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 Paul Bearpark // 1 thread
Objections to U&Cs outline planning application need to be submitted by 10 April. There seem to be some interesting ideas for improving cycling infrastructure but a lot that could be improved upon.
Created by User 2125 (deleted) // 1 thread
The shared access path on Colne road, on its north side, creates conflict between cycles and vehicles. The provision seems worse than using the road. The presence of commercial premises on both sides of this road make the use of a shared access path highly problematic.
More photos can be found on the campaign blog.
Created by FrenchyF // 0 threads
There should be a dropped kerb at the foot of Braidwood Gate, leading to Dumbiedykes
Created by FrenchyF // 0 threads
The bike lane here starts too close to the junction - drivers hug the kerb before the cycle lane starts, and this makes the lane useless.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 1 thread
A driverless pod system is proposed is proposed to connect CBC and Trumpington P&R.
see:
http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cambridge/innovate-uk-have-put-up-250-000-to-get-two-cambridge-medical-campuses-serviced-by-driverless-buses-1-4993867
It 'implies' it will use maintenance-track!
"An out-of-hours driverless shuttle service on the fixed path from Trumpington Park and Ride will aim to allevieate congestion on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus."
We need to find out more.
A similar system is proposed to connect Whittlesford station and Genome Campus. This should offer possibilites for a new walking and cycling route.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This junction is currently very poor. Cyclists end up doing awkward manoeuvres and visibility is not good.
It is possible this could be improved as part of the Chisholm Trail.
How could this junction be redesigned to make it best practice?
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've noticed a few of these around Cambridge where there's a "no through road" sign but it's a through road for cyclists and pedestrians. As there's a post already, if the council had a ready-made stock of plates saying "except cycles", "except pedestrians", a single operative could affix the plate below the sign to made it correct. It is highly deceptive and not serving those using non-motorised transport if they go the long way round not realising they can get through a quicker route.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Since the horrific attacks that took place on Westminster Bridge, and most recently London Bridge, the Metropolitan Police have installed temporary barriers on many central London bridges.
LCC is fully supportive of the need to take urgent steps to provide extra protection for Londoners and visitors to our city. But we also believe it's right that we look at these measures, that have had to go in very rapidly, to see both what lessons need to be learned for future Highways schemes in the capital, and to see what, if any, tweaks can be undertaken to ensure these barriers can provide the extra security needed as well as allow people, especially London's large number of cycling commuters, to continue to cycle safely with minimal disruption - ideally even with enhanced safety and/or provision.
Now we want your ideas of any tweaks, modifications or other measures that can be brought forward on the bridges affected so far, and given the measures in so far, to provide vital measures to protect against terrorist attacks, but also to enhance safety and provision for those walking and cycling, and to mitigate the negative effects of the measures so far.
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Brighton Hill Community Planning Group is consulting:-
Now consulting!
Brighton Hill Community Planning Group
If you live work or volunteer in Brighton Hill please let us know your views.
Complete the survey (https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=149700756001)
The consultation will close on 14 August 2017.
Created by Rob Earl // 0 threads
Better access to NEPN than through St Mark's Park which involves an uphill, narrowing road approaching a blind bridge. Requires stopping in traffic to negotiate parked cars and kerb.
Created by Rob Earl // 0 threads
Opening a gap in the wall would give access through towards Portobello and Figgate Park
Created by Rob Earl // 1 thread
Opening a gap in the wall would give access through towards Portobello and Figgate Park
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 1 thread
The path between Hyvot Loan and Guardwell Glen has two narrow chicanes at both ends, which are quite overgrown too.
This path is important as it allows people to leave the quiet route northwards towards Ellens Glen, so you can avoid parts of the busy Gilmerton Rd.
I contacted the Active Travel team about it and they are going to look at it. There is some uncertainty if this is owned by the Morrison supermarket or the council. The chicanes were put in after local complaints about motorbike, so the Active Travel team has to investigate if this is still a concern.
Created by GinaroZ // 1 thread
See: https://goo.gl/maps/sZEe3AdMN8v - dropped kerb and step removal required for NEPN access from Bonnington Grove. The other side at Dalmeny Road has step-free access.
The timing of the signals at the Ferniehill Road junction could also be changed. Currently, you need to use three separate pelican crossings to get from one side of the road to the other, and this can take several minutes.
Created by FrenchyF // 1 thread
The road markings at the junction between Old Dalkeith Road and Little France Cottages should be repainted. Adding a bike lane would also be an improvement.
Created by FrenchyF // 1 thread
Just south of Little France Road, the southbound bike lane on Old Dalkeith Road is appalling. It's alongside a parking bay, but the parking bay isn't wide enough for cars to fit into it without them sticking into the bike lane. Even if it was, "dooring" would still be a significant hazard.
Even away from the parking bay, the bike lane is too narrow.
The bike lane really needs to be wider and further away from parked cars. If this isn't possible, I think it would be better to have no cycle lane at all.
Created by Rob Earl // 0 threads
Gravel/muddy slope section of QR20, the rest of which is tarmac path/roads.
Created by Rob Earl // 1 thread
Access to QR10 from Fillyside Road requires either:
- Cycle across busy/fast road and up full height kerb
- Turn right onto busy/fast road for ~100m, turn left up dropped (but not flush) kerb
- Cycle on pavement and cross at traffic island
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 1 thread
The gate at the north end of the Innocent tunnel only leaves a narrow opening.
1. It's generally too narrow for trailers etc.
2. You move from bright light outside into the darkness of the tunnel, and going into the tunnel you often can't see people cycling or walking out; this would not be an issue of the full width of the path was usable.
3. The gap is at the edge of the path with various surface defects
Created by Kokomo // 0 threads
usually have to wait a very long time here - reduce the wait time after pushing the button! This crossing needs to be more responsive like the one round the corner on Clerk St.
This small change will make a big difference to this route to the Innocent Path
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Outline planning application for the erection of up to 95 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS). Demolition of garages to form a vehicular access point from Bow Drive and replacement garaging. All matters reserved except for means of access
Land At Goddards Farm Goddards Lane Sherfield-on-Loddon Hampshire
"Whilst there are no cycle routes currently in the vicinity of the site, the topography of the
surrounding roads make them generally conducive to encourage cycling. These provide
connections for cyclist from the development site to the wider area."
Basingstoke
Application reference : 17/02190/OUT
Created by Simon here // 2 threads
Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?
The Dalmeny Park house builders have installed new chicanes on NCN route 1. Unfortunately none of these meet the guidlines for chicanes on cycling facilities.
Created by acsimpson // 0 threads
There is a gate across the full width of the national cycle network just west of the Railway line past Dalmeny. This forces all path users to use the uneven verge which can get very muddy at certain times of year.