Is there some sort of compressible rubber/latex strip that could be placed down the rails in areas like these? Trams are heavy and cycles aren't.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure
Road layout changes in the west end at Ryans bar? (Also Haymarket)
(764 posts)-
Posted 11 years ago #
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There is but I think the Trambles operators decided it was too expensive to put down.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Is there some sort of compressible rubber/latex strip that could be placed down the rails in areas like these?
http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10912#post-121808
Yes. But the forces from buses lurching over it every day would probably tear it all out. They tore out this bit of the mastic filler:
Posted 11 years ago # -
So, as I was waiting at the lights at Haymarket this morning, yet another cyclist fell off heading west at Ryries. As ever, he was overtaking the taxis parked on the double yellows & got his tyre stuck in the tram rails. The taxi following him had to jump on the anchors & swerve to avoid running him over. The cyclist got up & looked pretty OK.
This really is an awful bit of road.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I was about to report that both ASL and double yellow lines have been free of taxis when I've been through this week - but this is obviously not the usual state of affairs.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I had assumed (previous post) that this was open to all taxis as it was part of the public road system. Seems not -
I don't think ScotRail is 'responsible' for taxis waiting on the double yellow lines, but presumably it knows which companies/drivers it has licenced so could perhaps at least point out 'safety issues'(??)
Posted 11 years ago # -
I have to give the EEN a call back about this - seems our strange alliance with the taxis has sparked some interest. Anything folk think definitely needs to be highlighted?
Posted 11 years ago # -
Lack of space for everybody (except cars) maybe?
Posted 11 years ago # -
The jug handle lights aren't even necessary at all IMO. Why not just make it Give Way?
I came that way yesterday by accident and saw two cyclists use the jug handle. They waited ages at the red light there for no reason while there was a completely clear road in front of them. Quality.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Tell the EEN that the taxis have agreed to pay our 'road tax' on our behalf in return for our support on the taxi rank issue.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I went that way yesterday in order to experience what all you lot had been talking about and wow it's just like you said!
I am completely at ease with tram tracks in general and don't find them too bad really but the way that it forces you out into traffic to get over them. Wowee. A fatality waiting to happen! (note I am very adept at coming off my bike at the moment due to CX)
Posted 11 years ago # -
This is long thread, and one which is getting directed to various politicos re the problem. Perhaps worth somebody doing a summary of the issue?
Posted 11 years ago # -
"Perhaps worth somebody doing a summary of the issue?"
Good idea.
I just sent this to a councillor (didn't bother with 'bad design especially in world class cycling city'.)
"
I know the tram lines aren't going to get moved.The taxi rank isn't going to get any bigger (Leslie is talking about a "feeder rank").
I don't know where taxis are 'supposed' to set people down!
'Cyclists' are just going to have to 'get used to it'. Mostly by finding other routes or not cycling (especially those still too scared to try).
There needs to some enforcement - perhaps ScotRail should put someone there to talk to 'its' taxidrivers.
There really should be 'rubber' inserts on some/all of the on-road sections.
BUT I thing part of the problem at Haymarket is the grooves next to the rails.
Part of the problem (and real potential for real disaster) is the fear (and reality) of vehicles too close behind. Lothian Bus drivers are well trained - not so for most of the bus drivers going west.
I also know that 'nothing can be done until the tramwork contract is finished'. But...
"
Posted 11 years ago # -
Story is running today (before I got the chance to input) with the taxi angle (thoguh there should be some bike coverage), my details have been kept for any follow-up.
Interesting thing the taxi chap told me was the way the council judges if there need to be more taxi licences. One of the factors is waiting time at major hubs. As was pointed out, with such a short rank, and no feeder rank, waiting times at Haymarket are going to get interesting for taxis, and in theory might show that more licences are needed, rather than a bigger rank, or new feeder.
Posted 11 years ago # -
"
EdinburghCityPolice (@EdinCityPolice)
21/10/2013 12:07
Officers tasked to taxi issues at Haymarket, contact made with @Edinburgh_CC re wardens, and images and cab numbers sent to Cab Office."
Posted 11 years ago # -
If you have told the authorities that something is unsafe, recorded evidence that it is unsafe and made suggestions as to how to make it safer does that mean that when a cyclist gets wiped by a car they can get a bigger payout when they sue? I only ask as I cycle down that road every day and whilst I can watch out for cars & buses on my right I now have to continue watching out for them plus taxis sticking out of the rank, taxis pulling across me into the rank, taxis exiting the rank, pedestrians moving in all directions, trams and of course calculate my angle of approach to the tram tracks. The less said about what I'll do when the road itself is slippy and I have to take sudden corrective action near the tram tracks due to afore mentioned hazards the better.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Ah, used some quotes from my email to Tony. Good good. (though I'm not sure I'm a founder of campaign group Citycycling, but hey ho).
Posted 11 years ago # -
My record at this junction since it reopened:
First time I jughandled (& ended up RLJing after a couple of light cycles wait).
Second time I took lane 1 (thankfully no illegally queueing taxis) but ran out of road at the barrier before I plucked up the courage to attempt the rails at a shallow angle on skinny tyres.
So now I take lane 2 at the Morrison St lights - gives a much better angle for crossing the westbound tram track, and also keeps one clear of taxi scofflaws. No doubt this strategy will induce apoplexy amongst Edinburgh's legendarily patient motorists but if it prevents me taking a nasty spill, who cares?
Posted 11 years ago # -
"not sure I'm a founder of campaign group Citycycling"
Keeps 'em guessing!
Posted 11 years ago # -
Cyclists & taxi drivers on the same side ! Things must be really bad !!
Posted 11 years ago # -
Wonderfully ironic comment:
"Edinburgh's cabbies seem to fit the 'cabbie profile' of having no other wish in life than to whine and moan about anything and everything"
Posted 11 years ago # -
Like this comment, was really the reason I mooted the idea in the first place:
"this is a very positive step being taken by road users about the issues at haymarket, and is the first time i have had the pleasure of reading an article about how these 2 groups are realising that working together on a common issue is better than taking sides, polarising, demonising and blaming the other, which is ultimately fruitless. I hope this is taken on board by some of the commenters here as a way forward to every group of road users if we can learn to trust and show mutual respect. Its a slim chance but a chance nonetheless. I welcome this. IO"
Posted 11 years ago # -
So which one pf "us" wrote it?
Posted 11 years ago # -
Front page news too!
Posted 11 years ago # -
It's not always a war between taxis and cyclists. This evening I was waiting at the lights on Morrison Street when a taxi pulled up on my left and wound down his window.
"Here we go" I thought.
"They aren't bikes" he said, as he pointed at the two black cabs that were occupying the cycle lane and the ASL. "B****y taxi drivers, they think they can do what they want!" I laughed at this and nodded, and then when the lights changed he waved me off first and said "take care".
A small exchange, but a nice one. :-)
Posted 11 years ago # -
A journey from Dalry Road to Torphicen Street.
A few interesting and substantially below-recommendation angles of crossing. A few rather unapproachable ASLs. A complete lack of "integration" with station access.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I'll try taking my life in my hands and go to work via Morrison Street / Glasgow Road to capture the relevant video.
Posted 11 years ago # -
In the evening news original article it stated that more than two million passengers used Haymarket station every day.? Approx 40% of the total population goes through the station every day? I think that might be wrong.
Kaps please take care.
Posted 11 years ago # -
kaputnik - I turn right into Torphichen St there most mornings. If you are using the left lane on exit, no reason not to continue further up the road before making a sharp right hand turn into lane. I've had no issues doing that - it is obvious to other traffic that you are turning right (as you've just sat at the lights whilst the straight on was green) so thus far I've not had anyone right on my back side or trying to squeeze by inappropriately. The ASL definitely helps there.
Posted 11 years ago #
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