Background
The
Infirmary Bridge in Inverness crosses the River Ness upstream of the
city centre.
It
takes its name from the nearby Royal Northern Infirmary (RNI) which
now houses the Executive Office of UHI (University of the Highlands
and Islands).
On
the far side is Cavell Gardens, named in memory of Edith Cavell. (In
spite of pronunciation by many locals, the correct stress is as in
'travel' rather than 'Ravel'.)
This
suspension bridge, built in 1881, is 90 m long with only 1.7 m
available width, nearly level, and connects two relatively quiet roads along the
riverside.
These
three photos were taken earlier this year and show the bridge as it
was until a few weeks ago.
There
were a couple of 'No Cycling' signs one of which had its red circle
partly obscured with 10 plain address labels (plus an NHYES
sticker from the time of the Scottish Referendum).
Traffic Regulation Order
A
major project is under way in the Highlands to repaint 94 miles of
lines on the road surface and replace 1,600 road signs.
As
part of this, messages were painted at the entrance to both ends of
the bridge augmented by two extra 'No Cycling' signs.
Approaching
the bridge the message says 'Cyclists Dismount' in 18" (45 cm)
high letters.
Leaving
the bridge the message was 'Beware' but strangely this was burned off
a few days later.
Typical Peak Weekday Traffic
Data
was gathered between 8 am and 9 am for 96 pedestrians and 38
cyclists.
Percentages
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Both
Modes
Cavell
-> UHI
50
19
69
UHI -> Cavell
22
9
31
Both
Directions
72
28
100
The
different counts in each direction is mostly explained by where the
people work.
The
opposite would be expected at the end of the day.
There
were a few joggers and walkers with buggies and dogs among the
pedestrian numbers.
I
initial attempted to do a separate count of cyclists cycling and
walking but I abandoned this because quite a few changed mode
(sometimes more than once) as they crossed.
Observations
Pedestrians
crossed singly or in groups of up to four taking about a minute.
Some
trailed wheeled luggage, pushed buggies or were accompanied by dogs.
Some
stopped to take photos or look at the view. Some were jogging.
Cyclists
usually travelled alone and could cycle across in about 20 seconds.
Some
cyclists walked the full length while others cycled for all or part
of the crossing.
There
is only 1.7 m of available width. Walking two abreast is comfortable
but cycling two abreast is not really an option. This naturally means
that cyclists have to take care when passing other users of the
bridge and will usually only overtake a pedestrian with consent.
Signs on Metal Plates
The
Greig Street Bridge, near the city centre, is of similar construction
but slightly wider at 2.3 m. It also has a more obvious rise in the middle. It has rectangular blue 'Cyclists Dismount' signs
at each end. Being advisory, they can be ignored (and often are)
provided the cyclist takes account of other bridge users. It also has two red circle 'No Cycling' signs at each end. Their lettering is badly weathered and their position on the side barrier of the bridge makes them easy to overlook.
The
Infirmary Bridge has two
new red
circle 'No Cycling' signs at each end. This
is an order
and failure to comply is potentially an offence carrying a fine.
Other Locations
There
is no prohibition on the paths or bridges further upstream in the Ness Islands. Indeed there is an official cycle route (The Great Glen Way) through the Ness Islands.
Core Paths
It
is worth noting that both of these suspension bridges are Core Paths.
This
is a legal term that grants a legal right to walk or cycle that
route.
Map_9___Inverness_West.pdf
IN19.06
- Greig Street Bridge
IN19.07
– Infirmary Bridge
It
would appear that the 'No Cycling' signs contradicts this basic
right.
Invalid
prohibition signs that are likely to be ignored put the law into
disrepute.
Conclusion
Cyclists
walking or cycling across these suspension bridges already appear to show
consideration for others on the bridge.
The narrowness of the Infirmary Bridge naturally encourages cyclists to stop and give way to pedestrians or cyclists passing in the opposite direction. The main justification for overtaking is when pedestrians stop to take photos. This is typically done politely with appropriate care.
The
Greig Street Bridge is 0.6 m (2 feet) wider and provides greater width and
better sight-line than some local shared-use pavements (cycle
tracks). Cycling across the bridge is quite common and is typically
done with consideration. Cyclists will usually walk their bike if the
bridge is busy. Each end is constricted by a pair of right-angled
corners. BMX riders often leave the bridge by jumping the steps.
(Some even jump up the steps.)
'No
Cycling' signs contradict the reasonable access right of a Core Path.
'Cyclists
Dismount' signs are often an indication of poor design. Here they are
simply not appropriate.
The
painted messages on the surface are unsightly.
All of these signs only serve to disrespect cyclists and encourage others to
quote the law: - “Can't you read the sign?” - no matter how much
care the cyclists show.
I
have asked the Highland Council to remove these new messages and
signs.
They
could more suitably be replaced with a round, blue shared-use sign.
If
it is really thought necessary, they could be supplemented with a
blue rectangular sign with the text such as 'Pedestrian Priority'.
Your comments are welcome.
Cyclists
walking or cycling across these suspension bridges already appear to show
consideration for others on the bridge.
The narrowness of the Infirmary Bridge naturally encourages cyclists to stop and give way to pedestrians or cyclists passing in the opposite direction. The main justification for overtaking is when pedestrians stop to take photos. This is typically done politely with appropriate care.
The narrowness of the Infirmary Bridge naturally encourages cyclists to stop and give way to pedestrians or cyclists passing in the opposite direction. The main justification for overtaking is when pedestrians stop to take photos. This is typically done politely with appropriate care.
The
Greig Street Bridge is 0.6 m (2 feet) wider and provides greater width and
better sight-line than some local shared-use pavements (cycle
tracks). Cycling across the bridge is quite common and is typically
done with consideration. Cyclists will usually walk their bike if the
bridge is busy. Each end is constricted by a pair of right-angled
corners. BMX riders often leave the bridge by jumping the steps.
(Some even jump up the steps.)
'No
Cycling' signs contradict the reasonable access right of a Core Path.
'Cyclists
Dismount' signs are often an indication of poor design. Here they are
simply not appropriate.
The
painted messages on the surface are unsightly.
All of these signs only serve to disrespect cyclists and encourage others to
quote the law: - “Can't you read the sign?” - no matter how much
care the cyclists show.
I
have asked the Highland Council to remove these new messages and
signs.
They
could more suitably be replaced with a round, blue shared-use sign.
If
it is really thought necessary, they could be supplemented with a
blue rectangular sign with the text such as 'Pedestrian Priority'.
