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Greenwich ParkAssessment of St.Mary's Gate, Vanbrugh Gate and Blackheath Gate for The Royal Parks
02 December 2011
2
Greenwich Park
Atkins Job Number: 5097289 Document Reference: Greenwich Park Assessment of St.Mary's Gate, Vanbrugh Gate and Blackheath Gate
Printing A3 Double Sided
Revision Purpose Description Originated Checked Reviewed Authorised Date
0 Draft report for client review GS AC RH AH 31.10.2011
1 Final draft GS RH RH AH 18.11.2011
2 Final report GS RH RH AH 02.12.2011
This document and its contents have been prepared and are intended solely for The Royal Parks’s information and use in relation to Greenwich Park.
Atkins assumes no responsibility to any other party in respect of or arising out of or in connection with this document and/or its contents.
302 December 2011
Greenwich ParkAssessment of St.Mary's Gate, Vanbrugh Gate and Blackheath Gate for The Royal Parks02 December 2011
Table of ContentsSummary of Findings 5
Appendix 17
4
Greenwich Park
502 December 2011
Summary of Findings
1Summary of Findings
6
Greenwich Park
About Greenwich ParkGreenwich Park is the oldest Royal Park and part of the Greenwich World Heritage site. It is a major green space in south-east London, covering 74 hectares of land between Blackheath and the river Thames. The Park is a popular tourist attraction, also due to the presence within its boundaries of a number of historical buildings, such as the Old Royal Observatory, the Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.
The Park is open to pedestrians and cyclists from 6:00 to dusk throughout the year. It is accessible to pedestrians via eleven gates along its perimeter. St. Mary’s Gate is the main access from the Greenwich Village area. It is open to cyclists and, at peak commuting times, to vehicles. The Avenue and Blackheath Avenue provide the main route between St. Mary’s Gate and Blackheath Gate, and are open to vehicular traffi c at peak commuting times. Vanbrugh Park Gate is accessible to cyclists and connected to the other cycle routes within the Park via Great Cross Avenue and its continuation as a path shared by pedestrians and cyclists. All other gates are for pedestrian access only.
St. Mary’s Gate and Blackheath Gate are open to vehicular traffi c at peak AM and PM times. In September 2011, the opening hours for vehicles were 7:00 - 10:00 and 16:00 - 20:00.
The map in Figure 1 shows Greenwich Park in its wider context, including tourist attractions, transport connection and surrounding neighbourhoods.
GR
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MAZE HILL STATION
GREENWICH STATION
DLR-ISLAND GARDENS
RIVER THAMES BOAT SERVICES10 minutes walk from Greenwich Park1 hour trip to Westminster Millennium Pier
GREENWICH PARK
ROMNEY ROADCUTTY SARKClosed for restoration reopens 2010
NATIONALMARITIMEMUSEUM
THE QUEEN’S HOUSE
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE
BLACKHEATH
RIVER THAMES
ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH
FLAMSTEED HOUSE
LEWISHAM
GREENWICH
ST. MARY’SGATE
CIRCUSGATE
KING GEORGESTREETGATE
CROOM’S HILLGATE
CHESTERFIELDGATE
BLACKHEATHGATE
VANBRUGH PARKGATE
MAZE HILLGATE
MAZE HILLHOUSE GATE
CREED PLACEGATE
PARK ROWGATE
PETER HARRISON PLANETARIUM
THE AVENUE
ROYAL PARKSTENNIS COURTS
BLACKHEATH AVENUE
RANGER’S FIELD
PAVILIONTEA HOUSE
GREAT CROSS AVENUE
BOW
ER
AVEN
UE
ONE TREE HILL
CHILDREN’SBOATING POND
THE FLOWERGARDEN
CHARLTON WAY
SHOOTER’S HILL ROAD
LONG POND WALK
THE DELL
LODGE
LODGE
FOLLY POND
LAKE
THE WILDERNESSDEER PARK
REMAINS OFROMAN SHRINE
GREENWICHMARKET
LOVERS WALK
GENERALWOLFESTATUE
QUEEN ELIZABETH’SOAK
OLDRESERVOIR
THE ROSEGARDEN
QUEENCAROLINE’SBATH
McCARTNEY HOUSE
HERBGARDEN
JUBILEE AVEN
UE
RANGER’SHOUSE
COCKPITSTEPS
NELSON RD
KING
WILLIAM
WALK
CROOM’S HILL
GEN
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LFE RO
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BLACKHEATH HILLSHOOTER’S HILL RD
PRIN
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MAZE HILL
GREENWICH PARK STREET
PARK ROW
TRAFALGAR ROAD
CREEK ROAD
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GLOUCESTER CIR
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KING G
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TREET
CIRCUS STREET
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PR
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STR
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PEYTON PLACE
BLISSETT STREET
COLLEGE APPROACH
CU
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CRANE STREET
OLD WOOLWICH ROAD
HOSKINS STREET
LASSELL STREET
FEATHERS PL CORVETTE SQTHALIA CLOSE
PARK VISTA
TOM SMITH CLOSE
LEMMON ROAD
WOODLANDS PARK ROAD
TUSKAR STREET
TRAFALGAR ROAD
WOOLWICH ROAD
RODMERE ST
VANBRUGH HILL
COLOMB STREET
WOODLANDS PARK ROAD
WOODLANDS GROVE EARLSWO
OD STREET
CALVERT ROAD
ANNANDALE ROAD
DINSDALE ROAD
HUMBER ROAD
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WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD
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VAN
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WYCHERLEY CLOSE
COLERAIN
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VANBRUGH PARK
MAZE HILL
DUKE HUMPHREY RD
WEST GROVE
WESTGROVE LANE
WINFORTON STREET
MAIDENSTONE HILL
HYDE VALE
LUTON PLACE
ROYAL PLACE
BURNEY STREET
ROAN STREET
PARKOFFICE
POIN
T H
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DIAMOND TERRACE
KING WILLIAM IVSTATUE
BANDSTAND
SPORTSPAVILION
THE ORCHARD
POLICESTATION
SUNDIAL
HERBACEOUSBORDER
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CADE ROAD
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ROYA
L HILL
GREENWICH CHURCH ST
DLR-GREENWICH 10 minutes walk from Greenwich Park CRO
OM
S HILL
ST ALFEGE’SCHURCH
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEACHURCH
CAPTAIN COOKSTATUE
VANBRUGH CASTLE
ORNAMENTAL FOUNTAIN
DEER HIDE
ANGLO SAXON TUMULI
THE SECRET GARDENWILDLIFE CENTRE
UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH
TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC
PEPYS BUILDING – TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Moving October 2008 to Greenwich Church Street, returning to Pepys Building Autumn 2009
DEVONPORT HOUSE CONFERENCE CENTRE
THE FANMUSEUM
CONDUIT HOUSE
PAINTED HALL
CHAPEL
DLR-CUTTY SARK7 minutes walk from Greenwich Park
188.199
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Cartography by N
ick Gibbard, R
oger Stewart &
Paul McEw
an | ww
w.posterm
aps.co.uk
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BLACKHEATH STATION15 minutes walk from Greenwich Park
GOFFERS’ ROAD
Park features
Public access sites (opening periods vary)
Non public access sites
www.royalparks.org.uk
HERITAGEMaritime Greenwich was inscribed as a World Heritage Site (WHS) by UNESCO in 1997, standing among the most important sites in the world,
alongside the Taj Mahal, Versailles and the historic centres of Venice, Florence and Bath.
The ensemble of buildings set in and around Greenwich Park, the oldest Royal Park in London and bordered to the north by the River Thames reads like a who’s who of British architecture.
Inigo Jones, Sir Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, Sir John Vanbrugh, and Joseph Kay all have important and beautiful examples of their work here, which together constitute the World Heritage Site.
When you visit the Royal Observatory you can stand astride the Prime Meridian – Longitude 0° – with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and
the other in the west and you can check your watch against Greenwich Mean Time.
Covering 74 hectares (183 acres) Greenwich is the oldest enclosed Royal Park and home to a small herd of Fallow and Red deer. Situated on top of a hill, visitors enjoy sweeping views across the River Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.
The World Heritage Site is shown within the coloured border, illustrated on the map.
SPORT & LEISURECYCLING is allowed on roads and designated cycle paths only.
RUGBY & CRICKET are played at the south end of the park, close to Blackheath Gate. Pitches may be hired on request.
T: +44 (0)20 8858 2608
THE TENNIS CENTRE is located to the north of Rangers’ Field. Coaching courses are run for children and for adults. Tournaments are organised and teams play in local tennis leagues.
For further information on opening hours, booking, coaching, courses and facilities;
T: +44 (0)20 8293 0276
www.playzennis.co.uk
PUTTING takes place adjacent to the tennis centre, where putters and balls can be hired. For information on opening hours and booking;
T: +44 (0)20 8858 2608
EATING & DRINKING
THE PAVILION TEA HOUSE has large gardens at the front and rear and serves a selection of food and drink, including alcohol. Children’s parties are catered for. Other facilities include payphone, toilets, baby change, high chairs, and a car park.
Opening hours: 9am-8pm in the summer, 9am-4pm in the winter
T: +44 (0)20 8858 9695
SAINT MARY’S GATE CAFÉ serves a range of cakes, pastries and hot and cold drinks. There is a large private garden at the rear. Facilities include high chairs, toilets, and tourist information.
Opening hours: 9am-8pm in the summer, weekends only in winter.
T: +44 (0)20 8858 9695
THE WILDLIFE CENTRE
A small herd of Red and Fallow Deer live in the Wilderness Deer park. There is a deer hide which is open on the last Wednesday of each month from 10am to 3pm. The wildlife centre is available for children’s parties by prior booking.
T: +44 (0)20 8858 2608
MILES 1 2 3
KILOMETRES 2 3 4 5
THE ROYAL PARKSOF LONDON
RICHMONDPARK
BUSHYPARK
HYDEPARKKENSINGTON
GARDENS GREENPARK ST JAMES’S
PARK
GREENWICHPARK
REGENT’SPARK &
PRIMROSE HILL
1 QUEENSWAY 2 PADDINGTON 3 MARYLEBONE 4 LANCASTER GATE 5 MARBLE ARCH 6 BAKER STREET 7 REGENT’S PARK 8 ST JOHN’S WOOD 9 CHALK FARM10 MORNINGTON CRESCENT11 EUSTON12 ST PANCRAS13 KING’S CROSS14 HIGH STREET KENSINGTON
15 HYDE PARK CORNER16 GREEN PARK17 CHARING CROSS18 WESTMINSTER19 ST JAMES’S PARK20 VICTORIA21 HAMPTON22 TEDDINGTON23 HAMPTON WICK24 KINGSTON UPON THAMES25 HAMPTON COURT26 RICHMOND27 NORTH SHEEN28 MORTLAKE
29 BARNES30 EAST PUTNEY31 NORBITON32 CUTTY SARK33 GREENWICH34 BLACKHEATH35 MAZE HILL
RAILWAY STATION TUBE STATION DOCKLANDS LIGHT
RAILWAY
RAIL & TUBE STATIONS CLOSE TO THE ROYAL PARKS
DLR
DLR
BROMPTONCEMETERY
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14 15
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35Police Station
Bus Stop
i Information
P CarParking
PDisabledCarParking
PARK MANAGEMENT
Derrick Spurr Greenwich Park Office, Blackheath Gate Charlton Way, Greenwich, London SE10 8QYT: +44 (0)20 8858 2608 F: +44 (0)20 8293 3782
CONTACTING POLICE
T: 999 for emergencies. T: +44 (0)300 123 1212 for non-emergencies within the park. You can also report a crime online at www.online.met.police.uk
The park is open from 6am for pedestrians, and 7am for traffic all year round. There is no through traffic from 10am to 4pm each day and the park is closed to through traffic at weekends and bank holidays. Parking facilities at weekends and bank holidays are available via Blackheath Gate.
Docklands Light Railway
Public Toilets
Disabled Toilets
Children’s Play Area
Statue
Drinking Fountain
Viewing Platform
Fountain
WALKING DISTANCE (APPROXIMATE MINUTES) 5 10
Café
Restaurant
Seasonal Café
• WO
RLD
HERITAGE • PATRIMOIN
E M
ON
DIA
L •
PATR
IMONIO MUNDIAL
Cycling permitted
Jubilee Greenway
World Heritage Site
• WO
RLD
HERITAGE • PATRIMOIN
E M
ON
DIA
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PATR
IMONIO MUNDIAL
Coach parking
Coach set down and pick up
Register for Royal Parks updates www.royalparks.org.uk/registergreenwich
Figure 1 Map of Greenwich Park and surrounding area showing the three study areas
BLACKHEATHGATE
LODGE
FOLLY POND
DUKE HUMPHREY RD
PARKOFFICE
ICETION
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ST. MARY’SGATE
HERBGARDEN
KING WILLIAM IVSTATUE
OO
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FANEUM
ROO
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VANBRUGH PARKGATE
LODGE
Vanbrugh Vanbrugh Park GatePark Gate
Blackheath GateBlackheath Gate
St. Mary’s GateSt. Mary’s Gate
702 December 2011
Summary of Findings
Monitoring objectivesAtkins has been commissioned by The Royal Parks to undertake an assessment of walking, cycling and vehicle fl ows and interactions at three gates in Greenwich Park:
• St. Mary’s Gate;
• Vanbrugh Park Gate; and
• Blackheath Gate.
Atkins has extensive experience in assessing fl ow levels and behaviours in green spaces, and have previously undertaken a number of studies for The Royal Parks, including a cycling review of Greenwich Park in 2009.1
The aim of this study is to highlight potential issues with the design and layout of the areas immediately around each gate, and inform subsequent actions to improve access to the Park by all users. This has been achieved by recording walking, cycling and vehicular fl ow levels, and to observe interactions between modes at the three locations.
This report presents the fi ndings of the assessments, which are based on video footage fi lmed on Wednesday 21st September between 6:00 and 20:00. The methodology used to undertake the analysis is presented in Appendix A on page 17.
1 “Greenwich Park Cycling Review, Confl ict and Level of Service Assessment”, Atkins, 26 August 2009.
Figure 2 Aerial view of St.Mary’s Gate, Greenwich Park Figure 3 Aerial view of Vanbrugh Park Gate, Greenwich Park Figure 4 Aerial view of Blackheath Gate, Greenwich Park
The Avenue
Nevada StreetSt.Mary’s GateSt.Mary’s Gate
Blackheath GateBlackheath Gate
King William
Walk
Blackheath Avenue
Maze Hill
Vanbrugh
Park
Duke H
umphrey Road
Charlton Way (w
est)
shared path
Charlton Way (e
ast)
Figure 5 St.Mary’s Gate, Greenwich Park Figure 6 Vanbrugh Park Gate, Greenwich Park Figure 7 Blackheath Gate, Greenwich Park
Vanbrugh Vanbrugh Park GatePark Gate
8
Greenwich Park
Flow levelsA comparison of fl ow levels recorded at the three gates is shown in Figure 8.
Pedestrian Activity
St. Mary’s Gate shows the highest number of pedestrians, with a peak of around 1,000 people between 16:00 and 17:00. The fl ow profi le suggests a relatively high number of people use St. Mary’s Gate throughout the day, with peaks in the morning, lunchtime and the afternoon. This is likely explained by its proximity to Greenwich Village and its function as an access point for visitors to the tourist attractions located within the Park. St. Mary’s Gate is also used by university students to enter the Park in the afternoon during term time.
Blackheath Gate also provides an access point for visitors of the Royal Observatory, especially those arriving at the coach and bus stops located just outside the Park’s boundary on Charlton Way. The highest pedestrian fl ow (over 400 people) is recorded at Blackheath Gate between 17:00 and 18:00 and is mostly comprised of large groups of tourists.
Vanbrugh Park Gate shows a more residential use, with a relatively low number of pedestrians and peaks in the morning (about 120 people between 08:00 and 09:00) and the evening (almost 200 people between 16:00 and 17:00).
Cycling Activity
Cycling activity in Greenwich Park follows a typical commuting pattern, with similar AM and PM peaks at all three gates (8:00-9:00 and 18:00-19:00 respectively). Very low cycling fl ow levels are recorded during the middle of the day.
The highest number of cyclists (approximately 200 cyclists per hour) is observed at St. Mary’s Gate between 08:00 and 09:00. There is also a relatively high number of cyclists using Blackheath Gate, with approximately 130 cyclists between 08:00 and 09:00, and 150 cyclists between 18:00 and 19:00. This shows that the Park is well used by cyclists, many of whom likely prefer using it over busier roads for their journeys to and from work or school. Table 1 Comparison of fl ow levels at the three gates Figure 8 Comparison of fl ow levels at the three gates
Flow levels
Gate Mode Weekday fl ow
AM peak
hour *
PM peak
hour **
TOTAL day
St.Mary’s Pedestrians 200 882 4914
Cyclists 202 138 848
Vehicles 482 368 2362
Vanbrugh Park Pedestrians 124 182 1142
Cyclists 86 56 338
Blackheath Pedestrians 116 416 2104
Cyclists 132 150 674
Vehicles 572 442 3100
400
600
800
1000
trians
perho
ur(PPH
)
0
200
0600 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900
Pede
st
St.Mary's Vanbrugh Park Blackheath
200
400
yclespe
rho
ur(CPH
)
00600 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900
Cy
St.Mary's Vanbrugh Park Blackheath
400
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800
cles
perho
ur(VPH
)
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200
0600 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900
Veh
ic
St.Mary's Blackheath
* AM peak hour is 0800-0900 for all modes, except for pedestrians at Blackheath who peak between 0900 and 1000.
** PM peak hour is 1800-1900 for all modes, except for:- pedestrians at St.Mary’s and Vanbrugh Park Gates peak at 1600-1700;- pedestrians and vehicles at Blackheath peak at 1700-1800.
pedestrians
cyclists
vehicles
Motorised Vehicles Flow Levels
Motorised vehicles are allowed in the Park during commuting times. Table 1 shows the fl ow levels during the day. The highest numbers are recorded in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 (just under 500 vehicles).
More motorised vehicles use Blackheath Gate than St. Mary’s Gate throughout the day. This is likely due to people using the signed vehicle parking along Blackheath Avenue, adjacent to Blackheath Gate.
902 December 2011
Summary of Findings
St. Mary’s GateFlow levels
The proximity of St. Mary’s Gate to the National Maritime Museum, and local attractions and transport facilities in Greenwich Village makes it an important access point into and out of Greenwich Park. Cycling and pedestrian activity is higher at St. Mary’s Gate than at Blackheath Gate and Vanbrugh Park Gate, as shown in Figure 8 on page 8.
The pedestrian fl ow profi les in Figure 11 shows the total number of people walking in and out of Greenwich Park through St. Mary’s Gate during each hour. The graphs indicates that a relatively high number of visitors to the Park use this gate throughout the day, and no distinguishable ingress/egress pattern is identifi ed.
The highest fl ow of pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles through the gate is recorded during the AM peak hour between 8:00 and 9:00. Approximately the same number of cyclists and pedestrians use the gate during the AM peak hour (about 200 people each).
The great majority of cyclists follow a typical commuting behaviour, exiting the Park at St Mary’s Gate in the morning and entering again at night. The same pattern is observed for motorised vehicles.
Demographics
The pie chart in Figure 10 shows that the majority of visitors to the park during the AM peak hour are individuals; however, large groups are also observed in the afternoon.
Joggers make up 3% of all cycling and pedestrian activity between 8:00 and 9:00 (Figure 9).
0%
38%
50%
9%3%
16%
3% 1%
80%
No of Individuals
No of groups of 2
No of groups of 3No of groups of 3
No of groups of 4
No of groups >4
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
PPH
0
100
200
300
400
06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
IN OUT TOTAL
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CPH
0
50
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06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
IN OUT TOTAL
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Vechicles
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Motor
IN OUT
pedestrians
cyclists
vehicles
Figure 9 Summary of demographic information, AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 10 Group sizes, AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 11 Comparison of fl ow levels at St. Mary’s Gate
Adult Pedestrian
Child Pedestrian
Jogger
Adult CyclistAdult Cyclist
Child Cyclist
Rollerblader/ Skater
Mobility Impaired
10
Greenwich Park
Motorised vehicle types
Approximately 500 motorised vehicles pass through St.Mary’s Gate during the AM peak hour (8:00 - 9:00). Cars make up for the great majority of these (88%), followed by Taxis (5%) and motorbikes and mopeds (4%), as shown in Figure 12.
Cycle speed
The cycle speed recorded on the road through St. Mary’s Gate during the AM peak hour (8:00 - 9:00) is approximately 14mph, as shown in Figure 13. This is expectably slightly higher than the speed recorded on paths shared by cyclists and pedestrians in other Royal Parks, where a cycle speed of 12mph is common.
13.8
12.212.2
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00
Mean Speed Median Speed
2%1%
5% 4%
Cars
LGV
OGV1OGV1
OGV2
Buses
Taxi
88%
M/C
Analysis of interactions
An assessment of interactions between pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles has been undertaken for the AM peak hour (8:00 - 9:00) and the PM pedestrian peak hour (16:00 - 17:00).
No confl icts were recorded during the AM peak, although the following behaviours were identifi ed:
• 10 cyclists out of a total of 202 were observed exiting the gate on the wrong lane, against the traffi c fl ow (Figure 14). When observed, this behaviour is mostly recorded when the wrong lane is free from traffi c and pedestrians, whilst the correct lane is occupied by vehicles. This behaviour could potentially lead to incidents at the gate, though none was observed. No incidents or near misses were observed at this time.
• One cyclist was observed cycling through the pedestrian gate, shown in Figure 15. This behaviour should not be encouraged but it was observed during periods of low pedestrian activity, and no incidents or near misses were observed at this time.
As a much higher pedestrian activity is observed during the afternoon (Figure 8 on page 8), interactions were also assessed for the PM pedestrian peak hour (16:00 - 17:00). This highlighted a specifi c behaviour at St. Mary’s Gate, when large groups of pedestrians - encouraged by low vehicular traffi c - walk the road, encouraging motorised vehicles to slow or stop and wait for them to clear (Figure 16). It should be noted that one of the key design principles underlying the design of the gate is to provide an equitable balance of movement between transport modes (including pedestrians) throughout the week, thus safely allowing this kind of behaviour.
Introduction Unexpected Action Response
St.Mary's Gate Wednesday 16:08:42User
discomfort
A high number of people occupy the pedestrian space and part of the road by the gate
Cars approaching the gate from the north have to slow down and stop for pedestrians to notice them and clear the gate
The risk is associated with pedestrians giving their back to the approaching cars while using the road to enter/exit the park
LocationInteraction
Grade
Description
TimeDay
Figure 12 Breakdown of vehicle types during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 13 Cycle speed recorded at St.Mary’s Gate (0800 - 0900)
Figure 14 Cyclist on the wrong carriageway
Figure 15 Cyclist using the pedestrian exit
Figure 16 Large groups of pedestrians obstructing vehicular traffi c
Figure 17 Interactions between pedestrians and motorised vehicles recorded during the PM pedestrian peak hour (16:00 - 17:00)
1102 December 2011
Summary of Findings
7.5
7.47.4
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00
Mean Speed Median Speed
Vanbrugh Park GateFlow levels
A relatively low number of pedestrians use Vanbrugh Park Gate, with peaks at 8:00 - 9:00, and 16:00 - 17:00. Minor activity is also recorded at lunchtime. A comparable number of pedestrians in each direction was observed, as shown in the blue graph in Figure 21.
The green graph in Figure 21 indicates a typical commuting pattern for cyclists through Vanbrugh Park Gate, with most cyclists entering the Park in the morning and exiting in the afternoon. The AM peak for both pedestrians and cyclists is between 8:00 and 9:00, when around 120 pedestrians and 90 cyclists are recorded. The PM cycling peak (approximately 60 cyclists) is observed between 18:00 and 19:00, when there are 150 pedestrians.
Demographics
The pie chart in Figure 18 shows that cyclist make up for 44% of all users of Vanbrugh Park Gate during the Am peak (8:00 - 9:00). Pedestrians account for approximately 50% of users, and joggers for 5%. The great majority of users are individuals (79%, Figure 19) with virtually no groups larger than 3 people observed at this location.
Cycle speed & behaviour
Cycle speeds at Vanbrugh Park Gate are low, with an average of 7.5mph recorded during the peak cycling time period (8:00 - 9:00), shown in Figure 22.
Analysis of interactions
No confl icts were observed during the AM peak period (8:00 - 9:00) between cyclists and pedestrians, including users with children and dogs. Many cyclists were observed dismounting their bikes or pushing them through the gate at walking speed. This behaviour is likely to be encouraged by the layout of the gate, where the stone paving and the guardrailing suggest lower speeds are required to go through the gate safely.
2%
45%45%
44%
4%5%
Adult Pedestrian
Child Pedestrian
Jogger
Adult CyclistAdult Cyclist
Child Cyclist
Rollerblader/ Skater
Mobility Impaired
17%
4%
17%
79%
No of Individuals
No of groups of 2
No of groups of 3No of groups of 3
No of groups of 4
No of groups >4
Figure 18 Summary of demographic information, AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 19 Group sizes, AM peak (0800 - 0900)
100
150
200
PPH
0
50
06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
IN OUT TOTAL
50
100
CPH
006:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
IN OUT TOTAL
pedestrians
cyclists
Figure 20 Cyclist walking with her bike at Vanbrugh Park Gate
Figure 21 Comparison of fl ow levels at Vanbrugh Park Gate
Figure 22 Cycle speed recorded at Vanbrugh Park Gate (0800 - 0900)
12
Greenwich Park
Blackheath GateFlow levels
Approximately 2,000 pedestrians were recorded using Blackheath Gate between 6:00 and 20:00, with more people entering than exiting the Park in the morning (Figure 24). This trend is reversed in the evening. No clear pattern can be identifi ed for the pedestrian fl ow profi le, which shows variations from hour to hour probably due to the presence of large groups of visitors using the coach and bus stops just outside the Park boundary on Charlton Way (Figure 23). Large groups of pedestrians are responsible for the PM peak of activity between 17:00 and 18:00, when traffi c fl ows are also relatively high.
Cycling activity at Blackheath Gate shows a typical commuting pattern, with most cyclists entering the Park in the morning and exiting in the evening (green graph in Figure 24). The AM peak is recorded between 8:00 and 9:00 (approximately 140 cyclists). This period is also the peak time for motorised traffi c.
3%4%
37%
3%
50%
3%3%
6%6%
5%
14%
69%
No of Individuals
No of groups of 2
No of groups of 3No of groups of 3
No of groups of 4
No of groups >4
200
250
300
350
400
450
PPH
0
50
100
150
06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
IN OUT TOTAL
100
150
200
CPH
0
50
06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
IN OUT TOTAL
300350400450500550600650
risedVechicles
050
100150200250
06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
Motor
IN OUT
pedestrians
cyclists
vehicles
Figure 23 Bus an coach stops outside Blackheath Gate on Charlton Way
Demographics
Between 8:00 and 9:00, around half of all non-motorised users of the gate are cyclists, 4% are skaters and only 3% are joggers. All others are pedestrians (see Figure 25 and Figure 26).
Adult Pedestrian
Child Pedestrian
Jogger
Adult CyclistAdult Cyclist
Child Cyclist
Rollerblader/ Skater
Mobility Impaired
Figure 24 Comparison of fl ow levels at Blackheath gate
Figure 25 Summary of demographic information at Blackheath Gate during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 26 Group sizes at Blackheath Gate during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
1302 December 2011
Summary of Findings
2%1%
4% 4%
2%
Cars
LGV
OGV1OGV1
OGV2
Buses
Taxi
88%
M/C
Figure 27 Breakdown of vehicle types at Blackheath Gate during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 28 Breakdown of vehicle types at Blackheath Gate during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)Table 2 Origin/destination matrix of vehicles at the roundabout outside Blackheath Gate between 0800 and 0900
Motorised vehicle types
Cars account for 88% of all motorised vehicles (Figure 27). 4% of motorised vehicles are taxis, and 4% are motorcycles/mopeds. A small number of large vehicles (OGV1) were observed passing through the gate during the AM peak hour (8:00 - 9:00).
0.5%
0%
30.3%
0%
7.8%
60.6%
0.4%
0.4%0%
Vehicular traffi c matrix at AM peak (0800-0900) in number of vehicles
origin / destinationBlackheath Ave
(Greenwich Park)Charlton Way
(East)Duke Humphrey
Road
Blackheath Ave (Greenwich Park)
0 63 0
Charlton Way (East) 490 0 3
Duke Humphrey Road
0 3 0
Charlton Way (West) 4 245 0
Traffi c turning counts
Figure 28 shows the directional split of motorised vehicular traffi c at the roundabout outside Blackheath Gate during the Am peak hour (8:00 - 9:00). The main fl ow is comprised of vehicles coming from Charlton Way (East) and entering the Park.
245 vehicles were recorded crossing the roundabout from the western to the eastern section of Charlton Way, accounting for approximately 30% of all motorised vehicles using the roundabout.
These two main directions of vehicular traffi c intersect the route of cyclists travelling between Duke Humphrey Road and Blackheath Avenue, and are responsible for most interactions between the two modes, as highlighted in the next paragraph.
from Charlton Way (West)
from Greenwich Park (Blackheath Avenue) from Duke Humphrey Road
from Charlton Way (East)
Blackheath Avenue
Duke H
umphrey Road
Charlton Way (w
est)
Charlton Way (e
ast)
Blackheath Avenue
Duke H
umphrey Road
Charlton Way (w
est)
Charlton Way (e
ast)
Blackheath Avenue
Duke H
umphrey Road
Charlton Way (w
est)
Charlton Way (e
ast)
Blackheath Avenue
Duke H
umphrey Road
Charlton Way (w
est)
Charlton Way (e
ast)
14
Greenwich Park
Interactions between cyclists and vehicles
An assessment of interactions amongst pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles has been conducted between 8:00 and 9:00, corresponding to the peak activity of motorised traffi c and the AM peak cycling activity.
A major confl ict involving a cyclist exiting Blackheath Gate and a car has been observed and illustrated in Figure 29. No other major nor minor confl icts have been recorded. Behaviour regarding the use of the roundabout has been identifi ed and listed below:
• Cyclists exiting the Park can see the roundabout but have poor visibility of its entry roads. Most cyclists slow their speed in response to this. However, some cyclists maintain a constant speed on their approach if no vehicles are visible, and then slow down abruptly once an approaching vehicle becomes visible to them e.g. from Charlton Way (East).
• Cars approaching the roundabout from Charlton Way (East) cannot see cyclists or other vehicles until they occupy the roundabout.
• Cyclists tend to want to avoid stopping completely at the roundabout. Rather, cyclists slow down and if the opportunity arises, pass vehicles on the right, or left, or enter the Park using the pedestrian gate or the wrong lane if the correct one is occupied by vehicles (Figure 32).
• Cycling on pedestrian paths and through pedestrian-only gates is not allowed. Cyclists do use these gates; this was observed when no pedestrians were using them. No confl ict was observed (Figure 31)
1 2
3 4
Illustration of the major confl ict recorded at AM peak hour
A cyclist exits Blackheath Gate and crosses the roundabout towards Duke Humphrey Road.
Brief quarrel between driver and cyclist.
A car does not give priority to the cyclist at the roundabout. Both have to stop abruptly and swerve slightly to avoid collision.
Both car and cyclist leave the site after a short break.
Figure 29 Illustration of the major confl ict between a cyclist and a car during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 30 Description of the major confl ict between a cyclist and a car during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Introduction Unexpected Action Response
Blackheath Gate Wednesday 08:31:45Major
conflictCyclist exits the gate
Cars doesn't stop at the roundabout to give priority to the cyclist
Cyclists has to stop abruptly and turn to avoid the car, which also stops
LocationInteraction
Grade
Description
TimeDay
Figure 31 Example of cyclists entering the park through the pedestrian gate during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
Figure 32 Examples of cyclists using the wrong lane at Blackheath Gate during the AM peak (0800 - 0900)
1502 December 2011
Summary of Findings
Interactions between pedestrians and vehicles
As shown in Figure 24 on page 12, the hour of peak pedestrians activity is recorded between 17:00 and 18:00, when motorised vehicular fl ow is relatively high. This suggests that interactions between pedestrians and motorised vehicles could present safety issues during this time period, therefore an assessment of interactions between all modes has been carried out.
The footage shows no collisions, major nor minor confl icts amongst pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles. However, the following specifi c behaviour has been highlighted and illustrated in Figure 33 to Figure 35. This moments occur when visitors on foot to the Park temporarily use the traffi c lane, often during periods of low motorised traffi c activity. Vehicle speeds turning into or out of the park tend to be low as a result of the tight turning radii at the roundabout. In these instances visitors treat the area within the park like a shared space, providing an equitable balance between the needs and capacities of vehicles and pedestrians.
Figure 33 Pedestrians on the road not noticing the car behind them
Figure 34 Large groups on the road slowing down the vehicular traffi c at Blackheath Gate
Figure 35 Group of tourist taking photos at gate between traffi c lanes
16
Greenwich Park
ConclusionsThis assessment of visitor activity at three gates into and out of Greenwich Park has highlighted several trends in the behaviour of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Vanbrugh Park Gate
Vanbrugh Park Gate primarily provides access into and out of the park for local residents, suggested by the relatively lower levels of pedestrian and cycle activity. Nonetheless it is important link for the surrounding community, and for those cycling from further afi eld.
From the data recorded, considerate behaviour is observed by a very high majority of all users. The data suggests that the risk of confl ict is low, relative to St. Mary’s Gate and Blackheath Gate.
St. Mary’s Gate
Pedestrian and cyclist activity is highest at St. Mary’s Gate, which connects the park with the centre of Greenwich. At certain times of the day and week, typically out of peak commuting times, there are large groups of pedestrians using the gate. The limited capacity of the pedestrian gates leads some visitors to use the vehicular gates. The data suggests that interactions between drivers and pedestrians are considerate.
From the data, approximately 5% of commuting cyclists use the gate which is meant for oncoming vehicles. Such behaviour increases the hazards of using the gate for drivers and cyclists. The data shows few potential confl icts, suggesting that this behaviour is undertaken diligently. To ensure more users are aware of the hazards associated with using the gate meant for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction, it is suggested that context sensitive signing be considered, for instance arrow surface markings showing direction of travel. This could be particularly useful in encouraging awareness of the correct operation of the gates for inexperienced cyclists, so that they are able to take more informed decisions regarding there own actions.
Blackheath Gate
Pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle activity is high at Blackheath Gate. The data shows that there is confl ict between cyclists and drivers. Based on data collected the key hazard is the proximity of the gate to the roundabout with Charlton Way, and the limited visibility of approaching traffi c. The speed of drivers and cyclists approaching the junction from all roads is not effectively managed by the design of the roundabout.
It is recommended that further analysis of this junction be undertaken to understand whether this confl ict is signifi cant and whether further steps be taken to better manage the junction and reduce the hazards and risk of confl ict. Robust accident data for the junction should be reviewed. This should be requested from Transport for London through the London Road Safety Unit.
1702 December 2011
Appendix
aAppendix
Observation Studies
18
Greenwich Park
IntroductionThis section provides details of our observation studies. The assessments presented in this report are based on video footage fi lmed on Wednesday 21st September between 6:00 and 20:00 at three gates at Greenwich Park, London:
• St.Mary’s gate;
• Vanbrugh Park gate; and
• Blackheath gate.
The location of the three gates is shown in Figure 1 on page 6.
Overall, the following assessments have been undertaken:
• Flow surveys;
• Demographics surveys;
• Motorised vehicle split count;
• Cycle speeds assessments;
• Vehicle turning counts; and
• Interaction studies.
Flow, Demographics and Vehicle SurveysMethodology
The method used for this study is known as the ‘stationary gate method’ whereby all pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles who cross an imaginary line are counted during fi xed periods. Directionality is recorded as appropriate.
Using video footage recorded on a weekday we undertook a count of all the footage at all three gates, split into 15 minute time intervals. From this survey we obtained a time profi le for the day and defi ned the peak hour of activity (based on the highest cyclist activity or as appropriate).
Subsequently, a continuous count of pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles was undertaken at all gates for the peak hour of activity. This was also used to collect demographic data of the park’s users and the split between vehicle types.
The camera views used for these surveys are shown in Figure 36 to Figure 38. The motorised vehicle types considered in this study are shown in Figure 39.
All survey locations
Flow survey
Date: 21st September 2011
Day: Wednesday
Times: 06:00 - 20:00
Total gates: 3 sample locations
Frequency: Every half an hour
Duration: 15 minute intervals
Total duration: 1260 minutes sampled
Weather: Cloudy with occasional drizzle
Method: Video footage
Figure 36 Example of video still from St.Mary’s gate footage
Figure 37 Example of video still from Vanbrugh Park gate footage
Figure 38 Example of video still from Blackheath gate footage
Figure 39 Vehicle types
CYCLES
MOPEDS AND MOTOR-CYCLES
TAXIS
1902 December 2011
Appendix
Speed SurveyMethodology
Cycling speed surveys were undertaken at St. Mary’s gate and Vanbrugh Park gate during the AM peak hour (8:00 - 9:00). A sample of 20 cyclists were observed at each location.
Interactions StudyIntroduction
Assessing the number of interactions and confl icts between different modes is key to highlight any issues with the use of the three gates by all visitors to Greenwich Park.
Typical user behaviour along cycling and walking routes can vary depending on factors such as:
• The type of user;
• The design of the space, its proposed use and how it is used in practice;
• The current activity levels and proportion of each user type;
• The individual circumstance.
Interactions between all modes on roads can depend on factors such as:
• The type of vehicle;
• The design of the route and junctions (e.g. the roundabout outside Blackheath gate);
• The current activity levels and proportion of each user type;
• The individual circumstance.
Types of interaction and confl ict
In addition to what is considered typical behaviour, there are four types of interactions and near-miss scenarios, three of which are categorised as potential confl icts (minor / major confl ict, and collision):
User Discomfort
A pedestrian, cyclist or motorised vehicle chooses to brake or change direction to avoid a potential collision, but movement is calm and controlled.
Minor confl ict
In response to unexpected action, a pedestrian, cyclist or motorised vehicle has to brake or change direction to avoid a collision, but movement is generally calm and controlled. Factors that affect a minor confl ict could include:
• At least one party may be unaware of the other’s intended route (poor visibility on approach, high speed or narrow passing distance).
• The rate of change in velocity needed to avoid collision is low, and/or movement is calm and controlled.
• The perceived consequence of neither party taking action could be a collision.
Major confl ict
In response to unexpected action, a pedestrian, cyclist or motorised vehicle has to take emergency action in what is considered to be a near miss.
Factors that affect a major confl ict could include:
• The rate of change in velocity needed to avoid collision is high and/or movement is uncontrolled.
• At least one party is unaware of the other’s intended route (poor visibility on approach, high speed and/ or narrow passing distance).
• The perceived consequence of neither party taking action could be a severe collision.
Collision
Actual physical contact, could be slight or severe.
• No collisions were observed or assessed at any survey locations during this study.
An example of the description of user discomfort taken during the interaction study is shown in Figure 40 below.
Figure 40 Interactions between pedestrians and motorised vehicles recorded during the PM pedestrian peak hour (16:00 - 17:00)
Introduction Unexpected Action Response
St.Mary's Gate Wednesday 16:08:42User
discomfort
A high number of people occupy the pedestrian space and part of the road by the gate
Cars approaching the gate from the north have to slow down and stop for pedestrians to notice them and clear the gate
The risk is associated with pedestrians giving their back to the approaching cars while using the road to enter/exit the park
LocationInteraction
Grade
Description
TimeDay
