I am the safety adviser for a large multi occupancy (mainly office) site. The site has good quality roads throughout that are of suitable width for all vehicles using the site, traffic calming measures and speed limits are in place the roads are maintained in good condition. The vast majority of the site is used regularly by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles without concern, however we have one area leading from a large car park facility to the main reception area on site that is causing concern. This area is designated a pedestrian only area, primarily due to the fact that pedestrians use this area to traverse from the car park to the main reception. Historically a number of near misses have been raised as a result of cyclists crossing this area at 45 degrees to the flow of pedestrians. The area is approximately 40 metres in length and 10 metres wides. I do not think that asking cyclists to dismount in this area is an excessive measure to ensure the safety of pedestrians. There are alternative routes around this area (using the roads) if cyclists do not want to dismount. The remainder of the site is safely used by a number of cyclists. Cyclists have however requested cycle routes be put into place through this area, though I do not feel this will effectively reduce the hazard, pedestrians and cyclists will still cross at 45 degrees in this area. I would be happy to look at any suggestions that will keep pedestrains safe and cyclists happy. Any ideas greatly received.

Hi Slater

number of things come to mind - ideal is to avoid collisions therefore simplest way is to ask cyclists to dismount in that area.

If not and a cycle route is installed, you could insist on a 'shared route' appproach where cyclists give way to pedestrians as they do on public road cycle paths of this type. Be aware that you would have to make arrangements for those with vision and/or hearing impairment. Watford did this a while back - they gave out loads of cycle bells and clearly delineated the cycle path -

http://www.ctc.org.uk/re...gh_a_Pedestrian_Area.pdf

Bear in mind also the potential resultant action if a cyclist leaves the cycle path and collides with a pedestrian. I know that this is different, as the cyclist in this mounted the kerb, but have a look at:

http://www.theclaimsconn...estrian-in-accident.html

This does not set a precedent as it is unlawful to cycle on the pavement, but throws up issues about what happens if a cyclist has an accident after leaving a designated cycle path, whether on private or public land.

The safest thing to do in my opinion from the info you have given is to ask cyclists to dismount in the pedestrian area unless you have the money to put the cycle paths in place and maintain them - repainting, winter salt spreading etc.

Good luck,

Martin

Thanks for the input so far, of course I want to ensure cyclists are safe aswell as pedestrians and in the event of a collision undoubtly both the cyclist and the pedestrian would recieve injuries, all the more reason to ensure they are adequately kept apart. As I said the roads are suitable for cycle access and vehicle movement is well managed, though this can be avoided by the cyclists dismounting and walking for 40 metres. Unfortunatley a cycle route through this particular area is not suitable due to the directions in which pedestrians and cycles move. If both flowed in the same direction I agree a cycle route in this area would be sensible.
With regards to the cycle sheds, unfortunately moving them to another area is not an option at present, they are solid structures with security access and are located in close proximity to the shower facilities provided for cyclists, I wish it was that easy!
Martin, thanks for the info, even the cycle scheme in Watford appears to flow in the same direction as pedestrians, this seems to be the standard theme for cycle routes, I have yet to see one in place that goes at 90 degrees to the flow of pedestrians.
I still don't think I will reort to umbrellas yet however.