Agenda item

Update from Tom Sweeney (Programme Manager for Walking and Cycling)

Tom Sweeney (Programme Manager for Walking and Cycling) updated the forum using a plan of Cherry Orchard road and the surrounding area. Referring to the plan, the forum was informed that:

·         A floating bus stop was implemented in this area.

·         The surfacing adjacent to the tram rails had been improved. This had previously been difficult to achieve due to the embedment material around the running rails which can melt during resurfacing.

·         Concrete shoulders had been formed adjacent to the tram rails. This

should have made crossing the tram easier for cyclists by providing a more durable level surface near the rails. It would also be easier to replace the surrounding tarmac should any maintenance be required, as tarmac would not be laid near the embedment material.

·         There were plans to put further cycle lane markings on the carriageway and also look at continuing the advisory lane on the carriage way further up Cherry Orchard Road.

·         The first phase of work had commenced and further improvements along the cycle route would be delivered over time. Further phases would connect to the London Cycle Network routes via Colson Road and Altyre Road.

The presenting officer stated that the scheme was in response to a fatality that occurred on this junction four and a half years ago. The Council had worked with Transport for London (TfL) on this scheme to overcome the significant technical challenges around the tram system and find the appropriate time to close the tram for construction.

The Chair had asked how cyclists could reach the town centre from the eastern of Addiscombe Road. The presenting officer replied that they would use the bus lane going west on Addiscombe Road. Once they reached the signal they can access the new cycling facility via the advance stop line at the junction.

A question was also asked in regards to how cyclists could reach Addiscombe

Road from East Croydon Station without having to dismount. The presenting

officer replied that under the current arrangement cyclists could use the general traffic lanes from Billinton Hill before accessing the short section of cycle lane adjacent to No.1 Croydon at the junction with Addiscombe Grove. In the longer term it may be possible to create a segregated cycle route from Billinton Hill to Cherry Orchard Road with the help adjoin landowners. Any other thoughts from the Forum about how cyclists wish to improve this area were welcomed.

A member of the forum expressed concern with cyclists’ bike wheels being trapped in the tram rail lines and how this could be avoided. The presenting officer replied that TfL provided guidance on this and recommended cyclist cross the tram system at a 90-65 degrees angle and don’t cycle parallel to the rails. In the long-term Croydon were looking create cycle routes away from the tram corridor (only crossing the tram system at close to 90 degrees) to resolve this issue.

Members of the forum acknowledged that segregating cyclists from traffic was

difficult in this area due to space constraints. The presenting officer replied that some of the constraints caused by traffic capacity could not be addressed in the short-term because of the high volume of traffic accessing East Croydon Station. In the long-term this issue could be tackled if additional land became available from adjoining sites.

Question was raised as to whether a formal lessons learnt exercise with TfL be undertaken for the scheme with regards to delivering cycling schemes in proximity of tram tracks.

Members of the forum NOTED this update.