This smacks of demonisation of the trade when in fact it looks like there are no actual restrictions on using the lane, but the council are, er, promulgating a traffic order to exclude vehicles.
Anyway, the lane looks wide enough such that there's no real danger using it for drop-offs, but of course wouldn't be the first time cyclists would try to pick a fight about stuff like this
And they could always get on the pavement if a car is dropping passengers - I mean, it looks wide and uncrowded enough, and they'd probably be using the pavement anyway if the cycle lane wasn't there.
Cyclist almost fell off bike due to 'very dangerous' taxis pulling onto Nottingham cycle lane
https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/not ... ue-7765609
A campaign group has called for more enforcement
Image: Nottingham Post/Joel Moore
A cyclist has said she almost fell off her bike after a taxi pulled in front of her onto a Nottingham city centre cycle lane. Riders have described the lane in Canal Street, between Middle Hill and London Road, roundabout as 'very dangerous' due to the fact taxis are using it as a pick-up and drop-off point.
The two-way cycle lane, which is opposite to Broad Marsh Bus Station and opened towards the end of last year, is known for being blocked by vehicles. Nottinghamshire Live witnessed nine taxis and a delivery van block off half or all of the lane's width in the space of 20 minutes.
Nottingham City Council said it was putting in place a traffic regulation order that would give the authority the power to restrict the section. Abby Booker, who regularly cycles through the city, said she had had three near-misses in the last week.
"There's been three occasions in the last week where cars have pulled in as I'm approaching," said the 24-year-old. "I've not been run over but it's really frustrating that I'm using that lane and people think it's alright to block it completely.
Image: Nottingham Post/Abby Booker
"On one occasion I nearly fell off my bike trying to get back up the kerb as I came at a bad angle. If I was to fall off onto the road that could be really dangerous." Mark Beaven, chairman of Nottingham cycling campaign group Pedals, said he was aware of numerous complaints.
"It is very dangerous to block protected cycle lanes because it means someone cycling then has to join the road unexpectedly, thus endangering their lives. Enforcement by the council and the police should be much greater, particularly educating Taxi companies."
The issue was also raised by Nottingham MP Lilian Greenwood, who posted a photo on Twitter of a car positioned in the cycle lane.
Image: Lilian Greenwood/Twitter
Replying to the post, Sam Webster, Labour councillor for Nottingham city centre, listed measures that were in place, such as signage, and added: "Plus then whatever else it takes to prevent stopping on the cycle lane."
On Twitter, Councillor Sam Webster wrote:
- No stopping restriction consultation notices attached to the lamp posts
‘No stopping’ restriction will allow enforcement
20 mins free pick up and drop off in Broad Marsh car park with signage recently added
Plus then whatever else it takes to prevent stopping on the cycle Lane
A spokesperson for the city council said: "A traffic regulation order has been consulted upon and will come into force mid-November. New signage will also go up to make it very clear to drivers they cannot pull in here.
"Once the new signs have gone in, we will monitor the situation to see how effective this is. We are also looking at the design to see what physical measures can be implemented whilst also maintaining the attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment."
