Westbrook centre redevelopment
There are plans to redevelop the Westbrook Centre to a life sciences campus.
There is a "listening event" today Wednesday 17th May 3pm at St Luke's Church, Victoria Road.
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
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Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Cyclenation:
Created by Nick Flynn // 1 thread
There are plans to redevelop the Westbrook Centre to a life sciences campus.
There is a "listening event" today Wednesday 17th May 3pm at St Luke's Church, Victoria Road.
Created by KW // 1 thread
Eight flats, six car parking spaces, eight bike parking spaces. Access from Cherry Hinton Road, within the queue region for the 'Robin Hood' junction, across the existing shared-use path.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Change of use of first, second and third floors from office (Class E) to student accommodation (Class C2) comprising 8 student rooms and ancillary facilities. External works comprising the installation of an external staircase and entrance, PV panels to the roof and an Air Source Heat Pump at ground floor level. Installation of two openings into the listed wall for means of access and daylight to the rear.
First Floor And Second Floor And Third Floor 98 Regent Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1DP
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/01701/FUL
Created by Ruth Corns // 1 thread
I noticed that on the plans for the ongoing Milton Road development, the plan for a new double split cycle/pedestrian crossing across Milton Road near Chesterton Hall Crescent/Ascham Road has the cycle crossing on the East side and the pedestrian crossing on the West side. The problem with this is it is the opposite way round from the way cyclists/pedestrians approach the crossing from Chesterton Hall Crescent (cyclists on the West, pedestrians on the East). In the mornings, this crossing is extremely busy with pedestrians and cyclists travelling from South to North (to reach Milton Road primary school and Chesterton Community College), and at the north side of the crossing, cyclists need to be on the West side to travel up Ascham Road and the pedestrians tend to walk on the east pavement. The new crossing plan would mean cyclists having to cross the flow of pedestrians on both sides of Milton Road. This would lead to queues of bikes on the crossing (in the road) and seems quite dangerous. I think it would create a natural flow if the crossings were switched to have the cycle crossing on the west (and this is how cyclists and pedestrians naturally organise themselves on the current toucan crossing)? I've included a photo where I've drawn arrows showing the cyclist/pedestrian flow lines in the current plan and if the crossings were switched. It hasn't been built yet so I wondered if there is a way to suggest this to GCP and do you think a change would be considered at this stage?
Created by cpax // 1 thread
Hi ! , I am writing to you to voice my concerns that the Bridleway ( Mile Road ) between the Roman Road and the A 1307 is
under threat .
As a regular user of this route ( cycle ) I first noticed that the finger post on the A 1307 had been removed some weeks ago
and on passing that way today found mounds of earth had been pushed up to the large gate making it almost impossible to
pass through . This route is heavily used by people wanting to go from Fulbourn to Babraham or just for walking . It is a well
defined route on all the maps / cycling Apps . I am incredulous that this threat to this route can so easily be blocked .
Created by Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 4 threads
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for commitments to active travel and sustainable transport.
Hybrid Planning Application at Land South of Coldhams Lane comprising: Full Application for 'Parcel A' Building 1 (Use Classes E(g)(i) (Offices), E(g)(ii) (Research and Development)) and the Hub Building (sui generis) with associated car and cycle parking, Outline Application for the remainder of 'Parcel A' for E(g) uses including office, research and development, car and cycle parking, landscaping, infrastructure and associated works, with all other matters reserved except for access, Full Application for ecological enhancements to 'Parcel B', Full Application for landscape improvements and access to 'Parcel C'.
Land South Of Coldhams Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/01683/SCOP
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
Temporary fencing, for no apparent purpose, that then becomes a hazard as it falls over or degrades.
Created by Jonny Camp // 1 thread
How can we tell whether a bicycling environment is good or bad? How many times have you been cycling along a piece of existing infrastructure only to find the word 'end' written on the pavement and yourself forced back onto the road into traffic?
With this in mind, I am undertaking a piece of research as part of my masters dissertation at Queens College, University of Cambridge. I am gathering primary data of existing users of the current cycling network across Cambridge. From this data I will be able to assess the coherence and directness of the existing cycle network and identify potential 'bottlenecks' and issues from the point of view of the users.
Created by Martin Wheatley // 1 thread
Because of a combination of subsidence and grass tussocks growing through the path, my wife's e-trike tipped over on the Greenway path between Lode and Longmeadow this afternoon. Fortunately she is only bruised and shaken but it could clearly have been a lot worse. I have reported it to Cambs Highways as an emergency.
Unless and until it is repaired, I would advise extreme caution on this section of the Greenway or use the Bottisham Greenway, Tunbridge Lane, Park End and Swaffham Bulbeck High Street instead. The on-road sections of the latter are usually pretty quiet.
sound+fury // 1 thread
The area covered includes the cycle route to Church Road. It may also be useful to look at the cycle parking.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Downing College are proposing to extend and rework the old 'Pizza hut building' on the corner of Parker's Piece.
I can't see any obvious issues other than making sure that sufficient cycle parking is created. I think they are intending to put this within the main college grounds themselves, over the road, which probably makes most sense.
sound+fury // 2 threads
This (apparently) revised draft leaves little/nothing for any other forms of transport and continues a policy of road expansion.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Change of us from Class E to a composite restaurant (Class E) and takeaway use together with external changes
56 St Andrews Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 3DA
Application reference : 23/00795/FUL.
The plans indicate that the existing heavily-used cycle parking will, at least in part, be removed.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Not much information yet, but Hills Road Sixth Form College are hoping to create a second base to the north/east.
Plaza adjacent to proposed primary school on key phase 1
Waterbeach Barracks Key Phase 1 Primary School Plaza Denny End Road Waterbeach Cambridgeshire CB25 9PA
South Cambridgeshire
Application reference : 23/00872/REM
I haven't spotted whatever it is that is supposed to provide "access for picking up and dropping off pupils". There seems to be a 5-Sheffield toastrack ("exact product TBC") on what looks like the 'drive' (next to 'He' which means heritage surface coarse asphalt). I do not see anything that would encourage use of Bakfiets etc.
Image is a crop from LANDSCAPE GENERAL ARRANGEMENT PLAN
I have noticed that especially since the congestion charge there has been a lot of aggression towards Camcycle in social media comments. Notably on Facebook, Nextdoor, etc. I am aware that angry aggressive people have always been on the internet but I do feel the level has increased since congestion charge notoriety, with many people's opinions degenerating into conspiracy theories about Camcycle and the council.
I do worry about the effect this can have on increasing "us vs them" mentality and increasing aggressive behaviour towards cyclists on the road.
sound+fury // 1 thread
We might need to look at the road layout proposed here.
Created by Richard Holton // 0 threads
Works on the Greenway on east side of the Horningsea Road. No provision for cyclists to pass safely. Only option is to cross at previous pedestrian crossings, though there is no signage to indicate this.
Created by George Lund // 1 thread
Improvements required for safe crossing of walkers, cyclists and horseriders using the main path through the forest.
Created by Gabriel // 1 thread
The County Council is proposing some of those cheap and nasty speed cushions at Birdwood Rd. Link: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/traffic-regulation-orders/permanent-traffic-regulation-orders#proposed-tro--reference-number-pr--------proposed-speed-cushions-in-birdwood-road--cambridge--9-0
Closing date for comment is 17 March 2023. Email to: policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Created by Rosamund Humphrey (Admin Officer) // 1 thread
This is a container issue for event threads.
Created by Rosamund Humphrey (Admin Officer) // 1 thread
Cambridge City Council have launched this new consultation as part of the Our Cambridge programme which aims to shape the council of the future. This may be relevant to our work because it includes thinking about how the council works with its stakeholders.
sound+fury // 1 thread
A previous application was refused in part because of the cycle parking provision. What's the new one like?
Created by David Green // 1 thread
Are you confident at what to do if something goes wrong with your bike when you're miles from home? Could you repair a puncture by the side of the road? Yes? Great! No need to read on.
No? You may be interested in the following Saturday workshop I am running again. This will be a repeat of the popular workshop held last year where attendees gave feedback such as:
"Excellent - would recommend it to all inexperienced riders."
"Following the course I really feel I understand the workings of my cycle."
"It was very clearly explained and covered very useful topics."
"Thoroughly informative workshop. To be highly recommended."
David Green
===
Survival Skills for Cyclists
Venue: Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ
Date: Sat 25 March 2023, 10am to 4 pm
Description: A one day bike maintenance course for local cyclists. Bring your bike and get confident you can cope with common roadside cycling breakdowns. Women members especially encouraged to sign up! Places are limited to ensure you learn in a small friendly group and get all the assistance you need. Topics will include: checks before you set off, tools to take along, fixing punctures, handling chain problems, gear and brake adjustments.
Equipment: Your own bike to work on, pump, puncture repair kit, and any tools you normally ride with.
Refreshments: hot and cold drinks provided, but please bring your own lunch!
Fee: £20 (CTC and CamCycle members) £50 (non-members). Subsidy available for those on a low income - please don't be put off by the price. Primarily funded and supported by CTC Cambridge.
Enrolment: To book a place, email da...@guertler-green.co.uk with subject 'Survival Skills for Cyclists 25 March 2023'.
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Created by Chris Brown // 1 thread
Conflict between pedestrians and cyclists on stretch of CGB shared-use path alongside allotments and CGB in Trumpington
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
London Cycling Campaign's Space for Cycling campaign
Has a clear message - what can we learn from them?
Created by David Earl // 2 threads
11 flats replacing existing building
Created by Robin Heydon // 3 threads
There is a need for a link between the A14 Histon interchange with Ring Fort Path in Orchard Park.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
It is intimidating to use this roundabout because of the high shrubbery in the middle. It is supposed to slow traffic down but my subjective feeling is that it doesn't
The link is scheduled to be closed for water main installation for six weeks from 30 September.
Nearest alternative ways to cross the railway line are Sandpit Lane (busy road with splitter islands!) or bridge link to York Road (nice and quiet but steps to bridge)
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Proposal
To provide a shared use facility on St Phillips Road that links the Toucan Crossing on Midland Road with the Bristol Bath Railway Path. The route will then continue on a traffic calmed Horton Street
Rationale
The Railway Path is one of the City's busiest parks, with an estimated 5,000 sustainable transport journeys made along the St. Philips end of the path each day either by foot or by bike. With this volume of traffic using the path, it is unsatisfactory that users are channelled into St Philips Road into a busy industrial estate. Since the bus priority measures on West Street and Old Market on the A420 corridor, there has been an increase in private motor vehicles using St Philips Road as a rat-run causing conflict with the volume of cycle traffic. The end journey for users of the Railway Path acts as a barrier to new cyclists.
An improved link form the railway path to Temple Meads would help achieve the Local Enterprise Site aims for sustainable transport and will help to provide for the 17,000 employees at the site.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF proposals.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Dear RCC - I have written because of a junction which is a frequent danger spot to cycle through. It is the junction where Dukes Avenue and Tudor Drive intersect with the A307 Upper Ham Road and Richmond Road.
1. The painted arrows in the middle of the junction suggest that turning traffic should pass on each other's left. This creates a serious blind spot for oncoming traffic and for the cyclist turning. Traffic code 181 suggests vehicles can pass either way but highlight that left to left is the more dangerous for this reason. 90% of the time motorists pass according to how the arrows are painted leaving a cyclist who is turning blind to oncoming traffic. The 10% of the time when a vehicle decides to turn right to right this puts them head on with a vehicle who may have decided to pass left to left. Very dangerous for a cyclist in either situation, there does't seem to be a safe way to tackle this junction as what ever you do.
https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/road-junctions-170-to-183
2. Recently I was waiting to turn right on this junction (left to left position) when a motorist behind me undertook me to place himself to my left blocking oncoming traffic to pass on my left and therefor forcing them to drive at me and pass on my right. Simply because he didn't want to wait behind me until the coast was clear that I could turn.
3. Needless to say the ASL's at this junction are almost completely ignored.
I hate cycling past and turning at this junction. Is there any way it can be improved to become safer for cyclists? A short head start (green light for cyclists) would be ideal but I doubt this will ever happen.
Google Streetview shows the problem nicely: http://goo.gl/maps/8gdo2
Created by George Coulouris // 7 threads
This issue is intended to act a repository for material that can be used to back-up the LCC's 2014 Local Election Campaign 'Asks'. There are 6 'asks' that were finalised and agreed at the LCC's AGM on 19 October 2013:
1. Safe routes to schools
2. Areas without through motor traffic (AWTTs)
3. Protected space on main roads/major junctions
4. Safe cycle routes via parks and canals (Greenways)
5. 20mph speed limits
6. Liveable town centres
so we'll have 6 threads under this Cyclescape issue where we can collect explanations, discussions and most importantly concrete illustrations of what is meant by each ask.
Created by Caroline Page // 1 thread
Significant domestic car parking in the advisory cycle lane of westbound lane combines with heavy traffic jams to obstruct/block westbound passage to cyclists in rush hour. Generally there is a section of this route where pavement pushing is unavoidable
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
The cycle lanes here are a mish-mash of narrow legacy infrastructure, and are often awkward to use.
Created by Gerhard Weiss // 0 threads
Superhighway 3 on cable street is also a rat run. Cell 1 marks the area bounded by 'logical' cell boundary streets. There should be no through motor traffic within this area
Created by David Earl // 5 threads
Greater Anglia has just issued a consultation on cycles at stations and on trains
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
We've launched the campaign for a major upgrade to the cycle tracks on Tavistock Place/Torrington Place. The campaign is fronted by this video:
http://camdencyclists.org.uk/camden/campaigns/ssl-upgrade/index_html
This issue provides a forum for discussion by (a) CCC committee and (b) campaign activists. Please create threads as necessary.
Created by Robert Asher // 1 thread
Hello, I'm wondering how many other Cambridge cyclists have shared the experience I've had (about once per month now) regarding a particular elderly lady who insists that bikes are not allowed on the "footpath" adjacent to the Trumpington allotments, between Shelford Rd & the new busway in CB2. This path seems clearly demarcated as a shared pedestrian-cycle path on the cycle maps provided at the council link (below). However, it is not clearly labeled as such on the path itself, leading her to become quite angry with any cyclist who gets near her & her dog while they're out walking (and obstructing the path to underscore her point). "It's a footpath" she yells, and storms away.
So my questions are 1) am I correct in interpreting the council map (below) as permitting bikes on this path and 2) how might one go about requesting proper signage, clearly saying bikes & pedestrians are both welcome?
Thanks for any feedback, Robert
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sites/www.cambridge.gov.uk/files/documents/cambridge-cycling-map.pdf
Proposal
To investigate the purchase of land adjacent to the Bristol Bath Railway Path (BBRP) to provide a link to the Dings Railway Path which connects to Temple Meads station.
Rationale
The BBRP is one of Britain’s busiest off-road pedestrian and cycle paths with over 5000 people using it daily. The current link to Bristol Temple Meads is via St Phillips Road and Horton Street, both of which can be heavily trafficked with vehicles travelling at speed. A continuation of an off road route into Temple Meads would be very popular and help achieve the Local Enterprise Site aims for sustainable transport.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF proposals.
Created by TMiles // 0 threads
Cyclists benefit from an almost continuous cycle or bus lane along the A660 from the city centre. This route is much used by students cycling between central university campuses and accommodation in north-west Leeds.
After the central traffic lights in Headingley, the cycle lane ends and the road narrows. Although the road later widens out to two lanes, there is a stretch (marked on the map) where cyclists have insufficient space on what is a busy radial road.
There are two possible solutions here. The first would be to widen the north-west bound lane to allow a standard width cycle lane to be marked out. The second option would be to add a phase into the traffic light sequence that grants cyclists a ~10 second head start to clear this narrow stretch. This solution could involve detectors in the cycle lane upstream of the lights to avoid its unnecessary activation. It would also allow cyclists to position themselves better for the next junction, where traffic is split into two lanes.
Created by Harry Wood // 1 thread
I cycle southwards down Sussex Way each morning, and the logical thing to do is continue down Hornsey Road. Even better would be if this could somehow join onto the nicely cycle provisioned route down Arnette Road. Would make a logical route southwards, but short of bulldozing some shops, I'm not sure how it could be made to join up better.
So anyway I go down Hornsey Road, but the weird thing is I'm not allowed to turn right from Severn Sisters Rd to Horsey Road. It's weird because there's a little strip of cycle lane on Severn Sisters Road leading into this junction, which would very much imply that the highway planners are expecting cyclists to do this. Maybe there should be a blue 'except cyclists' sign there.... except that cyclists need to avoid running over the pedestrians who are crossing at that time in the traffic light sequence.
I'm actually not sure what can be done to improve this. Maybe someone else can think of something.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The "cyclist priority route" on NCN1, Felixstowe Road obviously isn't that subjectively safe as I've seen someone cycling on the pavement southbound rather than on the road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DItGP0Lt200 is a video of the road from another occasion.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Proposal
To provide either a fully segregated two-way cycle facility on the south side or a suitable alternative on Commercial Road and Clarence Road. If delivered this would provide an excellent East/West route that extends from Avonmouth to Temple Meads and beyond.
This scheme would tie in with proposals on Redcliffe Hill. BRT designs will be considered in conjunction with the proposals. This route will significantly help achieve the Local Enterprise Zone sustainable transport aims.
Rationale
Research has identified three key perceptions that deter people from taking up cycling: lack of personal safety; inconvenience; poor image. Experience from countries in northern Europe shows conclusively that in order for cycling to become a mass activity attracting all ages and abilities these perceptions have to be tackled and potential cyclists must believe they will feel safe, valued and normal. Facilities are needed that form a coherent network, separate cyclists from fast, high volume traffic and offer them a high degree of priority and convenience both on main routes and local roads. The purpose of Bristol's 'Design Cycling' work programme is to create a network and that is convenient, safe and provides speedy access all over the city. A network which a 12 year old would feel comfortable using.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF Proposal.
Created by MikeF // 0 threads
When cycling along western park road towards mutley. On sections that have speed bumps without the traffic islands/bollards, car/taxi drivers dangerously position their cars (across both lanes) at speed to avoid the speed bumps. Friday & Saturday nights is the worst time with the taxi's.
Created by MikeF // 1 thread
Traffic light sensor on Beechwood Avenue does not detect 6061 T6 aluminium bike frames very well
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Planning application: http://planningpages.midsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_MSUFF_DCAPR_92778
There are concerns about no or too little improvements for walking and cycling along Paper Mill Lane with the increase in traffic caused by the development.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The roundabout at the south end of Claydon under the A14 is pretty horrible for pedestrians and cyclists. It would be extremely useful if this could be upgraded to a Dutch style roundabout with:
* tighter entrances and exits will slow down vehicles to a safer speed while cyclists and pedestrians are around. The current dimensions are only ok when there are no cyclists or pedestrians around and it's safe for motors to go fast.
* single lane entrances and exit will make is easier to cross each arm. There would be no zig zag in the island.
* cycle track with separate pavement for pedestrians outside the roundabout, thus preventing conflict between the 3 modes of transport.
* cycle track crossing at 90 degrees to the road to aid visibility between different modes of transport.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Bristol City Council are changing the waiting restrictions across the whole of Clifton in Bristol. The number of places that you can legally park in are being decreased.
Cycle Parking is being removed on Victoria Street.