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September 2018 meeting

12th September 2018 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Monthly meeting to plan rides and events, and coordinate campaigning for better cycling facilities in Welwyn-Hatfield.

Everyone welcome.

MINUTES:

Attendees: WelHatCycling: Adam E., Chris W., Roger M., David D., Ian G, Adrienne. WHBC: Vikki H. HCC: Dale T.

1. Issues with cars parking on or driving across cycle/dual use paths were discussed, with particular regard to the recently installed path at Woods Avenue, Hatfield. This was considered to be due in part to the unclear nature of the new cycleway, and its adjacency to the main carriageway. Options discussed included imposing a traffic regulation order (TRO) – i.e. yellow lines; extending a proposed verge protection order (VPO) to Woods Ave; adding white paint markings to include a solid white lane at the border with the carriageway and cycle signs along the path; adding bollards at the border with the carriageway.
ACTIONS: DT to investigate white painting. VH to investigate VPO.
Other problem areas noted were Hare Lane and opposite Hatfield Station, although the latter has resolved since work finished in the area.
CW commented on a related issue in Woods Ave, with access to the cycle path from perpendicular roads impeded by the curb. Options to add dropped curbs were discussed – by doing so this would generate an uncontrolled crossing, which brings a potential risk that would need to be considered in a safety audit.
ACTION: CW to email DT with details.
The opportunity was also taken to discuss enforcement options.
For close passes or blocked cycleways – matter for the Police, e.g. via 101 phone line.
Parking on yellow lines – East Herts enforcement. Issues with this should be passed to VH.
Parking on verges – in practise impossible to inforce unless driver observed.
Timings for light-controlled crossings: HCC report a highway fault. [post-meeting note: DD testing with Stanborough crossing.  Quickly “closed” but crossing still slow to respond]
2. A414 Colney Heath junction: CW described the hazards of cyclists & pedestrians crossing London Road along the cycleway to the North of London Colney Roundabout, and in particular crossing the N-bound lane. Reported in 2013; requires a toucan crossing.
Related: DT commented that the option for adding a Pegasus crossing to the A414 longabout was under early consideration as part of a casualty reduction scheme.

3. Overgrown hedges.
French Horn Lane – overgrown hedge will be looked into by DT (ACTION).
ACTION AE: Send hedge case number for French Horn Lane to VH.
Related: VH raised the issue on conflict between Alban Way cyclists and Ellenbrook Lane motorists. The merits of the various options (previously discussed) were reiterated.
DT mentioned possible forthcoming safety schemes for Black Fan Road and the Ridgeway.
CW raised the issue of poor comms with HCC cycling rep. ACTION AE to follow up.

[VH and DT left the meeting]

4.Alban Way: Cottonmill Lane crossing – Network Rail has proposed closing the railway crossing at Cottonmill Lane – which is part of the local cycle network. It was noted that it would be inappropriate to close the crossing without providing a nearby alternative.

5. Rides and Events:
16 Sept – Oaklands College CycleFest, 9am – 3pm at St Albans campus. Roger to attend.
22 Sept – Hatfield Healthfest – 9.30 am setup. Roger to take kit; help needed esp. at set-up. AE available.
7 Oct – Ride to Tewin Apple Day [IG]

6. AOB: Covered during other agenda items.

Details

Date:
12th September 2018
Time:
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Humphrey’s Cafe, Campus West
Campus West
Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX United Kingdom
+ Google Map
View Venue Website

Organiser

David Dixon

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