system, that cyclists would be forced round alongside fast moving cars and trucks. Did we ask for segregation. No. We suggested a simple all green phase for pedestrians across the whole junction which would have improved pedestrian safety cheaply and easily. But this, according to TfL, is not possible. It will restrict "traffic" flow unacceptably. So what do they propose? Toucan crossings and cycle lanes on the pavement for short stretches, allowing cyclists to turn into all arms of the junction from the pavement. Now, we can reiterate our wish for the all green phase (which we will), but we don't have the power to enforce it. But we can't outright oppose the pavement lanes, merely register our concern that this is an expensive and unnecessary piece of infrastructure, because without it, cyclists will be in a worse position than they were before, at this junction.