We’re nearing the end of the London Road upheaval but l see more problems ahead.
Trees and multi-coloured pavements do not solve the continual traffic problem that makes this one of the most polluted streets in the UK.
The new and striking rust-covered and sculpted plant containers do add something in terms of street furniture. They soften the harshness of a noisy and choked thoroughfare.
The summer greenery will also play a token role in absorbing some of the carbon produced by all those cars and lorries – but l loved the comment about how the ‘improvements’ were like ‘putting lipstick on a pig.’
With respect to pigs everywhere – and as one who doesn’t eat them – it’s a great way of illustrating how the traffic issue has been just played with over the years.
Getting down to finer detail. I am sure the original planting spec was for an edging of box privet hedge for the planters.
Instead we have a pendulous ivy-type plant which is already hanging down to the pavement. How much further can that grow?
A bigger issue to come is the arrival of a lane for cyclists. Some of the white markings have gone down but – as yet – no cycle symbols.
I was amused watching drivers darting up the inside only to be caught by the ‘scoop’ – that little baseball-type ‘glove’ meant to ‘catch’ cyclists and take them back onto the cycle-lane on the newly surfaced pavements.
I drive and cycle and say Bath has to accept the fact that motor traffic does not have the final say any more. Dealing with it – and lessening its central city effect – is a big issue and will take time and determination.
However – in the meantime – let’s open up Bath to people on bicycles and on foot.
Not in an arrogant way – l have seen plenty of cyclists going too fast, shooting through red lights and not even having a bell on their handlebars – but in a genuine and thoughtful determined effort to offer a healthier alternative to getting about in the city.
Maybe its time for some enterprising person to bring back the sedan chair but maybe this time handled by robots?!
