Richard Branson's railroads + cycle-roads = Bronchs

Posted May 2015 as 'RB on roads for cycles ... Bronchs'

Revised August 2016

In March 2016 Richard Branson unveiled the first Azuma train for his East Coast rail franchise. He shows commitment to railroads. He has also come up trumps again with his idea to dedicate some roads for cycling only, ie cycle-roads. Trying to squeeze cycle lanes alongside existing traffic is a poor compromise. Good cycling space leads to conversation.

Picture by 105MM

Economically, environmentally, and mentally, it makes sense to invest in quality cycle-friendly designs. These will be at the expense of motor vehicles unless additional routes are built. Branson's thinking is good but it doesn't go far enough.

What would happen if he combined railroads and cycle-roads? Foster + Partners' SkyCycle design was rejected by Boris Johnson and David Cameron, who didn't have the imagination to see its potential. If cycle-roads are built above railroads there are a number of advantages:

• existing traffic flows are recognised and capacity increased
• no additional land is required
• cycle speeds are increased

Why not add fresh air and weatherproofing? SkyCycle + Bronchs is best.

Here's to freeing up our cities and citizens,

Elder Adok

Using empty platform space ... bronchs

Apart from signals and converging tracks, the end of most railway platforms are uncluttered.  How about using that space for connections into a cycle-friendly infrastructure?  Network Rail's plans for London Waterloo show the opportunity.

Instead of fighting through the main concourse and trying to grab a Boris bike outside the entrance, it would be as easy as walking in the other direction!  Smaller pods of bikes would be available safely screened from the tracks, or a folding Brompton bike could be used.  

Then it would be easy to cycle into dedicated cycleways which would gently climb above the tracks.  Such a light structure could connect to other London terminals within quarter of an hour.  These overground tubes would carry fresh air into the heart of the city ... they would be the bronchs.

Fantastic, futuristic but realistic!

Here's to that, Elder Adok