In the consultation on the original A38 cycle track, we pointed out that there would be a cycle track built from the Priory Road junction across to Moseley in the future, and that the designs for the junction should take that into account. Our point was ignored, and the consequence of that is this staggered toucan crossing. A significant issue with cycle infrastructure design in Birmingham is that each individual route is planned out as if nothing else will be built in the future. The focus is on individual linear routes, rather than a holistic network plan. Staggered toucan crossings like this are a barrier to increasing cycle rates. Section 10.4.19 of LTN 1/20 points out that they can create extra conflict with pedestrians, as well as being very difficult for non-standard cycles. I would find this staggered crossing very difficult to use with my tandem because of the extra length and width. Thankfully there is a much wider, single-stage, toucan crossing at Sir Harry's Road, but only local cycle users will know about that alternative on this National Cycle Network route - the alternative route ought to be signposted at this junction, as we suggested in our response to the consultation.
