This Is London's Floating Bike Road Dream
GARY CUTLACK - GIZMODO UKTODAY 1:00 AM
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A team of architects has updated and fleshed out its SkyCycle plan — a bizarre concept that would use the empty channels above some train lines to build floating, bike-only cycle superhighways.
The idea, should it ever be allowed, approved, funded and built, is to create a 220km network of elevated cycle routes spanning the city of London, accessed through various slipway ramps, that would begin with a first phase linking east London to Liverpool Street Station.
The cost for this aerial bike lane would be around $300 million, which is the sort of loose change that ought to easily be dug out from the back of various governmental sofas. If it gets the go-ahead, the network would take 20 years to complete, and then our cyclists and drivers could both go their separate ways and stop punching each other in the face at junctions.
Hopefully there will be separate lanes though — one for the lycra enthusiasts to race each other in and another for the family dawdlers and sightseers — else we might see the battle for possession of the city’s travel space simply moved a little higher up. [BBC]
Plans for 'cycle utopia' above London's rail lines
Each route would accommodate 12,000 cyclists per hour, it is claimed
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Plans to build a network of cycle paths high above the streets of London are being put forward for consultation.
SkyCycle is a 136-mile (219 km) route, with the first phase, proposed from east London to Liverpool Street Station, costing more than ￡200m.
If approved, the 10 routes would be built above existing rail lines and would take about 20 years to complete.
The plans will be sent out to interested parties for feedback before a planning application is submitted.
Sir Norman Foster, the architect who designed London's Gherkin tower, has been working with Exterior Architecture and Space Syntax on the concept since 2012.
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Cycling in the city
• Almost six million people live within the catchment area of the proposed network
• Almost three million people live and work within 10 minutes of a proposed SkyCycle entrance
• Each route can accommodate 12,000 cyclists per hour
• SkyCycle is expected to improve cycling journey times by up to 29 minutes
• Between 2006 and 2011 the number of cycling casualties on the roads rose by half
He said cycling was one of his great passions, particularly with friends.
"I believe that cities where you can walk or cycle rather than drive are more congenial places in which to live," he said.
'Lateral approach'
"To improve the quality of life for all in London and to encourage a new generation of cyclists, we have to make it safe.
"However, the greatest barrier to segregating cars and cyclists is the physical constraint of London's streets, where space is already at a premium.
"SkyCycle is a lateral approach to finding space in a congested city. By using the corridors above the suburban railways, we could create a world-class network of safe, car free cycle routes that are ideally located for commuters."
He said early studies of a SkyCycle system indicated that it provided capacity at a much lower cost than building new roads and tunnels.
The car-free cycle routes will be accessed via ramps at more than 200 points.
Sam Martin and Oli Clark of Exterior Architecture Ltd said: "SkyCycle is an urban cycling solution for London. A cycling utopia, with no buses, no cars and no stress."
A spokesman for Network Rail said they supported the plans.
He added: "We are always happy to look at ways we can contribute to improving travel and transport in London. We will continue to liaise with all involved as the aspiration for this innovative scheme develops."
发表于 2014-1-2 11:00:35
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