The main problems
ACCORDING to campaigners, the main problems with cycling in Sevenoaks are:
The speed, volume and lack of consideration by drivers.
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Cycling is a problem in town
There is nothing to address the vulnerability and safety of cyclists.
A lack of facilities for parking bikes in the town, including by the library and railway station.
The roundabouts at Riverhead are busy and complicated to navigate which makes travelling from Dunton Green and Chipstead to the station difficult.
The large and busy junction at the station is intimidating.
Poor road surfaces force cyclists out from the edge of the kerb and into the traffic on many Sevenoaks streets.
The A25 from Westerham to Bessels Green is "dangerous" with cars driving on the left of cyclists to take the M25 slip road and on the right as they overtake.
Highway engineering has concentrated on aiding the quick flow of motorised traffic at the expense of vulnerable highway users – cyclists and pedestrians.
The traffic lights at the train station do not recognise cyclists and so do not turn green to let cyclists out of the station forecourt unless there is a car present.
Comments
by Velochick, Kent
Thursday, January 22 2009, 12:41PM
“Another big problem is the Kent media falling over themselves by taking advertising for gas guzzling cars and no or little advertising for bike shops. The Chronicle today states 'that they are backing the calls to make Sevenoaks a cycle-friendly town' but they have dedicated more than 11 pages of car ads in their Motor supplement. The heavy promoting adds to Sevenoaks pollution, obesity and deaths to cyclists in road accidents. The Chronicle needs to seriously tackle this issue and not do it half heartedly. If they are going to have a Cycling Campaign, then they need some decent bike shop ads.
Sevenoaks is a dreadful town to cycle in. I can't believe that often there is no cycle rack even by the new library.”