Friday, October 8, 2010

Lupus Street - London's Worst Cycling?

Lupus Street, SW1 is a convenient cycle route that enables the cyclist (and the rat-running motorist) to avoid the busy 4-lane Grosvenor Road. It is part of the London Cycle Network, so it is an official cycle route.

It is also an exemplar of how not to do cycle infrstructure. It really is total cr@p. Come with me, dear reader, on a brief tour:

First, the good bit. It's only good because the western end of the street is currently closed to traffic due to roadworks:

After the roadworks, things get steadily worse.

There are three things wrong here. Parking is allowed in the cycle lane. The cycle lane is advisory only, and is narrower than it could be because Westminster Council have chosen to have a hatched area in the middle of the road to keep the two lanes of speeding traffic apart. This street could have a 20MPH limit, but Westminster Council hate speed limits as much as they hate cyclists. Lastly, you've got those railings right by the road, so if a speeding driver cuts you up, you'll be heading straight for them (and St Tommy's A&E).

Next, you see the cycle lane is right next to a junction and then right next to a line of parked cars. There is no door zone: if you are stupid enough to cycle in the cycle lane you're at risk of getting knocked off by someone opening a car door. In fact, the cycle lane marks exactly where you should never cycle. For safety and to be visible, you should be in the main traffic lane in this situation. Of course, what Westminster Council could have done is have a segregated cycle path - look how wide the road is. But that might just encourage cycling, which Westminster don't want.

Next, you see two vans, one half-parked in the cycle lane, one completely blocking it.

Another cycle lane. Parked vehicles are encroaching into it. Even if they weren't, you should under no circumstances cycle in it as it has no door zone. But because it's there, drivers will probably expect you to do so and get quite upset if you get in their bit of the road.

Why is this car in the cycle lane? Because there's a well-placed pedestrian refuge that forces them into it. This is truly lethal. But it gets worse...


The cycle lane here is on the left, but most cyclists will be going right. Yet traffic in the inside lane may turn left across a cyclist. It is absolute lunacy to put the cycle lane where it is: it encourages cyclists to be exactly where they shouldn't be. Either the left turn should be banned, or the left lane should be made left-turn-only and the cycle lane should be between the two traffic lanes.

What annoys me most is they've actually spent money ruining a perfectly good road. It would be safer for cyclists if they'd done nothing at all. Because they've spent money and bought a pot of paint, it looks like cyclists should be grateful for this consideration. Someone who doesn't cycle may think: what have cyclists got to whinge about? Look at all this marvellous infrastructure! Cyclists should really pay the congestion charge and road tax like the rest of us!

16 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for this - I cycle down this road every day on the way home from work (and turn right to go over Vauxhall Bridge at the end like almost everyone else). You're spot on about motorists getting annoyed because of the presence of the cycle lane - I frequently incur their wrath for occupying what they perceive to be their part of the road.

    The other amusing (although not particularly harmful thing) is that in the final picture the arrow in the left lane points both straight on and
    left, but traffic cannot straight on at that junction.

    The sad thing is, the door zone cycle lane is by no means anomalous or even confined to Westminster. Off the top of my head I can think of one in Hammersmith and Fulham (Hammersmith Road going East between Hammersmith station and Brook Green) and Lambeth (Caldwell Street in both directions - which also has the advantage of pedestrian islands which encourage cars to overtake cyclists at the narrowest point of the road).

    ReplyDelete
  2. There's a parallel route I discovered along Churchill Gardens Road/Chichester Street, which is a lot quieter. The road surface looks like it hasn't been repaired since Churchill was Prime Minister, but that apart, it's worth a look.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am currently representing a driver accused of opening a door of his vehicle in Lupus Street so as to injure or endanger a passing cyclist. There is a grim inevitability about the CCTV, which incidentally shows two other vehicles obstructing the cycle lane and main highway, one of which steals another vehicle's right of way! It seems that the width of the parking bay and the width of the cycle lane are both narrower than the Department for Transport's design standards advise -- 1.8m and 1.5m (minimum) respectively, whilst the width of the primary lane is significantly more than advised, at 3.15m, rather than 2 - 2.5m. If anyone should be in the dock, it should be Westminster highways department; they should be obliged to employ at least one two-wheeler user and at least one inveterate pedestrian.

    ReplyDelete
  4. i won $1,000,000 in the powerball lottery, I took an advice from some person who talked about this great spell caster called Dr Iyaryi the person placed a testimonies on a blog saying how Dr Iyaryi helped him win the lottery by sending him the winning number i was curious and i thought it was all joke not until i contacted this spell caster to know for myself how this work cause i have spend a lot buying tickets and i never win. I contacted him and he told me the necessary thing that need to be done and i did it and he told me to wait for 3days and truly he gave me the winning numbers to play the lottery which i did, Can you believe my name was the first among winners. He told me (my son all i need you to do for me is make sure that you share this testimonies to others so that they can also win the lottery cause i do not have much time to spell on the internet) so that is why i am sharing this testimony with you that if you want to win the lottery this is the way online tips can not help you driayaryi2012@hotmail.com is the only answer to that your problem of winning the lottery

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Sir/Ma,

    We are genuine certified Financial Instrument providers. Presently, we only focus on BG/SBLC for Lease and purchase purposes. Our Lease BG/SBLC is 4+2% and purchase at 32+2%.

    * FOR LEASING OF BG/SBLC
    MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
    LEASING FEE = 4%+2%

    * FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
    PRICE = 32%+2%
    MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M

    Kindly contact us for our procedures and be sure that we shall respond within 48hrs maximum.

    Intermediaries/Consultants/Brokers are welcome to bring their clients and are 100% protected. In complete confidence, we will work together for the benefits of all parties involved.
    Rafferty Vandor
    E-mail : raffertyvandor@gmail.com
    Skype id : raffertyvandor@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. We are exclusive agent to direct providers of Fresh Cut BG, SBLC, MTN Bonds, Bank draft and Loans which we have specifically for lease. We do not have any broker chain in this offer or get involved in Chauffer driven offers. We deliver with time and precision as set forth in the agreement. You are at liberty to engage our leased facilities into trade programs as well as in signature project(s) such as Aviation, Agriculture, Petroleum, Telecommunication, construction of Dams, Bridges and any other turnkey project(s) etc.

    DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUMENTS:
    1. Instrument: Bank Guarantee (BG/SBLC) (Appendix A)
    2. Total Face Value: Eur 5M MIN and Eur 10B MAX (Ten Billion USD) .
    3. Issuing Bank: HSBC Bank London, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank Frankfurt.
    4. Age: One Year, One Month
    5. Leasing Price: 3% of Face Value plus 2% commission fees to brokers.
    6. Delivery: Bank to Bank swift.
    7. Payment: MT-103 or MT760
    8. Hard Copy: Bonded Courier within 7 banking days.

    The Leased Instruments includes: BG’ s, Insurance Guarantees, MTN, ( SBLC) Standby Letters of Credit and Third Party Guarantees such as a standby forward commitment to purchase or a standby loan. If you are a potential Investor or Principle looking to raise capital, we will be happy to answer any questions that you have about this opportunity and to provide you with all the details regarding this services.

    Our BG/ SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded, loan financing, please let me know if you are interested in any of our services, by providing you with yearly renewable leased bank instruments. We work directly with issuing bank lease providers, this Instrument can be monetized on your behalf for 100% funding.


    BROKERS ARE WELCOME & 100% PROTECTED!!!

    We are ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days, if interested do not hesitate to contact me direct.


    Regards

    Philip James
    Email: info.frjames1971@gmail.com
    Skype: info.frjames1971@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. FINANCIAL AGENT LIMITED provides a full financial planning service to both the commercial and domestic markets. At IQ FINANCE PLC we believe that financial planning is about two things: creating wealth and protecting wealth. These two objectives are at the heart of everything we do. And, as a member of FINANCIAL AGENT LIMITED Services, we give you a small-company service but with a large-company set up – the best of both worlds.  
    You are at liberty to engage our leased facilities into trade programs as well as in signature project(s) such as Aviation, Agriculture, Petroleum, Telecommunication, construction of Dams, Bridges and any other turnkey project(s) etc. Our terms and Conditions are reasonable. 
    Leasing Price : 6%+2%
    Buying Price: 38%+2%

    Contact us for more details on our terms and procedure of transaction.

    NAME  :Jason Edward
    EMAIL :financialagentltd@gmail.com
    SKYPE :financialagentltd@gmail.com  

    ReplyDelete
  8. We are major/Direct providers of Fresh Cut BG, SBLC, POF, MTN, Bonds and CDs and this financial instruments are specifically for lease and sale.We are one of the leading Financial instrument providers with offices all over Europe. 
    We are major/Direct providers of Fresh Cut BG, SBLC, POF, MTN, Bonds and CDs and this financial instruments are specifically for lease and sale.We are one of the leading Financial instrument providers with offices all over Europe. 
    we always deliver on time and precision as Set forth in the agreement. You are at liberty to engage our leased facilities into trade programs, project financing, Credit line enhancement, Corporate Loans (Business Start-up Loans or Business Expansion Loans), Equipment Procurement Loans (Industrial Equipment, Air crafts, Ships, etc.) as well as other financial instruments issued from AAA Rated bank such as HSBC Bank Hong Kong, HSBC Bank London, Deutsche Bank AG Frankfurt, Barclays Bank , Standard Chartered Bank and others on lease at the lowest available rates depending on the face value of the instrument needed, Our Terms and Conditions are reasonable. 

    DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUMENTS: 
    1. Instrument: Bank Guarantee (BG)/SBLC (Appendix A) 
    2. Total Face Value: 10M MIN to 50B MAX USD or Euro 
    3. Issuing Bank: HSBC, Deutsche Bank Frankfurt, UBS or any Top 25 . 
    4. Age: One Year, One Day 
    5. Leasing Price: 4 1% 
    6. Sale Price: 32 2% 
    7. Delivery by SWIFT . 
    8. Payment: MT103-23 
    9. Hard Copy: Bonded Courier within 7 banking days 

    We are ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days, if interested do not hesitate to contact me direct. 

    Name:May Gary 
    Email:algecoglobalfinanceplc@gmail.com 
    Skype::algecoglobalfinanceplc    
    or let us know via WhatsApp:+1(218)2417690 

    ReplyDelete
  9. We are direct providers of Fresh Cut BG, SBLC and MTN which are specifically for lease/sales, our bank instrument can be engage in PPP Trading, Discounting, signature project(s) such as Aviation, Agriculture, Petroleum, Telecommunication, construction of Dams, Bridges, Real Estate and all kind of projects. We do not have any broker chain in our offer or get involved in chauffeur driven offers. We deliver with time and precision as sethforth in the agreement. Our terms and Conditions are reasonable, below is our instrument description. The procedure is very simple; the instrument will betg reserved on euro clear to be verified by your bank, after verification an arrangement will be made for necessary bank documents and stock testing expenses, the cost of the Bank Guarantee/Standby Letter of Credit will be paid after the delivery of the MT760, Description OF INSTRUMENTS: 1. Instrument: Bank Guarantee (BG/SBLC) 2. Total Face Value: Eur/USD 5M MIN and Eur/USD 10B MAX (Ten Billion EURO/USD). 3. Issuing Bank: HSBC Bank London, Barclay's bank London,Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank Frankfurt. 4. Age: One Year, One Month 5. Purchasing Price: 32% of face value plus 2% commission fees Leasing Price: 4% of Face Value plus 1% commission fees. 6. Delivery: Bank to Bank swift. 7. Payment: MT-103 or MT760 8. Hard Copy: Bonded Courier within 7 banking days. We are ready to close leasing/Buying with any interested client in few banking days, if interested do not hesitate to contact me Name : PAUL DAVID Email: pauldavid20001@gmail.com Skype: P_david123@outlook.com whatsapp:+447921551354

    ReplyDelete
  10. We are direct providers of Fresh Cut BG, SBLC and MTN which are specifically for lease/sales, our bank instrument can be engage in PPP Trading, Discounting, signature project(s) such as Aviation, Agriculture, Petroleum, Telecommunication, construction of Dams, Bridges, Real Estate and all kind of projects. We do not have any broker chain in our offer or get involved in chauffeur driven offers.

    We deliver with time and precision as sethforth in the agreement. Our terms and Conditions are reasonable, below is our instrument description.

    The procedure is very simple; the instrument will be reserved on euro clear to be verified by your bank, after verification an arrangement will be made for necessary bank documents and stock testing expenses, the cost of the Bank Guarantee/Standby Letter of Credit will be paid after the delivery of the MT760,

    Description OF INSTRUMENTS: 1. Instrument: Bank Guarantee (BG/SBLC)
    2. Total Face Value: Eur/USD 5M MIN and Eur/USD 10B MAX (Ten Billion EURO/USD).
    3. Issuing Bank: HSBC Bank London, Barclay's bank London,Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank Frankfurt.
    4. Age: One Year, One Month
    5. Purchasing Price: 32% of face value plus 2% commission fees Leasing Price: 4% of Face Value plus 1% commission fees.
    6. Delivery: Bank to Bank swift.
    7. Payment: MT-103 or MT760
    8. Hard Copy: Bonded Courier within 7 banking days.
    We are ready to close leasing/Buying with any interested client in few banking days, if interested do not hesitate to contact me



    Name : Paul David
    Email:pauldavid20001@gmail.com
    whatsapp:+447921551354

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello
    We are a trade finance company that uses our own credit lines to facilitate the issuance of financial guarantees like BG, SBLC, DLC and more. If our services will be of help to you, let us know so we can guide you with our process.
    Mobile | WhatsApp: +19893413179
    Email:mohammedahsan877@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello,

    We Offer Swift MT760 BG/SBLC, FC MTN, Letter of Credit { LC }, MT103Etc.

    N/B: Provider's Bank move first.

    Let me know if you have any need for the above offers.

    Thanks
    Name: Jerry Osborne
    Email: osbornej715@gmail.com
    Skype: osbornejerry123@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. FINANCIAL PLANNING LOAN COMPANY
    DO YOU NEED A FINANCIAL HELP? ARE YOU IN ANY FINANCIAL CRISIS OR DO YOU NEED FUNDS TO START UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS? DO YOU NEED FUNDS TO SETTLE YOUR DEBT OR PAY OFF YOUR BILLS OR START A GOOD BUSINESS? DO YOU HAVE A LOW CREDIT SCORE AND YOU ARE FINDING IT HARD TO OBTAIN CAPITAL SERVICES FROM LOCAL BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTES? HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL SERVICES FROM OUR COMPANY. WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING FINANCE TO INDIVIDUALS- *COMMERCIAL FINANCE *PERSONAL FINANCE *BUSINESS FINANCE *CONSTRUCTION FINANCE *BUSINESS FINANCE AND MANY MORE: FOR MORE DETAILS.CONTACT US VIA. EMAIL at: {Libertyprivatefunding@yahoo.com},
    or better still you can decide to send us a message directly on WhatsApp via : {+447535135409}, loan with us today and be credited within a lightning speed.

    ReplyDelete
  14. We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
    of taking up time bound transactions.
    FOR LEASING OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
    MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
    LEASING PRICE = 4%+2%
    FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
    MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
    PURCHASE PRICE = 32%+2%
    Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
    loan financing by providing you with yearly.
    RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
    I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
    Name : Christopher Liam
    Email : trustedfinancemandate@gmail.com
    Skype : trustedfinancemandate@gmail.com
    WhatsApp: +13475948294

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Guys..

    Selling Legit & Verified Spammed Fullz
    Updated Fullz with guarantee results
    USA UK Canada All states Available
    Fresh Spammed & never sold

    Here I'm

    (at)killhacks | 752822040 I>C>Q
    (at)Leadsupplier | (at)killhacks TLGRM
    bigbull0334 (at) onion mail . org E.mail

    CC CVV's with billing address (USA|UK|CANADA)
    SSN DOB DL ADDRESS USA
    SIN DOB ADDRESS MMN CANADA
    NIN DOB ADDRESS SORT CODE UK
    HIGH CREDIT SCORE PROS 700+
    YOUNG AGE FULLZ 2002+
    BUSINESS EIN COMPANY FULLZ USA
    CLONING CARDS DUMPS WITH PIN TRACK 101 & 202
    SBA|PUA|UI|UBEREATS|DOORDASH PROFILES
    TAX RETURN FILLING PROS
    REAL DL|ID FRONG BACK WITH SELFIE USA|UK|CANADA
    REAL PASSPORT PHOTOS
    SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE IN BULK (AGE|GENDER|DOB|CITY|ZIP)
    OLD AGE & YOUNG AGE FULLZ AVAILABLE
    DEAD FULLZ
    GLOBAL REAL ID'S FRONT & BACK
    CARDING & LOAN METHODS
    SPAMMING TUTORIALS
    SCRIPTIING METHODS & TUTORIALS
    SCAM PAGES
    SMTP|RDP|C-PANEL|WEB-MAILER
    BULK SMS SENDER|EMAIL SENDER

    Quality stuff available
    Payment upfront (BTC|USDT|ETH|LTC)
    Many other stuff we can provide on demand

    ReplyDelete
  16. FULLZ AVAILABLE

    USA INFO:
    -------------
    >SSN DOB DL ADDRESS
    >High Credit Scores Pros
    >Real ID|DL Front Back with Selfie & SSN
    >Business EIN Company Fullz
    >Young Age Fullz 2002 above
    >SBA|PUA|UI|DOORDASH|UBEREATS Filling Fullz

    CANADA INFO:
    ------------
    >SIN DOB ADDRESS
    >High Credit Fullz
    >DL|ID Front Back with Selfie

    UK INFO:
    ---------
    >NIN DOB ADDRESS
    >NIN DOB DL ADDRESS
    >NIN DOB ADDRESS SORTCODE
    >DL|ID Front Back with Selfie

    CARDING INFO:
    --------------
    >CC with CVV & Address
    >Carding Tutorials
    >Carding tools & Videos tutorials
    >Loan Methods
    >Dumps cahs out tools|Guides & Tutorials

    Many other stuff available as well
    Bulk quantity fullz also available

    For Order

    (at)leadsupplier - (at)killhacks > Tel.Gram
    (at)killhacks - 752822040 > I C Q
    hacksp007 @ DNMX . org
    (at)peeterhacks > Skype

    ReplyDelete