How do you get across putney bridge?

notsoblue

I know a lot of us on here regularly commute across Putney Bridge. With the bridge currently being pedestrian only, how do you cross it?

asprilla

I did it for the first time in a few weeks today and walked (taking the time to put cleat covers on).

The route down smugglers way and over wandsworth bridge takes exactly the same time so I generally go that way.

iPete

Walk and now using SPD/Mtb shoes..

dhope

I used the little bridge to the east of it, the one you get to past Putney tube that comes out on Deodar Road. You have to walk the bike up some steps, but you're allowed to cycle over the bridge

rhodrich

When it was just the pavement, I was walking, but since they've opened up the central carriageway, there's plenty of room to ride (especially in the morning)

I don't know why they don't just divide it in two, and have a bike lane there.

In answer to the poll, I walk on the pavement, but cycle on the road, where it is safe to do so.

tgotb

Rhodrich wrote:

I don't know why they don't just divide it in two, and have a bike lane there.

Because the pedestrians (probably 90% of bridge users) would be back to the narrow lane that was there before, and getting stuck behind elderly people pulling shoppers etc. The current configuration seems a pretty optimal use of the available space, allowing plenty of room to overtake slower people.

Walking your bike over the bridge really isn't *that* much of a hassle...

ddraver

I ride over at walking speed. Deliberately staying behind someone walking...

Main reason being that one walk over would mess up my speedplay cleats. Usually it's fine as I don't commute at normal hours, but I confess at rush hour today i got a lot of looks

mroli

ddraver wrote:

Main reason being that one walk over would mess up my speedplay cleats.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/speedplay-coffee-shop-cleat-covers/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5300025138

will save you the evils...

rick_chasey

riding at walking speed is narrower than walking with your bike, and more convenient for anyone who has a modicum of common sense.

ddraver

mroli wrote:

ddraver wrote:

Main reason being that one walk over would mess up my speedplay cleats.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/speedplay-coffee-shop-cleat-covers/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5300025138

will save you the evils...

well true but we all know the reason is that I can't be arsed..

And I completely agree Rick but the (stupid) reality is that if it's ok to ride at walking pace then why is it not ok to ride at running pace and etc etc until you just get (foolish idiotic) people tearing across.

that said at the weekend there was a crazy old man physically stopping people cycling at whatever speed across the bridge and making a huge fuss. I rode behind him pulling funny faces which amused me in my own little way...

notsoblue

ddraver wrote:

mroli wrote:

ddraver wrote:

Main reason being that one walk over would mess up my speedplay cleats.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/speedplay-coffee-shop-cleat-covers/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5300025138

will save you the evils...

well true but we all know the reason is that I can't be arsed..

And I completely agree Rick but the (stupid) reality is that if it's ok to ride at walking pace then why is it not ok to ride at running pace and etc etc until you just get (foolish idiotic) people tearing across.

that said at the weekend there was a crazy old man physically stopping people cycling at whatever speed across the bridge and making a huge fuss. I rode behind him pulling funny faces which amused me in my own little way...

Won't someone think of the guide dogs.

rower63

notsoblue wrote:

Won't someone think of the guide dogs.

lol

dyrlac

Now that traffic levels are back to normal, making Wandsworth an exercise in suicidal filtering, the walk across PB is looking slightly more attractive. Tried it yesterday since I was in SPDs (rain forecast fail, was expecting to need the caadx for the wet). Felt dirty though. Thought about today whilst on the dolan (guaranteeing heavy rain later, sorry), but that's a long walk on speedplays even with keep on [c]overs. May have to suck it up. Any other experiences? How is smugglers this week? Traffic was backed up well past the turn off on Lower Richmond Road this am.

tgotb

Dyrlac wrote:

Now that traffic levels are back to normal, making Wandsworth an exercise in suicidal filtering, the walk across PB is looking slightly more attractive. Tried it yesterday since I was in SPDs (rain forecast fail, was expecting to need the caadx for the wet). Felt dirty though. Thought about today whilst on the dolan (guaranteeing heavy rain later, sorry), but that's a long walk on speedplays even with keep on [c]overs. May have to suck it up. Any other experiences? How is smugglers this week? Traffic was backed up well past the turn off on Lower Richmond Road this am.

PB was fine this morning. Bit busier, but not really any slower. The only things that would tempt me onto a different route would be a reconfiguration of the bridge back to a very narrow walkway (which I don't see happening) or Fulham playing at home (next game on 1st Oct).

drlodge

I'm cycing in tomorrow - do you still have to walk across the bridge, or can you *slowly* cycle i.e. stay in the pedals?

tgotb

drlodge wrote:

I'm cycing in tomorrow - do you still have to walk across the bridge, or can you *slowly* cycle i.e. stay in the pedals?

You have to walk. It's basically a busy walkway; from time to time you see someone riding, but in the rush hour it's every bit as antisocial as someone riding along a busy pavement, and seems to antagonise pedestrians accordingly.

For those who choose to commute in shoes they don't want to walk in, I gather you're allowed to ride along the footway beside the District Line bridge.

rower63

drlodge wrote:

I'm cycing in tomorrow - do you still have to walk across the bridge, or can you *slowly* cycle i.e. stay in the pedals?

a couple of days I've seen a PCSO standing in the middle of the bridge, though not this morning - beware

notsoblue

TGOTB wrote:

For those who choose to commute in shoes they don't want to walk in, I gather you're allowed to ride along the footway beside the District Line bridge.

Do you know this for sure? I've seen cyclists yelled at for cycling along there.

tgotb

notsoblue wrote:

TGOTB wrote:

For those who choose to commute in shoes they don't want to walk in, I gather you're allowed to ride along the footway beside the District Line bridge.

Do you know this for sure? I've seen cyclists yelled at for cycling along there.

Only hearsay I'm afraid. Hopefully someone will pop up here with first-hand experience.

I did see a TFL map somewhere, showing that as the recommended cycling route, and Google Maps seems to have it as the default cycling route, but neither of those constitute proof that you're allowed to ride.

Ian.B

TGOTB wrote:

notsoblue wrote:

TGOTB wrote:

For those who choose to commute in shoes they don't want to walk in, I gather you're allowed to ride along the footway beside the District Line bridge.

Do you know this for sure? I've seen cyclists yelled at for cycling along there.

Only hearsay I'm afraid. Hopefully someone will pop up here with first-hand experience.

I did see a TFL map somewhere, showing that as the recommended cycling route, and Google Maps seems to have it as the default cycling route, but neither of those constitute proof that you're allowed to ride.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=12975158&start=116

kurako

Putney Bridge will be opening on September 26 according to Wandsworth Council.

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/artic ... ptember_26

sketchley

Having gone that way last week, what exactly are they going to do for the next 2 weeks it's almost finished!

rower63

Sketchley wrote:

Having gone that way last week, what exactly are they going to do for the next 2 weeks it's almost finished!

same as they did for the first 2 weeks: drink tea and burn council budget

sketchley

Having just gone across I was amazed to see they've already dug it up in three places.....

rhodrich

Sketchley wrote:

Having just gone across I was amazed to see they've already dug it up in three places.....

Those are expansion joints. Makes sense to do them after the initial lay, as you'll end up with a much neater job that way.