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 Matthew Phillips // 1 thread
The bottom stretch of Potters Bank is quite steep, and therefore cyclists tend to be going quite slowly up this section of road. In this situation it is nice to have plenty of space so that you can pedal at your own pace without feeling hassled by traffic trying to overtake. Unfortunately on this section of road, there are several car parking spaces on the up-hill side of the road. When they are occupied, passing them on a bike is a slow and uncomfortable business. It would be far better for cyclists if these spaces could be removed and an up-hill cycle lane provided.
The parking spaces are not adjacent to any properties so there is no particular need for people to park there rather than in neighbouring streets: they are probably mainly used when the spaces in Quarryheads Lane are full.
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.
Created by Andrea Bredel // 1 thread
this is one of many cycle lanes here in Ipswich that go on and off the road several times. This is very awkward for cyclists as they need to be very careful when getting back onto the road and most probably confuses drivers as well.
What general measures (publicity, fairs, web activity, leaflets, brochures, campaign manifestos) can we undertake to promote cycling in Cambridge in the most general sense?
This issue is a discussion area for proposals and discussion on creating general-purpose material and the approach that can be taken to promote cycling, and the difficult question of how this is balanced against difficulties that cyclists face in practice.
This issue is not for discussion of specific problematic infrastructure or helmet issues, or anything like that.
Created by MikeF // 1 thread
Traffic light sensor on Tavistock Road at Derriford roundabout (inbound) is unable to detect cyclist correctly forcing extremely long waits in the early hours until a car comes along to trigger the lights
Created by WilliamNB // 0 threads
When cycling from Marsh Mills towards town, the pavement is a bi-directional shared path, albeit of poor quality and far too narrow to be safe. As you approach the junction where the off-ramp for Old Laira Road veers off to the left, cyclists are forced around a barrier to meet the road perpendicularly, where they have to wait until there is a large enough gap in traffic to allow them to cross.
This is one of Plymouth's main cycle routes into and out of the city, while Old Laira Road is not a main arterial route and indeed has a 20mph speed restriction in place further on.
It would be good if the on-footway cycle provision can become a segregated cycle path for a short distance, which may be continued across the slip road veering off to the left, as has been done on Laira Bridge Road recently, as well as on Alma Road, approaching the junction with Outland Road and Milehouse Road.
Clear signage could be erected to show traffic wishing to cross the cycle track that it should yield to cyclists.
The cycle track should be continued past the small traffic island and retain priority over traffic joining from Old Laira Road, before it can merge again with the shared pavement along Embankment Road.
Created by WildNorthlands // 1 thread
Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a three/four storey building (including Cinema at third floor level) for use within Classes A1 (Shops), A2 (Financial and Professional Services), A3 (Restaurants and Cafes), A4 (Drinking Establishments), A5 (Hot Food Takeaways) and D2 (Assembly and Leisure), associated infrastructure and ancillary facilities
Location: Block 1 The Moor, Sheffield S1, (Land And Buildings At 16-18, 28-54 The Moor, 25-33 Charter Square, 15 Charter Row, Rockingham Gate And Multi Storey Car Park Rockingham Way), ,
Applicant: Ms Kerri Hunter
Grid Ref: Easting 435137 Northing 386821
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Planning application here. Access issues need checking.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 2 threads
Currently there are 'No cycling' notices despite this being a major cycle route.
Although it is unlikely that major works can be done to the bridge, changes on the approaches could reduce the conflicts, by improving 'intervisibility' between the different users.
A meeting between various parties (Councillors, County bridge engineer, cycling officers, and cycling campaign is proposed.
The A14 Histon Interchange is hostile to bikes as their is no way to safely cross the entrance slip roads onto the A14.
Created by WilliamNB // 0 threads
When Chapel Street was recently renovated and resurfaced, new on-carriageway cycle lanes were painted. Sadly (predictably?) these lanes end just when they are most needed.
The fact that the lane ends, when cycling in a northernly direction, is in itself an annoyance.
The manner in which it ends is stupid beyond belief:
A yield sign has been painted at the end of the lane. This means, to remain perfectly within the law, cyclists riding in the lane must yield to traffic traveling in the same direction and may only proceed when there's no traffic approaching from behind.
It is legally possible to avoid having to yield by leaving the cycle lane before it ends and by riding on the main carriageway.
Created by WilliamNB // 1 thread
When travelling along Billacombe Rd in a westerley direction, there is a dedicated right-turn lane at the junction with The Ride. As is the case with many traffic lights across the city, there is an induction loop system buried in the road.
This seems unable to detect the presence of cyclists waiting to turn right at the lights, thus forcing cyclists to skip a red light.
Outside the old, unused entrance to the boatyard there are barriers that needlessly force cyclists to slow right down.
Created by Matt Turner // 0 threads
Any cyclist using this cycle lane is at risk from vehicles using the narrow main carriageway as they move into the cycle lane to make it around the corner.
This junction is newly designed and was installed in Summer 2012.
The cycle lane on Billacombe Road is unusable due to car parking in it.
Created by cobweb // 43 threads
"The Greater Cambridge City Deal was signed by Central Government, Council leaders, businesses and the University of Cambridge and aims to secure hundreds of millions of pounds for the areas of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.
The Greater Cambridge City Deal aims to ensure that the success of the area continues by investing in the transport infrastructure, housing and skills needed to see future economic growth.
The first £100m of funding will be made available for transport improvements in the five years from April 2015."
Created by aSemy // 0 threads
A tree on the side of East side of Whiteladies road (next to HSBC) has a notice stating that the tree will be removed and replanted. The tree is on the very wide pavement right next to the road, and the road is not wide enough for vehicles and cyclists: a pinch point.
There is clearly enough space on Whiteladies road for a segregated cycle lane. It is a popular route used often by heavy traffic. With enough shifting of road lanes there's even enough room for an uphill cycle lane.
Replanting the tree away from the road would remove one small obstacle and show evidence that BCC is looking towards improving cycling in the long run.
Created by Gerhard Weiss // 1 thread
Walthamstow High Street has a busy market, which makes it near impossible to cycle. Outside market times it has 'no vehicles allowed' signs. Even in the middle of the night it is illegal to cycle trough he spooky quiet High Street.
There is virtually no cycle parking along the High street, only at the nodes. Provision is particularly poor in the middle by the Sainsbury supermarket.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
Talk by local historian about cycling in Cambridge
Created by christhebull // 1 thread
South Gloucestershire have released plans of their proposed changes to their section of the A38 Gloucester Road. Several locations will be altered, namely:
Northville Road Roundabout
Filton Roundabout
A38 / Filton Avenue Junction
A38 Patchway Slips
The proposals can be viewed here https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/A38_Cycle_Safety_2013/consultationHome and the consultation closes on the 29th July.
What is being proposed is, in my mind, inadequate, as the modifications are mostly tinkering with junctions, with cyclists still expected to use the mainline carriageway (which has a 40 mph speed limit north of the Air Balloon). This route forms part of Bristol Cycling Campaign's proposed "cycle freeways" and the proposals are nowhere near adequate for this road to be called such - so make your voice known at consultation!
Created by ambrosen // 1 thread
For additional commuter access to the Newton Park campus of Bath Spa uni, does anyone have any ideas about upgrading the footpath over the field from route 4, under the railway to the new path on the A4, linking up with the university.
I realise that for westbound commuters, this duplicates the route which took some effort to get made on the A4, and that it needs a new right of way to be made/purchased/recovered from the historic record, but it looks like a good link.
Created by WillC // 1 thread
Cycle lane marking is badly worn which means other road users cannot tell if it's really there or not - which is bad news for cyclists, and dangerous. needs urgent re-painting. Lodged with highways@leeds.gov.uk twice in last 2 years but no action taken.
Created by carlystevens1989 // 1 thread
There are a number of varying sized pot holes along the Cumberland Road leading up the traffic lights near the Mud Dock Deli, the side of the road with no cycle markings. They are mainly on the edge of the road, the largest being around 12 inches in diameter and are also in succession of each other. I would estimate around 10-15 pot holes in total.
Cars are often less than forthcoming when you have to move into the middle of the road to avoid them and therefore cyclists often cycle on the path in order to avoid them - although this path is wide enough to accommodate a cyclist it is not a shared path.
It would also be useful if this side of the road had cycle markings like the other side.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 2 threads
When cycling west bound from Rope Walk into Eagle Street through the cycle filter (where cyclists are unaffected by the traffic signals except giving way to the traffic from the left), the width between the bollard and the kerb and the sudden left movement required make the travel through the junction more difficult especially when using bikes with trailers, cargo bikes. Ordinary bike users also find it difficult to use and will avoid it instead.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 2 threads
Access to and return journey from the Crematorium is a real challenge for the cyclist. Indeed, chances are you may end up in it if you try to ride your bike there.
Here we have a essential public service which is accessible by car only. Is this acceptable ?
These issues arise also if a convoy of bicycles was to accompany a coffin.
What is to be done?
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/contact-us/council-buildings/crematorium.en