An alternative route...

Oh deary me… I’ve calmed down a tad now! 

I cycled an alternative route into Leicester today.

For the last 6 months I have cycled the 7 miles route into St. George’s Retail Park from Goscote:

http://routes.bikehub.co.uk/journey/1184891/

  

But I recently wondered if a less-traffic-ed less risky route via “cycle ways” http://lbbd.cyclemaps.org.uk/signs/ and “the like, might be an alternative option in the dark or inclement weather.

And so ventured forth:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=201003114899875175931.0004ae91e1e4733681442&msa=0

Oh Dear Me! I bit my lip and restrained myself with my initial post-ride tweet!

“I’ll write more when I’ve calmed down! Alternative route into Leicester using less trafficed cycle infrastructure(?) AB-SOOOOO-LUTE JOKE!”

OK I am ignorant of the facts, and am not in a position to criticise, I should fall in line a let the affluenca drive by, but sorry, it was an absolute joke.

Perhaps because the road route I’ve been used to over the last 6 months has been a relatively enjoyable casual ride all the way in see comments here:

http://julesprichards.blogspot.com/2011/09/velocipeding.html

But I don’t know what to say about today’s experience. (forgive me, I am not familiar with the technical terms of the attempted cycle infrastructure)

(a) the quality shared cycle way from Goscote to Syston is unusable between 8-9 as its FULL of school children. Try and use it at your peril!

(b) the route through Syston, as oppose to the county route around it, is ridden with potential obstacles and hazards – It requires full attention at all times.

(c) traffic is heavier and faster and arguable less tolerant of cyclists on this route!

(d) the cycle path area on the road (and the paths later on) is frequently dirty and dusty with potential puncture hazards, I usually cycle further out in the road to avoid such.

(e) the suburban junctions are busier and being used more aggressively than those on the rural route.

(f) having to negotiate cycle ways that go onto pavements and off pavements and then utilise pedestrian crossings etc is a confusing pain in the backside.

(g) the suburbs are not attractive.

(h) the shared cycle way from Thrum to Leicester is potholed, dirty and in a state of bad repair. Where this crosses junctions etc. protocol is anyone’s guess, confusing and hazardous.

(i) lack of a clear route across Troon Way at the old Thorn Lighting crossroads is laughable and dangerous!

(j) route continues in poor condition

(k) route through park for 2 minutes is nice (and relax) but not sure I should be cycling on the footpath.
(l) off the main Melton Road, cycling through terraced suburbs is OK but constant vigilance is needed and roads are not in good condition and regular junctions, parking and hump hazards need careful passage. Not to mention ill-informed parents teaching their kids ‘street survival’ by not using crossings and walkways but just jaywalking every-which-way! Don’t get me started on that!

(m) the rat-run through the terraces is not idea due to the parking etc which needs constant vigilance if you’re not to be taken out by a pedestrian or a car-door etc.

The consequence of the above saw me get to work in a state of agitated high-tension, to say the least. If my reaction is subjective then the objective facts above are enough to rule it out as a practical alternative. I usually take 30mins on average to cover the 7miles. This trip also of 7miles took 40mins. That’s a 30+% longer!?

If city planners (or how ever it is that implements such) expect more people to cycle and use such facilities they are seriously short-sighted or indeed having a laugh!

Back to the country-route tomorrow.