STREETSCAPE GUIDANCE

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INTRODUCTION
PART A
A vision for London’s streets
PART B
From strategy to delivery
PART C
New measures for new challenges
PART D
Balancing priorities
PART F
Appendix
PART E
Physical design and materials
SECTION 6
Introduction
SECTION 7
High quality footways
SECTION 8
Carriageways
SECTION 9
Crossings
SECTION 10
Kerbside activity
SECTION 11
Footway amenities
SECTION 12
Safety and functionality
SECTION 13
Street environment
SECTION 14
Transport interchanges
Streetscape Guidance
Creativity and innovation should be directed
at improving the efficiency of movement,
the effectiveness of place, and in a way that
improves the overall street user experience.
To illustrate the level of creativity desired
on London’s streets, Streetscape Guidance
references domestic and international examples
of innovative streetscapes and streetscape
components. These examples are not intended
to be prescriptive but serve to demonstrate
what is possible by adopting an innovative design
attitude. While London is unique in character
and complexity, the examples throughout the
document highlight what may be achieved on
its streets.
4.2 Trials and tests
Achieving the vision for London’s streets requires
a willingness to adopt a wider range of measures
to address the emerging needs and functions of
streets and places. This can be realised through
trials and tests at small cost and scale to provide
an evidence base from which to make permanent
and positive change.
Off-street trialling of new measures, products,
materials or layouts in a controlled environment,
such as those at the Transport Research
Laboratory (TRL), is generally required prior to
proceeding to a DfT authorised on-street trial.
[Part C] New measures for new challenges 49
Off-street trials allow for quality testing and
the collection of user feedback to help shape
and refine proposals. Proceeding immediately
to on-street trials may be necessary for testing
site specific temporary measures, though should
be subject to a range of authorisations and
performance criteria assessments to determine
whether adjustments are required. The results
of on-street trials will determine if the measure,
product, material or layout can be successfully
implemented at a wider scale across London.
We are championing creativity and innovation at
TfL by turning approach into action. A collection
of examples below describe how innovation and
creativity are being applied across a number of
different functions.
Figure 36: Examples of creativity and innovation
that will occur throughout the document
Figure 37: Innovations and creative ideas are constantly being reviewed to determine
if they are right for our network
Protected junction temporary trial
Portland, USA
A ‘protected intersection’ designed to
eliminate cycle-car conflicts
Key functions
Opportunity
Right turns at junctions can put cyclists into
conflict with motor vehicles. A redesigned
junction can remove this conflict.
Benefits
This reinterpretation of a Dutch cycle-friendly
junction provides a phased and safe way to make
a right turn. The introduction of kerbs within the
junction reduces the crossing distance and offers
a refuge to cyclists while they wait to complete
their turn.
Implementation
Junctions that avoid merging cyclists and drivers
have proven safer for both. This is a trial aimed at
making junctions more comfortable for cyclists to
use. Cycle friendly junctions take many forms and
need to be adapted to their context.
The image shows a trial example of a cycle friendly
junction in Portland, Oregon, USA
(Image courtesy of Nick Falbo)
Applying in London
This Dutch inspired concept is being
studied to determine its suitability for
the London context. The hope is that the
design will provide an increased sense and
level of safety and comfort for cyclists,
especially at busy junctions. At the
moment this is a concept design which
will require further design development
and trialling prior to implementation.