mjr wrote:Improved signs are a quick win but only if the infrastructure exists and is used enough that missing/needed signs actually get spotted and reported and fixed. Things like http://www.fixmystreet.com have helped with reporting but getting them fixed is still a problem which is why I'd like people who use bikes to take control. Maybe we can agree some guidelines that are worth following? For example:-[...]
- route arrow stickers should be placed fairly high so they aren't easily obscured by parked vans
- a → turn arrow on the last available pole before a turn
- a ^ confirmation arrow on the first available pole after a turn
- sideways-facing double arrows ←→ at intervals along the route, both as confirmation and advertising the route to newcomers
- print the route arrows as circles so the same sticker can do duty for all arrow directions, colour code the arrow backgrounds and print the route endpoint names around the circle border
Interestingly, I found http://www.randovelo.org/fr/vebalis.php recently which I've translated as http://mjr.towers.org.uk/proj/cyclynn/waymarking.html - it differs from the above list in that confirmation arrows should be after all junctions not only turns, side-facing arrows are a no-no (not worth the cost saving) and it uses simple paint or stickers so the endpoint names aren't gonna happen.
I didn't think the = waymarks would be recognised here, so I looked to see what is already used in the UK and found https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... of-way.pdf which uses blue arrows for bridleways. I guess blue arrows could be used for cycleways without much problem.
Of course, as a government publication, it says it's "essential" to contact the highway authority which "is responsible for the rights of way in its area. Its duties include erecting and maintaining signposts wherever a footpath, bridleway or byway leaves a surfaced road, and waymarking those rights of way where, in the authority’s opinion, it is necessary to help anyone unfamiliar with the locality to follow the route."
That's just not realistic, is it? We've got far too many highway authority opinions that cyclists should get lost rather than have any help following routes. We should have blanket permission allowing some reasonable modest waymarking like the Walloons!