This contraflow lane is rather narrow and a slight upstand on the kerb makes it awkward to use the carriageway for overtaking and social riding if the carriageway is clear. The smooth hump separating it from the footway does allow cyclists to cross over on to the footway safely, but that is not something that pedestrians would appreciate. However, the new arrangement here replaces a scruffy one-way only carriageway, and the huge aesthetic improvement enhances social safety. Social safety is important if you want people to get about without feeling the need to be locked in a metal box. A contraflow lane improves permeability for cyclists, allowing them to shorten journeys and overcome the disadvantage of a low maximum speed. At the same time, the one-way street can be used as part of a wider scheme to block through motor traffic from where it is not wanted, but motorists are still allowed to use the street, both for driving and parking. All this has been achieved within the bounds of the existing, narrow street. So despite the shortcomings, this is still excellent. How it was in 2012: https://goo.gl/maps/xJwnc.
