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New Sheffield Hoops being installed on Solomon's Hill, Rickmansworth.

The vegetation here encroaches onto the contraflow bike lane, forcing cyclists into the path of oncoming traffic. This lasts for most of the year until it dies back in the winter.

Toucan Crossing. Visibility in this direction is fairly good. See #30802

Toucan Crossing. Visibility of the road in this direction is very poor. See #30802

Toucan Crossing. Visibility in this direction is good. See #30802

Toucan Crossing. Visibility in this direction is good. See #30802

At this Toucan Crossing there is a long delay between pressing the button and the lights changing in favour of the cyclist/pedestrian. This encourages people to cross without the protective safety of the traffic lights. This is particularly bad at this crossing as the visibility when crossing from south to north is seriously impaired by trees and the bend in the road (see #30805). The situation would be greatly improved if the lights changed immediately after the button was pressed. See also #30803, #30804, and #30806.

Quite possibly the most determined 'desire path' I have ever witnessed! Opening this route up for bikes and pedestrians would be of great benefit to the people on this housing estate.

A pointless obstruction on an otherwise good shared use path. The gap is too narrow even for bicyclists - the scratched paintwork is evidence of this. Anyone with disabilities (e.g those riding a trike or in a wheelchair) would find it difficult to pass through.

This shared use path is excellent. It is wide, smooth, well-kept and brightly lit at night.

The path provides a much safer alternative to cycling through the Watford Business Park.

Bollards.

This cycleway has been narrowed and there is a bollard making it even narrower.

A proper crossing has been provided here, but cyclists are forced to do a tight right turn through a narrow kerbed channel (which is full of debris). Cyclists often go to the right of the island which puts them at risk of a head-on collision with a vehicle exiting the Royal Mail complex.

Opportunities for improvement: redesign the junction with a smoother flow for cyclists. Give priority to cyclists and pedestrians in this area using raised areas.

Vehicle parked in contraflow bike lane.

See #30786

This one way road with a contraflow cycle lane provides a safer alternative to the dual carriageway to the west (also named Ascot Road). Unfortunately, the bike lane is regularly subjected to flooding, encroaching vegetation, broken glass and other debris, and parked vehicles (see #30789).

The only segregation from traffic coming the other way is a rumble strip that has mostly worn away. There appears to be no speed limit on this road and vehicles (including lorries from the Royal Mail sorting office) often travel very fast down here. Ideally the speed limit should be 30mph or less.

Problems with the shared use path at this point:
1) No priority over vehicles entering/exiting the side road
2) Obstructions from signs
3) Poor surface

The Toucan Crossings here change in favour of pedestrians/cyclists immediately after the button is pressed.

The Toucan Crossing on this side of the dual carriageway does not change in favour of cyclists/pedestrians immediately after the button has been pressed.

Cyclists/pedestrians are forced to wait a long time before they are able to cross. If there is a gap in the traffic they will cross anyway. When the lights eventually change, vehicles on the road will be left waiting at the traffic lights for no reason.

The Toucan Crossing here changes in favour of pedestrians/cyclists immediately after the button is pressed.

Problems with the shared use path at this point:
1) No clear delineation between cyclists and pedestrians.
2) No priority over vehicles entering/exiting the side road (which leads into the marina)
3) Obstructions from signs
4) Poor surface

Shared use path

This narrow footpath connects to a cycle lane at the far end (by the roundabout on the Rickmansworth Road). Cyclists often use this path in order to avoid the busy Rickmansworth Road and the large roundabout. In order to avoid conflict with pedestrians this path should be widened and cyclists should be formally allowed to use it.

See #30776

The road at this corner has been narrowed to form a tight chicane. The traffic lights allow vehicles from only one direction at any time. There is also a pedestrian crossing here. A sensor in the traffic lights gives priority to vehicles heading south towards the junction of Gade Avenue/Rickmansworth Road.

The road is so narrow here, cyclists must take the primary position to stop cars squeezing through at the narrowest point.

Possible solutions: 1) Change light phase to Red; Red-Amber; Green Bike Symbol; Green; Amber; Red. 2) Redesign road layout with cycleways.

See also: #30777

Four Sheffield Hoops, right next to Café Cha Cha Cha - just where you'd want them!

There are excellent shared use cyclepaths and footpaths throughout Cassiobury Park that provide cyclists with a safe route away from the busy roads. Unfortunately, this barrier forces pedestrians into the cycle lane. Perhaps a couple of removable bollards would be a better alternative here for the benefit of both pedestrians and cyclists.

Good cycle parking (Sheffield Hoops) outside Tesco Express. It is suitable for a short visit to pick up groceries. It is also well placed so that it doesn't take too much space away from pedestrians, but is far away enough from the wall to comfortably park your bike.

Sainsbury's have provided good cycle parking outside their store, but as this picture clearly shows they need to provide more!

Six covered Sheffield Hoops outside B&Q.

There are a large number of Sheffield Hoops near the main entrance to the Harlequin Centre in Watford.

This cycle parking outside Watford Central Library is rarely used. You can only attach your wheel to it securely and, as this picture shows, the wheel is the least important part for your common thief. Luckily, there are Sheffield Hoops all around this area.

This precarious cycle parking is outside Watford Metropolitan Station. It is impossible to secure the frame using a standard D-Lock. Sheffield Hoops would be more appropriate here, as it is mostly used by commuters rather than short-term visitors. For the same reason, covered cycle parking should be provided. Many people prefer to lock their bikes to the railings as it is more secure.