PHD get on their bikes with TfL

The PHD Group recently undertook a London cycling experience in conjunction with Michael Barratt MBE, the Development Impact Assessment Lead at TfL.
The team met Michael at Southwark Station outside the TfL head office where he explained to us the route we would be taking for a cycle tour of the area. This focused on locations where construction works were taking place to show us how collaboration, good design and planning can minimise the impact of construction works for those living and working in the area.

We arrived wearing our high-viz vests and departed from the station on Santander Cycles on route to the Embankment via Blackfriars bridge. Some of the team hadn’t cycled in London before and were pleasantly surprised at how safe the ‘Cycle Superhighway’ felt. The cycling tracks created an excellent environment for cycling – particularly as the route was fully segregated from the traffic.

During the cycle Michael highlighted both good and bad practices whilst stressing the importance of considering the needs of all road users. Key considerations included security of the sites, accessibility and minimising the impact of lengthy diversions on vulnerable road users.

Michael also introduced us to Benjamin Knowles, director of Pedal Me which provides a ‘pedal powered passenger and cargo service’ throughout London. This solution provides an environmentally friendly distribution system which allows users to beat the London traffic through their higher average speed. Their bikes can take up to 2 passengers or up to 150kg of cargo. At the moment they generally operate within a 5-mile radius of Waterloo Bridge but you can use them outside of the area if you pre-book.
At the end of the cycle tour Michael gave a presentation about working collaboratively with TfL, local communities and other contractors and showed us examples of best practice. The presentation following the cycle was extremely beneficial as it reinforced the impact of construction works on the public domain and in particular cycle routes
Danny Dwyer – Managing Director for PHD Modular Access commented: “The cycle tour was extremely beneficial to all members of the team and allowed us to obtain a first-hand experience of the difficulties faced by cyclist when they interface with our projects. As a company PHD Modular Access have undertaken to review how our works impact on the public domain to ensure we enhance the communities we work in.”

To find out more you can follow Michael Barratt MBE on Twitter and LinkedIn
@MBCyclingTM