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2020.06.16
2 Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the signage in areas where cyclists and pedestrians mixed (OQ.161/2020):
Will the Minister state whether it is his assessment that there is currently sufficient signage in those areas where cyclists and pedestrians mix and, furthermore, whether the principle of pedestrian priority in such areas is sufficiently robust in law for it to be enforced?
Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Infrastructure):
While we keep this under continuous review using onsite observations and excellent statistics for established routes I am satisfied that signage is sufficient.
[9:45]
This can be a very subjective matter to the lay person. There are always people who will want more signs and there are people who do not like excessive signage clutter. As with all road safety initiatives, continuous reinforcement of the message is required through messages such as bike ability training and the police's annual "Let's take care of one another". In areas where pedestrians have priority there are well-established provisions in our rules that allow for these areas to be enforced, if required.
3.2.1 The Connétable of St. Helier :
I am surprised the Minister believes that the signage is adequate because the cycling and pedestrian promenade from town to St. Aubin, as far as I know, there is nowhere there that tells cyclists that they must give pedestrians priority and indeed we are all aware of reports of a minority of cyclists unfortunately cycling extremely fast endangering children, elderly people and the like who happen to stray into the path of oncoming cyclists.
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
There will always be people who disobey the laws but I think it is quite clear to everybody who is cycling that they must watch out for pedestrians and ignorance of the law is no excuse and cyclists should always give way to pedestrians and cycle at a reasonable speed when there are pedestrians around.
The Connétable of St. Helier :
Could I ask the Minister to answer my question because there is no signage that says cyclists should give way to pedestrians on the shared space. Is he willing to provide some?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I am more than happy to look at that again but, as I say, there are signs around, especially from the harbour area right the way around where it is literally a shared space; not space side by side. But people are aware of the rules that they must keep in the cycle lanes and not stray into the pedestrian areas. But I will of course ask officers to look at that again.