Bicycle Culture
Resources, opportunities, ideas and opinions about bicycle culture in Cambridge
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.
You can create a new issue using the button on the right.
Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Cyclenation:
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 12 threads
Resources, opportunities, ideas and opinions about bicycle culture in Cambridge
Created by Rohan Wilson // 2 threads
Next meeting is Thursday 6 Dec at Trumpington Village Hall
(Informal Drop-In 15:30 - 18:30, followed by Forum 19:00 - 20:30)
Though the above page indicates it's about residential developments, Addenbrooke's was covered in a presentation on previous 6 Sep meeting. Bell School was not covered.
The main discussion was around schools and young people.
Created by cobweb // 32 threads
e.g.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cash-boost-to-get-england-cycling--2
Govt announces £20 million for cycling infrastructure improvements.
Marshall reveals plan for 1,500 homes
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/News/New-plan-for-1500-homes-27112012.htm
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
Camden are contemplating a re-design of this junction (the one adjacent to Mornington Cresent Station). We hope to get in early and try to ensure that the junction and its surrounding streets are made as safe and pleasant for cycling as possible.
This CycleScape issue is intended as a forum for discussion of improvements or a total redesign.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
There are rumours that the AJC will be scrapped.
Created by Eric Booth // 2 threads
Tighter corners to favour pedestrians and manage speed.
https://www.citizenspace.com/bristol/city-development/coronationroad/consult_view
Suggested points:
1. This is a 'gateway' to the 20mph area and the opportunity to mark this and make it work should not be missed. It's not enough to just narrow and reshape the carriageway. It should feel different.
2. Central islands and build-outs introduce pinch points that make cycling feel less safe. There should be a cycle lane through the pinch point in line with guidance.
http://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/sites/cycling-embassy.org.uk/files/documents/cyclingengland/2011/01/a03_traffic_calming.pdf
3. A better option to emphasise pedestrian priority would be a zebra crossing
Created by Jim Chisholm // 5 threads
There is a suggestion of a group looking at issues for those cycling in the A10 corridor between M11 J11 and Royston. This is, in part about cycling along the corridor, but mainly about access between villages and access to rail stations. Of course the A10 north of Cambridge has LSTF money, but there are currently few funds available for improvements in this area.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Road closures - but will cycle parking be OK?
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 1 thread
Forwarded message:
I noticed that half of the bicycle shelter was fenced off, and I wondered whether we may be getting some new racks. In Connect I read the Trust was considering two tier bike racks so I was half expecting we would get these. Today however I learnt that the area will be transformed into a smoking shelter! Is this true?
I think it is fair to state 30% of the people working in the S-block cycle into work. Losing half of our cycle parking facilities is not very helpful. The area is heavily used and often overflowing with bikes.
If the area will indeed be turned into a smoking shelter, can you please explain why this decision was made and why it was not communicated to the staff concerned?
This is outrageous and a good press story. Robin - are you up for this?
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling, road user and safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at junctions. As part of this work, we have developed proposals for further safety improvements at the junction of Battersea Park Road and Havelock Terrace. This follows the introduction of a new signalised pedestrian crossing and cyclist Advanced Stop Line at the junction in June 2012.
Why We Are Consulting
About the proposed changes:
Our review of the current junction layout showed that the two narrow general traffic lanes on Battersea Park Road southbound mean that cyclists are sometimes squeezed towards the kerb by motorists. It also identified conflict between cyclists and motorists merging across lanes when approaching the junction southbound from Battersea Park Road.
Our proposed improvements have been designed to address the above issues. They include:
A new central cycle lane to help cyclists turning right from Battersea Park Road into Prince of Wales Drive. This would mean two lanes of traffic on the southbound approach from Battersea Park Road instead of three. These proposals may mean a slight increase in journey times at busy periods.
One wider southbound general traffic lane on the Battersea Park Road exit instead of two narrow ones. This would reduce the likelihood of cyclists being squeezed against the kerb by motorists
A new traffic island at the junction of Prince of Wales Drive to segregate westbound cyclists and motorists
New sections of eastbound and westbound mandatory cycle lane on Prince of Wales Drive to provide more space for cyclists. The eastbound cycle lane would replace one of the general traffic lanes on the approach to the junction
Widening the existing mandatory cycle lane on Battersea Park Road (northbound) to provide more space for cyclists
Removing the existing yellow box marking from the junction, as the proposed new lane layout would mean it was no longer needed.
Please click here to see the attached map for further information on our proposals. We plan to start work in late December 2012.
How to comment on the proposals:
Please let us know your views completing the online consultation form below by 30 November 2012.
About the Better Junctions programme:
TfL is making it easier and safer for people to cycle in London. As part of this work, we’re meeting with a number of different organisations to review and improve junctions on the Barclays Cycle Superhighways and the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). We’re planning a variety of improvements, ranging from initial upgrades at some locations, to more substantial and innovative redevelopment at others. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/battersea-park
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling and road safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at major junctions across London. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information.
Why We Are Consulting
As part of this work we have developed proposals to improve safety at the Waterloo (IMAX) roundabout at the junctions of Waterloo Road, Stamford Street, York Road and Concert Hall Approach.
What we’re proposing and why
Waterloo roundabout is a key junction for cyclists travelling between central and south London. Counts show that more than 5,500 cyclists use Waterloo roundabout each weekday, representing nearly a quarter of all traffic here.
Our review of the current road layout identified that early improvements can be made to allow cyclists better access to Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) on the roundabout, reducing the need for them to position themselves amongst fast-moving traffic. We’re proposing the following improvements:
New cycle feeder lanes leading into new longer ASLs will reduce the risk of collisions by helping cyclists to get ahead of other traffic. The new feeder lanes will mean that some sections of the roundabout will have three lanes for all traffic instead of four
Extending footways and traffic islands to reduce traffic speeds and provide more space for pedestrians.
Traffic modelling suggests that these changes would cause some increase in queuing on the roundabout and approaches at busy times, particularly on the approach from Stamford Street.
Proposed 20mph speed limit to follow in 2013
We are also proposing a 20mph speed limit at the roundabout. This would be introduced early in 2013. We will provide more information once these proposals have been developed further.
Please click here to see the map for further information on the proposals.
We are continuing to explore further improvements for cyclists and pedestrians as part of planned longer-term regeneration of the Waterloo area.
We intend to begin work at the roundabout on 21 November 2012. We will write to residents and businesses nearer the time to advise on the timing and impact of construction work.
Have your say
Please give us your views by completing the online consultation form by 14 November 2012.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/waterloo-roundabout
Created by Eric Booth // 1 thread
There's an online survey around three options for this problem junction. Open to 30th November. http://www.the-bear-pit.org.uk/19.html
Identified in Times Survey of problem junctions for cycling http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3392986.ece
"Temporary" barrier/road closure created because of Leith Walk tram 'works'.
No-one seems willing to take responsibility for restoring/creating/protecting decent permeable route.
Created by Andy Allan // 1 thread
There used to be around 6 covered sheffield stands outside Tulse Hill station, tucked away around the corner from the Station Rise. But they've disappeared recently.
Are they coming back? Are there going to be replacements?
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling, road user and safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at junctions. As part of this work, we have developed proposals to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction of Mile End Road and Burdett Road.
Why We Are Consulting
About the proposed changes:
Our review of the current junction layout showed that there is an above average level of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists coming into conflict with turning vehicles.
The proposed improvements are shown on the attached plan and include:
Removal of the slip roads to reduce the potential for conflict between vehicles and cyclists.
Reducing crossing distances and number of crossings for pedestrians
New mandatory cycle lanes on Mile End Road and Grove Road to allow cyclists easier access to the advanced stop line.
Increased cycle parking around the junction.
Wider traffic islands, new trees and levelled footways.
New street lighting system to be combined with traffic signals to create more space on the footways.
To incorporate the above benefits, we will also need to change the traffic lights operation to allow vehicles to exit Grove Road and Burdett Road at the same time.
Please click here to view the map for further information on our proposals. We plan to begin works in early 2013.
How to comment on the proposals:
Please give us your views by completing the online consultation form below. You can also contact TfL’s Consultation Team at: STengagement@tfl.gov.uk. Please let us know your views by 10 December 2012
About the Better Junctions programme:
TfL is making it easier and safer for people to cycle in London. As part of this work, we’re meeting with a number of different organisations to review and improve junctions on the Barclays Cycle Superhighways and the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). We’re planning a variety of improvements, ranging from initial upgrades at some locations, to more substantial and innovative redevelopment at others. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/mileendburdett
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
An application to extend the cycleways within the West Cambridge site including some shared use paths.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20121109a
A DfT consultation to see whether speed limits on single carriageways should be introduced for HGV's. This will clearly have implications for cycle safety.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling and road safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at major junctions across London. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information.
Why We Are Consulting
As part of this work we are developing proposals to improve safety at the junction of Tower Bridge Road and Abbey Street.
What we’re proposing and why
We are proposing to ban the left turn from Tower Bridge Road into Abbey Street to reduce the potential for conflict between cyclists and left-turning vehicles. Traffic counts show that fewer than 4 vehicles per hour make this turn at peak time.
We intend to ban the left turn towards the end of December 2012 and will advertise the changes to the Traffic Order in November.
Other planned changes at the Tower Bridge Road/Abbey Street junction
We are also developing proposals for more substantial improvements for cyclists and pedestrians at this junction, including improved pedestrian crossing facilities. More information will be available early next year, once these proposals have been developed further.
Earlier this year we marked-out Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) in green and put blind spot safety mirrors on the signals at the junction so cyclists are more visible to vehicles turning.
Please click here to view map for further information on the proposals.
Have your say
Please give us your views by completing the online consultation form below by 14 November 2012.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/tower-bridge-abbeyst
Winter gritting is essential for many cycleways and there have been problems in recent years.
Created by Matthew Phillips // 2 threads
There are no cycle racks at the main car park for the University Botanic Gardens. There is plenty of car park space, so some of it could be converted to have cycle racks installed.
Created by Richard Taylor // 1 thread
A new development is proposed behind 231-247 Milton Road in Cambridge.
The entrance driveway / road will need to cross the popular off-road cyclepath on Milton Road.
The crossing needs to be designed to be cycle friendly; ie. level for cyclists, with good visibility for cars to be able to see cyclists on the path, and with cars required to give way for cyclists.
There is a need to watch this development through the planning process.
Alternatively an access to the development from Woodhead Drive might be the safer option.
There appears to be potential for a cycle and pedestrian route through the site; but that is not currently planned for.
My article on the proposals is at:
Created by Richard Taylor // 0 threads
The path between Wadloes Road and Ditton Fields is popular with pedestrians and cyclists.
It is unlit though, and as it has buildings and high hedges on either side sofeels enclosed and it is much darker on the pathway than it is out in the open.
Lighting on this pathway would I think make it feel safer, and I think would actually improve safety for example through helping cyclists spot pedestrians earlier.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
Cycle travel details need to be added to the Sheppey college website for their Swale site:
http://www.cant-col.ac.uk/about-canterbury-college/travel-information
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
A link to the CycleStreets cycle journey planner is needed on the Canterbury college website for their Canterbury site:
http://www.cant-col.ac.uk/about-canterbury-college/travel-information
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Martin A // 1 thread
This attractive former railway line would provide a useful off-road link between Ripley Greenway and Derby for commuters and leisure users.
Created by Cycling Dumfries // 1 thread
The Maxwelltown Cycle Path runs along the back of the Cuckoobridge retail park, but there's no easy access from the path into it. At the moment cyclists and pedestrians have to come off the path, cross the Glasgow Road at the lights (which are very slow) and then go into the retail park via the exit from the KFC drive-thru window, which is potentially quite dangerous. It would be quicker and more convenient to have a path from the cyclepath into the car park directly. We note that the new Aldi seems to have a direct entrance being built, which we welcome
Created by Tim P // 1 thread
Portsdown Hill Road & James Callaghan drive are a set of roads along the top of Portsdown Hill that is currently used by a lot of cyclists for commuting, touring and leisure facilties due to the forts, views and open areas around it.
As such, it's a well known tourist spot to stop for a burger or take a picnic and fly a kite.
However, being on top of an exposed hill results in significant side winds which results in cyclists being blown about by gusts, and therefore all cyclists need to take primary position on this road to give them space. As a 40mph road, many drivers have significant issues with cyclists taking primary, and therefore perform many punishment/close passes.
The affect of this on cycling in the area is many
1) More people would cycle from the surrounding areas ( Waterlooville, Havant, Fareham/Lee on Solent ) to work at QA Hospital or the businesses on the hill if there were better cycle infrastructure.
2) More people would cycle from the surrounding area & to enjoy the space & views if it felt safer to get there.
NCN45 across Peckforton Hill at risk of being closed
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 0 threads
Plans are emerging for development on the Coldham's Lane site with implications for the surrounding area including links with Cherry Hinton.
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Erection of Class A1 and Class A3/A5 units. Provision of highway works and alterations to access; parking; landscaping; service infrastructure; and associated works and improvements.
St Michaels Retail Park The Harrow Way Basingstoke Hampshire
Basingstoke
Application reference : 16/04208/FUL
Created by mikewg // 1 thread
Numerous people responding to the survey experience safety issues with this location. Some comments here:
Town centre around the monument, the cobbles are a night mare and shake you badly, I have had my bike lights shaken off before, and had to save them from being run over. You cannot cycle quickly over the cobbles.
Taunton Town Centre - cobbles & volume of traffic
I go through the centre of town. I have had a couple of accidents on the cobbled surface outside the market house over the years of cycling this route. Both resulted in injuries including concussion, facial injuries requiring stitching, a shoulder and hip injury which required physio and steroid injections to resolve. The second of these happened on a wet day, when I was forced to brake because a bus driver, having seen me coming, decided to pull out in front of me. He was relatively remorseful, but it was an accident that would not have happened if 1, he hadn't taken the decision that a cyclist didn't matter, and 2, the road surface was smoother as the braking action unsteadied me on a rough surface - the fall was inevitable as soon as I touched the brakes really. As a consequence, I now cycle along the back of the market house as I cannot bring myself to cycle across the cobbled road surface.
Cobblestones around parade
High Street; ridiculous cobbled roundabout making town centre very dangerous
Cobbles in front of Market Hall
Cobble stones on roundabout in centre of town feels unsafe and dangerous for cyclists.
COBBLES on the main parade
cobbles in town centre
'cobbles ' Market house - dangerous surface - traffic in a hurry .
Cobbles at Market House roundabout,
Cobbles around Burma Memorial make it impossible to take hand off handlebars to signal and are treacherous at best of times
Created by Stephen Lawrence // 1 thread
Some people are especially sensitive to lights, including flashing lights, and lights which point directly into their eyes. Both these two situations can result in migraines for the unfortunate observer.I am glad to read that German law mandates downward-focussed lights. We should do the same.
Flashing lights used to be illegal (i.e. when incandescant lights were the norm) but the law was changed to specifically allow them. However, for the reason above, and also because judging the speed (and to some extent the position) of a bicycle is impossible when the light is flashing could actually make flashing lights less safe. Batteries have improved and LEDs are more efficient, and the battery life even on 'steady' mode is way more than in the 'days of yore' hat some of us knew.
Created by Chris Neston // 2 threads
This section of the A540 is Dual carriageway North of the Welsh Road (A550) towards Hoylake ( 60 mph) and single carriageway south of it towards Chester ( 50mph). It is used by hundreds of cyclists every week, yet is extremely dangerous to them and there have been numerous collisions and several cyclists have died along here. It provides a vital link between the lanes of Wirral and those of Chester and North Wales. It also houses the world famous Eureka cyclists cafe.
Ideally the whole of the A540 from Chester to Hoylake needs a cycle path, but to provide one over the relatively short section between Mudhouse Lane and Woodbank Lane would make an incredible difference for a small outlay. North of the A550 there is plenty of room alongside the existing road. South is more difficult but not insurmountable.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Havering council said:
"We wrote to you on 21st October setting out a series of safety proposals for Romford town
centre comprising of a 20mph zone for all streets within the Romford Ring Road (including
some traffic calming measures) and some changes to road markings on various
roundabouts on the Ring Road itself.
We sent out over 2,500 letters to people in the area, but only received 8 responses with 4
of these being from residents. This was reported to the Council’s Highways Advisory
Committee on 6th December where the decision on the scheme was deferred in order for
further discussions to take place with ward councillors.
As a result of these discussions, it has been decided to provide a further period of
consultation and any other comments received shall be reported to the Highways Advisory
Committee on 7th February 2017.
We would therefore like to extend the opportunity for you to provide any comments you
may have to the postal address above, via our email address highways@havering.gov.uk
or through an online form which we have provided at www.havering.gov.uk/consultations."
Created by Al Storer // 2 threads
Cycling and Walking provision at Cambridge Science Park is poor. Lets try and get it fixed
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Erection of 40 dwellings to include 24 private homes and 16 affordable homes, associated parking, landscaping, amenity space and highway alterations
Land At Farleigh Road Farleigh Road Cliddesden Hampshire
Basingstoke
Application reference : 16/04690/FUL
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Kensington & Chelsea council said:
"The scheme aims to reduce the dominance of traffic and create an attractive high-quality environment.
In partnering with Cadogan as the majority landowner, and Transport for London, (TfL), we have the unique opportunity to improve the public realm not only on borough-controlled roads and pavements but also in areas of the street that are in private ownership."
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Owners of Brighton Hill Retail park are preparing a planning application for improvements including a coffee shop in the carpark. this is our opportunity to ask for secure cycle parking for the public and employees.
Created by Eric Booth // 1 thread
Friend of mine uses a wheelchair & hand cycle and is blocked this gate on his way home. Would be great if we could get it opened for him. [Jack Small]
Created by Guy Hill // 1 thread
If it is not bad enough in a cycle city that the Great Northern Road, the new road to Cambridge's main train station and cycle parking, does not have a segregated and safe cycle paths, the new development is now being proposed which will prevent a segregated cycleway from access to the Station a Devonshire road.
Does anyone agree that there should be a segregated cycle access to the country's largest cycle park?
Created by Chris Neston // 1 thread
The NCN 5 route over Frodsham Marshes is very badly surfaced such that can only be used by proficient cyclists with MTBs. As a result most people use the unpleasant main road alternative on the A56.
An opportunity exists to get funding to surface this as a result of community funding from the Marshes Windfarm development. Closing date Feb 28.
Created by Rhian // 1 thread
This is a well used route already but very muddy as there is no surfaced footpath across the playing field. A dropped kerb at the end of Noble Grove and a surfaced path around the football pitches to a dropped kerb on Parkhead Loaning would be a significant improvement. A type 1 and dust path as detailed in the attached link would perhaps be more suitable than a fully tarmacked path. Lighting at the points of entry to the grassed area would be an added benefit as this is currently a very dark route.
Created by ken thomas // 2 threads
Installation of 17.5m single stack pole base station and associated works
Telcommunications Site Off Caldy Valley Road Great Boughton Chester Cheshire CH3 5PR
Application reference : 17/00266/TEL
No drawings or details are shown on the planning website.
A recent drawing seen for the project shows the cabinets blocking half the available width of the cycle/footpath. Such siting is not acceptable on a recently developed cycleway designed to specific standards.
Created by MikeC // 1 thread
As part of the highways 'improvements' associated with the proposed New Monks Farm development in Lancing, the existing minor road N-S crossing of the A27 by the Sussex Pad (Coombes Road to Old Shoreham Road) is to be closed and replaced by a large multi-lane light controlled roundabout some 400m west of the existing crossing. The only assistance for vulnerable road users will be several Toucan crossings as part of the roundabout light controls.
Net result will be an additional 1km diversion for anyone going south into Shoreham, plus additional time waiting at Toucans. An underpass on the existing crossing alignment would be the preferred solution, as recommended in IAN195.
Created by JohnSch // 1 thread
At certain high usage times for the games area, such as on a Sunday morning, despite there two large car parks adjacent to the High school and a very large amount of on-road parking, the cycle itself becomes a car park. Also cars park across the dropped kerbs and along side the path, meaning that access is almost impossible for bicycles, prams and motobility scooters to squeeze through. Parking on the cycle path also blocks the path for users and also damages the surface.
Also surrounding pavements are blocked making it very difficult for the local community to use them and this causes road safety issues.
Created by Leigh P // 1 thread
Tovells Road and Caudwell Avenue are a huge rat run in the morning for a limited period of time for parents going to St Mary's Catholic School. I understand the school catchment is not local. Cars turinging into these roads too fast and quite clearly without looking whist rusing to get children to school on time. Often have to swerve on bike to avoid.
Tovellls Road is the only way cars can get from the south and east of the town to St Mary's primary school...well it's not actually, but it's the route most of them take....They should be using Woodbridge Road and Caudwell Hall Road that are maintained for such traffic. Tovells Road is single file traffic only (due to parked cars), but the reason they all get away with it is they are all going in the same direction at the same time! They seem to have a system of most going to the school along Tovells Road, and returning along Holland Road.
I assume St Mary's shool has a travel plan and this includes regular liaison with parents to use safer and appropriate routes, in an appropriate manner.
Created by Sarah Wood // 0 threads
There is no secure cycle parking outside the shops at Chapel Road and Fernhill Road
Created by Simon B // 1 thread
Adjacent to existing apartments on Sealand Road near the Cop is a new development currently under construction by Watkins Homes Ltd. Curently there is a barriered-off ramped access to Sealand Road to cross the Canal entrance to the river that leads around the exisiting apartments. This was originally envisaged as part of a continuous shared use riverside route.
The development of the site offers the opportunity to ensure that shared use access can be maintained, developed and improved along the riverside route that skirts the perimiter of the Racecourse and continues to the River Dee path that leads to Garden City and Queensferry. This could be before residents purchase properties who could well be resistant to a pathway near their new homes.
Whilst the access to the River Dee from the Shropshire Union Canal presents a barrier to a straightforward continuation of the riverside route to join the River Dee shared use path into Wales, the creation of a small extension around the permiter of the new development under construction would mean that an attractive continuous offroad route could be created with minimal additional works (widening of the existing footway for approximately 100mtrs).
It would be helpful to gather thoughts and ideas before the developers and Planning and Highways Department of the Local Authority are approached about this opportunity