MP says it is "a matter of time" before a cyclist is killed on stretch of Nottingham tramway

I emailed local cycling pressure group 'pedals.org' (as much use as a chocolate fireguard but that's another issue...) stating the design of this stretch at the Hop Pole stop was not fit for purpose, and predicting a serious injury or death as a direct result.

Unfortunately my prediction has come true - the cyclist was in a coma for weeks and suffered broken ribs (all on one side), arms etc due to being run over by a following car.

FYI the MP (whatever you may think of her politics) has actively taken this issue up and is holding an open meeting on 26/02 (do not have venue info).

In the meantime the design remains as before with no interim or temporary measures to mitigate the risk.

This is a revelation, the MP isn't blaming cyclists!

Old-style trams went down the middle of the street and we had Tram Pinch signs to warn when the rails got close to the kerb. Re-engineering new systems on to modern streets does not always allow this.

Track was in later systems (Glasgow's 1930's network) largely reserved.

There are around 5 ways that rails in the road can cause problems for vehicles with rubber tyres - in particular cycle tyres, and especially cycle tyres less than 37mm tyre diameter (the groove is almost a perfect wedge fit for 37-XXX tyre sizes) 

2 key ways to reduce risk of a fall 1) do not cycle too slowly when crossing the rails at a shallow angle 2) do not apply a strong turning or braking force when crossing the rails at ANY angle.

2 key factors in track presentation 1) rail must not be raised significantly above the abutting road surfaces (original NET track - install to +0mm -6mm limit - action required (Sheffield) when steel is more than +3mm above road surface) 2) abutting road surfaces to be flat/smooth and high friction finish. 

Attempts to fill the groove on tram rails have been tried out for many years - I've studied this since 1989 - for some vary basic reasons this will never work with grooved rails - and the tight curves on tram tracks require the use of grooved rails.  On straight plain track standard vignole rail can be used and standard level crossing systems can be fitted. 

Guerilla op. with a few cans of builders' expanding foam?

Someone riding over rubber inlay filled tracks in Chicago

The solution isnt difficult.

Not just cyclists, but motorcycles and mopeds are also likely to find these rail tracks highly dangerous.

I guess this is the section under discussion - Google Streetview.

Unfortunately the raised area of pavement in the middle of the carriageway, presumeably to stop motorists from attempting to overtake stationary trams, will discourage many cyclists from taking a primary position on that section of road.

Primary, between the rails, is the safe position but taking it requires the consideration of following motorists. Rubber inserts will help but the still leaves a very slippery rail in the wet, directly where many cyclists will end-up avoiding the raised pavement at the tram stop.

Ultimately this comes down to sharing the road space. Maybe there needs to be signage warning motorists to slow down for cyclists?

Glad that the MP is involved in something like this, I wish Daniel Zeichner in Cambridge gave as much of a damn.

However, lets hope that

Quote:

Seemingly of a mind that the stretch of road is currently unfit for cycling, Soubry has called for clear signage telling cyclists to dismount.

doesn't become the central part of making the road safer, and that the actual solution of rubber inserts is persued.