TROs Banning Cycling

We have many names for them: alleys, snickets, entries, ginnels, passages. But whatever you want to call them, Worcester is littered with useful cut throughs which join streets, and allow passage for people on foot and bike. Some of these are a squeeze for two people on foot, others are wider than dedicated shared use pathways (the canal towpath for instance is limited to 1800mm width, but is part of the National Cycle Network).As a result of decisions made generations ago many of them in Worcester are subject to a Traffic Regulation Order which prohibits cycling. In some instances this remains sensible, however in other areas the order limits the useful of a valuable low traffic route which could be of great use in developing a cycling network in the city. It should also be noted that No Cycling sign is often ignored by young and old alike, with people instead taking a sensible and practical view when in comes to sharing space with other people, whether on foot or wheeling.Also of note is the series of TROs which prohibit cycling in the city centre between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00. Ad hoc surveys by Bike Worcester also show this is often ignored, Freedom of Information requests have shown thee has been no penalties issued either for breaking the TRO or the Public Space Protection Order which prohibits dangerous cycling. The city centre TROs were also opposed by West Mercia Police during the original consultation.This is all important for two reasons. Firstly, there are no designated routes with er north / south or east / west across the city centre, so the choice is either to break the TRO or cycle amongst multiple lanes of traffic, which is probably best described as requiring courage, experience and a thick skin; there are safer options.Bike Worcester have been provided details of the TROs by the Local Authority, and have surveyed many of the alleys to identify which could viably be changed to a Share with Care or Pedestrian Priority approach.