HomeCycling is an efficient, cheap, quiet, healthy and non-polluting sustainable form of transport and we seek to provide safe, convenient and clearly identified cycle facilities, both to make cycling easeir and more fun and as part of our traffic management measures. Our aim is to reduce accidents and casualties involving cyclists and to increase the number of cyclists on the road.
To date, we and participating agencies have installed a number of features within the borough as part of the London and National Cycle Networks. These include:
Toucan signals
These are special traffic signals, similar to pelican crossings, that are designed for cyclists when crossing the road.
Advanced cycle stop lines
Within ordinary traffic-signalled junctions, there are two sets of stop lines on each approach. The one further from the signals is for general traffic, and the one nearer to the signals is for cyclists. This is gives space for cyclists to turn right safely, changing from the nearside to the offside.
Contra flow cycle lanes
A one-way street can mean that cyclists have to travel much further. A contra-flow cycle lane lets a cyclist travel against the direction of flow of the one-way street in safety, without being diverted from the road.
For a safe contra flow lane, the cyclists must be segregated at each end from the oncoming traffic by a traffic island. This can only be done if the road is wide enough. It also needs to have a parking ban throughout the length of the contra flow lane. This can be difficult in residential areas with limited off-street parking.
"Plug" no entry
This is where a road is two way throughout its length except for a short length of one-way working at one end.
Entry into the road is banned at one end and traffic is only allowed to exit. To help cyclists, a short length of contra flow cycle lane lets them travel past the no entry signs.
Cycle parking
The council has installed cycle parking stands for public use at locations throughout the borough such as at shopping parades, district centres, civic buildings, transport interchanges and other area of public interest. A substantial new facility is being developed at East Croydon station (Billinton Hill) thanks to a 3 year programme of Biking Borough funding from Transport for London, from 2011 to 2014.
Cycle safety
Croydon has an element of the Local Safety Schemes programme, called Cycle Safety Schemes, which is intended to identify and treat danger sites for pedal cyclists. Aspects currently being investigated include the development of a series of local cycle routes that aim to link the strategic network with local destinations and attractions. Exemptions for cyclists at existing traffic management measures, where practicable, is to be a high priority, as will further enhancement of existing cycle lanes.
Cycle maps
Free cycle route maps are available from TfL online or you can collect one from the Healthy Living Hub in the Clocktower, Katherine Street, Croydon.
Cycle strategy
Following consultation with external organisations such as the police, health authorities and cycling groups within the borough, we adopted our own cycling strategy.
The strategy seeks to consider cyclists as a whole throughout the borough and sets out how cycling should be promoted and encouraged for both recreational and utility purposes, thereby seeking to increase the proportion of journeys made by bicycle.
