Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 Regulatory Signs. 2008 (Second Impression 2008).pdf/154

CYCLE FACILITIES there are space constraints, such as on a pedestrian refuge. The sign may also be used for cycle tracks (see para 17.32).

'''963.1 Cycle lane with traffic proceeding from right (Sign for pedestrians)'''

"RIGHT" may be varied to "LEFT" and the cycle symbol reversed. "RIGHT" may be varied to "BOTH WAYS". "LANE" may be varied to "LANES" or "TRACK"

Where it is not practicable to provide a mandatory contra—flow cycle lane (prohibiting other traffic from using that part of the carriageway reserved for cycles), an advisory contra—flow lane might be considered. This is likely to occur where (a) oncoming vehicles need occasionally to encroach into the cycle lane, for example to pass parked vehicles on the opposite side or to pass cyclists travelling in the with-flow direction, (b) occasional loading and unloading needs to be allowed for within the lane, or (c) it is not possible to prohibit waiting in the lane at all times. Each of these situations will limit the benefit of the lane for cyclists, and the traffic authority will need to be satisfied that this form of provision will not unduly compromise their safety. Advisory contra—flow lanes should normally be considered only where either the 85th percentile speed of traffic is less than 25 mph, or vehicle flows are less than 1000 vehicles per day. The order required for the one-way street should permit cyclists to travel in the opposite direction without formally designating a lane for use by cycles only. The advisory lane is marked on the carriageway in a similar manner to an advisory with-flow lane, i.e. the boundary is indicated by a hazard warning line to diagram 1004. The line may be omitted where the two conditions referred above are both met, or where the road is within a 20 mph zone (see paras 14.30 to 14.32).

Figure 17-5 Contra—flow cycles with or without an advisory lane marked on the carriageway

This sign is not prescribed by the Regulations and requires authorisation

The one-way street signs to diagram 652 (see paras 4.35 to 4.37) are replaced by a non-prescribed variant of the sign to diagram 960.1 as shown in figure 17-5. Design details are provided on working drawing NP960.2, available from the Department on request. The drawing shows two sizes (as for diagram 960.1); the smaller size should normally be used, but the larger size might be more appropriate where no contra—flow cycle lane has been marked on the carriageway. Authorisation should be sought from the Department to use the sign (see para 2.1).

Where it is possible to provide a traffic island at the start of the contra—flow lane, signs should be the same as those shown in figure 17-3 and described in para 17.19. A "keep left" sign to diagram 610 should be provided on the island, facing oncoming traffic approaching the end of the one-way street. The island should also be protected by hatched markings as shown in figure 17-3. The continuous line denoting the edge of the cycle lane is replaced by a hazard warning line to diagram 1004. Where the lane is not marked along the whole length of the road (see para 17.24), a short length of hazard warning line, marking the boundary, should be provided at the start of the lane.

Figure 17-6 shows the start of an advisory contra—flow lane where it is not possible to provide a traffic island. This arrangement is not suitable for a mandatory contra—flow cycle lane. "No entry" signs to diagram 616 are not used because the absence of segregation would mean that they would apply to cyclists also. Direction 21(2) prohibits the use of the "Except cycles" plate with diagram 616, the main purpose of which is to protect the exit from a one-way road. "No entry" is a safety-critical sign which is very well respected. The only exception 152