Started by Gaspode NEW at 18/08/2009, 12:12pm
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I recently rode along the cycle path (Route 66) from Chellaston/Shelton Lock to Sinfin (beginning at the end of Sinfin Moor Lane). Whilst it's a pleasant area to ride through and would normally be preferable to using the roads in the area, I can honestly say that this is one of the worst 'official' cycle paths I've ever riden on - the tarmac surface is rippled and very uneven and the 'unfinished' surface is full of pot-holes and large stones. It may be o.k. for the MTB riders with their suspension, but I was riding a suspension-less hybrid and was shaken to pieces - thankfully I wasn't riding my road-bike as I'd have probably had to walk...
I've no idea who is responsible for this path, but whether it is the City Council or Sustrans, someone needs to take a serious look at it (if we're serious about being a 'cycling city'!)
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Blackberry NEW at 20/08/2009, 12:13pm
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This view also applies to the cycle path from Alfreton Road through to Little Eaton. The deteriorating tarmac surface leaves a lot to be desired and I am glad I have some suspension to help absorb the worst of the lumps, bumps & holes. I whole heartedly support the view that someone [whoever that may be] needs to do something about this.
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Ruth Sadler NEW at 20/08/2009, 04:40pm
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I'm sorry to hear about your bumpy journeys. I've reported your comments to the Highways Maintenance team here at Derby City Council. I'll post their response as soon as it comes through.
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Gaspode NEW at 20/08/2009, 04:54pm
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thanks Ruth - I'm not sure whether the maintenance people will be able to do much about Route 66 other than patch some of the potholes - the tarmac section is obviously an old road surface that really needs to be completely replaced (not likely to be high priority in the current economic climate). I actually rode the route again yesterday just to make sure I hadn't been too harsh with my comments (I hadn't!) - it was a relief to arrive at the Sinfin end of the path and find a smooth surface (although the amount of broken glass on the various underpasses leaves a little to be desired....). Think I'll stick to the roads in future - less stressful all round!
| This post was modified by gaspode on 11/02/2010, 08:59pm |
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Cycle Divas NEW at 30/09/2009, 02:16pm
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Yes, I'm cheesed off too at the quality of the path through Little Eaton. So much so that I've reported it to the FILL THAT HOLE campaign. You are all ware of this campaign championed by CTC aren't you? here's the web link http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/
Interestingly, you can view the league tables by Highway Authority that shows those Authorities that are proactively taking steps to fill them and those that aren't.
The league table ranks each Authority by percentage of reported hazards fixed and it makes interesting reading.
Out of 206 Authorities, Derby is ranked 56th (out of 209) there may be hazards that have been fixed that are still counted as being unfixed in the database.with 45% of the reported 56 hazards fixed. Derbyshire fairs a little better. Ranked 39th, it's fixed 49% of it's 187 reported hazards, but is this good enough?
To bring a balance of fairness to the discussion, it's acknowledged by www.fillthathole.org.uk that the results are a little pessimistic as there may be hazards that have been repaired that are still counted as being unfixed in the database.
One of the worst areas for potholes that I know is on the cycle route 56 by Derby Rugby Club leading towards Darley Abbey and Darley Fields. In fact, nearly fell off today, and I consider myself an experienced cyclist!
I'm a little fed up of cyclists being seen as 2nd class citizens. What's your thoughts?
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Rjc391 NEW at 28/11/2009, 07:02pm
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Gaspode, you'll be pleased to "hear" that quite a few of the holes on Sinfin Moor Lane have been filled... you'll be far from pleased to "see" it for your self!
I rode that so called cycle path today, to go and watch the cyclo-cross at Sinfin Park, and even though I was on my old mountain bikethe ride was far from enjoyable. The standard of repair is at best poor, much of it is even worse than the old surface! I hate to think what this route will be like if we have a hard winter!
| This post was modified by rjc391 on 11/02/2010, 08:59pm |
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Nottinghammick NEW at 8/02/2010, 09:58pm
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In addition to poor quality surfaces....WHY WERE CYCLE PATHS IN AND AROUND DERBY ALLOWED TO BECOME SO DANGEROUS DURNG THE RECENT SPELL OF SNOW AND ICE??????
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Rjc391 NEW at 9/02/2010, 09:52pm
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I have mixed feelings over the clearing of cycle paths during the snow... the river path from Raynesway to the city end of Pride Park was, for much of the time, smooth packed snow. I found this to be smoother than the tarmac itself and, on mountain bike tyres, also to have a reasonable amount of grip. My commute times were not much slower than normal dry conditions - I don’t ride all that slowly either.
That all changed when the council gritted the paths leading up to a football game at Pride Park. The paths quickly became a mix of slush, standing water and also patches of ice that had not been treated. Personally, I wish they hadn’t done anything at all to the path and had left well alone! After a couple nights of freezing temperatures the path was almost unrideable as all the water just turned to ice. My commute times almost doubled.
The plus side of treating the paths... easier to walk on. I just don’t walk that often! 
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Nottinghammick NEW at 11/02/2010, 09:34am
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I agree, packed snow is fine but a bit of sunshine followed by a freeze and the ice forms anyway. A properly treated surface would be ice free.
I think my underlying feeling is; Derby touts itself as a "Cycling City" and yet seems to ignore cyclists when a little extra money needs to spent on maintenance and safety.
Sorry for the rant but I feel better having got it off my chest.
Thanks
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Triban5pete NEW at 11/02/2010, 08:59pm
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I'd be interested to know if the electricty people and the people behind the new industrial park on the Alvaston bypass are going to make good all the damage that has been caused to the cycle route by the river between Alvaston and Borrowash. As NottinghamMick says, Derby touts itself as a cycling city, its easy to say, but it still has an awful long way to go.
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