stalbanslife Rotating Header Image stalbanslife Rotating Header Image stalbanslife Rotating Header Image

03 Dec, 2009

Posted by: In: Latest News|Town Centre

A safer St Albans for our students

london-rd-traffic-lightsThe recently proposed “Twenty Is Plenty” (speedlimit) for St Albans is something all drivers might benefit from! The Green Party and St Albans Cyclist Campaign members have asked the council to support this idea, but a county council cabinet member says that the decision would need the support of the full community.

St Albans is well known for its schools, of which there are many. During winter it is dark early and the students coming home from school are everywhere, usually without reflective clothing/bags. Drivers are aware of the dangers but nothing can prepare you for an invisible person walking across a pedestrian crossing right in front of you! My brakes have been well tested during these times and I am just thankful I haven’t caused injury. In cases like this, a slower speed limit would help both driver and pedestrian.

A compulsory 20 mph would make the roads more appealing to those residents who would love to cycle but simply wont! They are afraid of the dangers but to add to this, drivers have little patience with their slow speed. As a casual cyclist, I can relate to this problem and end up cycling on the footpath. Unfortunately this upsets some pedestrians, so its a no-win situation!

Perhaps it would be a double benefit if the Twenty Is Plenty idea came into force and simultaneously all students were expected to wear something reflective. Why bother learning the road-code if you are not seen?

For St Albans Green Party news: http://stalbans.greenparty.org.uk/news/100

For St Albans Cycle Campaign news: http://www.stacc.org.uk/

3 Responses to "A safer St Albans for our students"

1 | Simon GroverNo Gravatar

December 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am

There are many many benefits of 20mph limit applying to all residential roads – read more at http://www.stalbans.greenparty.org.uk/news/100 You can also download a letter to send to the Council telling them that you support the idea.

2 | MikeNo Gravatar

December 8th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Cycling on the footpath is illegal and carries a £30 on the spot fine if you get caugh. Morraly it’s pretty indefensible- you risk crashing into pedestrians on our narrow pavements, especially elderly people, those pushing strollers and the visually impaired.

Ride on the road, about a metre from the kerb to make sure you’re visible to drivers and have space to move into should you need to. If you need some help or coaching try http://www.stacc.org.uk (St Albans cycling campaign) or email me and I’ll take you for a ride on the roads where you’re meant to be!

3 | mariaNo Gravatar

December 13th, 2009 at 9:29 am

Thanks for your advice Mike. When the speed limit comes down, I will do more cycling and I may experience the respect from drivers that I have experienced as a cyclist in Germany. Your website is very good and I commend you on your work as a group.

Comment Form

Newsletter

Enter you email


Latest Poll

What are the best things about St. Albans?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Visitor locations

free counters

Since 21st July 2009

stalbanslife

This is a community website for residents and visitors to the city of St Albans. Useful links are provided in the sidebar to the left of the page and summaries of posts about recent and upcoming events are in the middle section.

Local groups and societies are invited to send us details and images of events using the Contact form

If you wish to contribute posts to stalbanslife, please follow this link to register