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 Jim Chisholm // 3 threads
AstraZeneca have announced they will by 2016 move to the Biomedical Campus on the Addenbrooke's site. We need to engage with them.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
More cycle parking is needed in the Clocktower Square area of Canterbury city centre. The photo shows that the existing cycle parking is completely full.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
More cycle parking is needed in the vicinity of the high street end of St. Margaret's Street in Canterbury. The photo shows that all available space on the stands is already used.
There has been stepped access from the riverside to Victoria Bridge for years, possibly since the bridge's construction.
Victoria Bridge is currently closed pending refurbishment/reconstruction due to its dilapidated and dangerous condition; there may be S106 money available from the developers of the adjacent Western Riverside housing development. It's crucial to write to local councillors expressing the community's desire to have the bridge access not merely restored, but enhanced, for the benefit of cyclists, pedestrians and less-able users of the bridge and riverside.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
We'll hold a stall at this event, sign up for slots!
Energise Cambridge is an exciting campaign to get Cambridge students engaged
on climate change and persuade the university to change their energy supply
to renewable options. We are holding a massive rally on Parker's Piece on
February 10th at 12pm to show student support for the issues we are raising
and to generate publicity.
Find out more at http://www.energisecambridge.org/
Sign up at: http://www.doodle.com/w5qca6zspa29rvi7
Created by Andrew France // 1 thread
It has an uneven degraded surface in the cycle lanes from the Elizabeth Way roundabout until the bridge.
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
The carpark entrance cuts across the cycleway and has shallow corner radii encouraging fast entrance and exit speeds which are a danger to cyclists using the cycleway.
The cycleway should be curved away from the roadway at the junction and a marked crossing put in place a cars length from the roadway allowing space for entering and exiting cars to giveway to cyclists moving along the cycleway.
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
The tucan crossing is out of phase with the lights at Church Road meaning that traffic coming along the A316 into Kew Rd is not held at the tucan but is then stopped at Church Rd so that cyclists and pedestrians have to wait for traffic to enter Kew Rd.
Re-phase the lights so that the tucan crossing is red for the roadway at the same time that it is red for the lights at Church Rd, so that there is a single green phase along the cycleway across the end of Kew Rd.
Created by LeedsCyclists // 1 thread
Central Leeds is badly lacking cycle parking. Many locations have no cycle parking at all, or only a few token stands, which are often full. At the recent Cycle Consultation Forum, the Council asked for suggestions of locations that need cycle parking: send your suggestions to Mark Robinson at Leeds City Council.
Created by Fonant // 0 threads
The current Promenade has "NO CYCLING" a few dozen yards before its western end, so cyclists have nowhere to go. The parallel road, especially Eirene Road, is dangerous and unpleasant for cycling, so many continue to ride along the footpath to Sea Lane.
There is plenty of room to widen the path, using concrete on top of the stable shingle. The same method could be used as was used to the east of Worthing some years ago.
This project has the full backing of local cyclists as their number-one priority in Worthing, and has local resident support too. It was included in WSCC's last LSTF bid document, which won them £2.36 million of funding from central government.
Can we just build it, please?
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The cycle lanes through Trimley stop for each traffic island rather than continuing thus causing a dangerous pinch point for cyclists on the National Cycle Route 51.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The cycle track on the pavement just suddenly stops with no where to go other than to cycle on the pavement. Surely it would be better to nicely guide cyclists back onto the road into a cycle lane?
This stretch of NCN2 has not had the too-narrow footway widened to allow for safe shared use. Oddly the part just to the east, where the existing road was narrower, has been widened.
We need some of the wasted five lanes of motor vehicles to be re-allocated to allow the footway to be widened to be wide enough for shared use. They could even make use of the now-redundant cycle lane on the road heading west.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 3 threads
Travis Perkins Development has major impact on Chisholm Trail.
We have a letter from the developer outlining their position - let's see if I can attach this...
There is a lengthy discussion of the Chisholm Trail, the gist of which is that they don't see why they should make any further accommodation for it when it is mainly Network Rail's land that is earmarked for the route. They dangle a small carrot in that they might release the corner piece of land to mitigate the pinch point you identified - but only if this application is given the go-ahead.
Created by cobweb // 0 threads
Permission given for 286 homes. Concern was raised in 2010 about the positioning of the 715 cycle parking spaces.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Serious safety concerns on this stretch cyclepath crosses side-roads. See the main thread at
http://richmondlcc.cyclescape.org/issues/590-a316-cycle-lane-priority-over-side-roads
Created by Jon_B // 1 thread
Warwick Road is marked as an "Advisory Cycle Route" on the Suffolk County Council cycle map.
However, in morning rush hour it is frequently backed up a considerable distance heading south towards the traffic-light controlled 4 way junction with St Helens Street / Spring Road / Grove Lane.
There is an ASL on these lights, but in practice the carriageway is too narrow to allow cycles to pass the stopped traffic on the left hand side - particularly as the route is used by buses which occupy the space right up to the kerb.
Overtaking on the right is not a safe option where there is queue of stopped traffic as this is a two-way road with the added complication of traffic pulling out from Lancaster Road.
Given that the motorised traffic flow seems to be mainly south bound it would seem appropriate to make this a one-way street with a proper cycle lane including changing the phasing of the lights to allow cycles an advance phase to make the turn into Spring Road / St Helens Street.
One-way flow up another of the cross streets (probably Palmerston Road ) in the Northbound direction would complete the "loop" for cars and also ease traffic flow on that road which is currently difficult for cars or bikes to negotiate in a northbound direction in rush hour.
Created by Katja Leyendecker // 0 threads
Superfluous to entry by motor traffic. East Pilgrim Street re-development takes note of that, and arranges Swan House roundabout accordingly
Created by George Britton // 1 thread
The developer, Inland Homes, is preparing an application to build new homes on the roundabout site of the Ham & Blackbird pub.
Plans reported in the local newspaper talk of 62 units (1-bed apartments), with a cafe/bar commercial area.
This is an extremely busy junction, providing access between the centre of Farnborough and the station. The current cycling provision is poor/non-existent cycling in multiple sections.
Another significant factor is the big parking expansion underway at Farnborough Main station, which will release approx. twice as many cars onto the roundabout every weekday evening…
There is a public exhibition of the proposals.
Details:
Venue - St Peter's Church Parish Hall, 60 Church Avenue, Farnborough, GU14 7AP.
Saturday 22nd February 2014, 1130 am to 4pm.
Created by Kate // 1 thread
This spot is part of the route that has potential to help people cycling avoid congested unappealing George Street in order to get to Richmond station or other parts of Richmond from the riverside. When you come up Friars Lane from the riverside you reach a junction where the traffic is one way away from central Richmond.
If you follow the one way system left around the Green you add at least 5 minutes to your journey time. You cannot turn right and take the quicker route because it is one way. You also cannot turn right up King Street to join George Street because that is also one way.
You also cannot go straight across the path on the Green as this is officially a footpath.
There is more than one possible solution here: a contraflow for cyclists on the side of the Green nearest to George Street. A cycle path alongside the footpath straight across the Green.
King Street would also benefit from a contraflow which would open up the options for cyclists - particularly when the riverside route is flooded.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Queen's Road is currently one-way for cycling - it would be good to remove this barrier.
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 Andrew Woodward // 2 threads
There is currently a cycle track to the David Lloyd sports centre from the Staines Rd; which turns into a muddy track, blocked at the exit to Uxbridge Road by a difficult and narrow gate.
Upgrading this short section of path with decent surfacing, streetlighting and removal of obstacles would provide a good link from the cycling facilities on the A316 and the Staines Road onto the schools in Hampton.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
South Worple Way is signposted as part of LCN 37; but the western end of it is blocked off with this obstruction; which leaves only a very narrow gap for bikes to get through. Could you get a cargo bike or a trailer through there?
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Despite the cycle lanes being mandatory along this stretch the road layout is such that vehicles frequently intrude into the cyclelane - as this bus did.
White paint does not work on this stretch and some other segregation method is needed -eg a kerb; vertical posts or similar.