11/0338/FUL Intercell House
This is an application for a new hotel with 127 rooms, a bar, restaurant and car park. The Planning Officers are satisfied it won't have an unacceptable impact on traffic.
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.
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Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Cyclenation:
This is an application for a new hotel with 127 rooms, a bar, restaurant and car park. The Planning Officers are satisfied it won't have an unacceptable impact on traffic.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
This former CRC building has been in state of disrepair for some time now and this is application to demolish and construct three new buildings for non-residential educational and training use, following demolition of all buildings on
the site except the Ragged School.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
The proposal here is to tidy this area up and install 5 extra bike racks.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Letter received from City Council re back entrance to Lion Yard and toilets at Fisher Square (which there was lots of fuss about a while back).
Created by cobweb // 5 threads
This is an idea, reported in the Cambridge News, to demolish the Park Street car park and rebuild it, so that the car parking is underground but leaving the cycle parking above ground. Flats would be built on top.
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 cobweb // 1 thread
This is a proposal, as part of the Environmental Improvements Programme, to install cycle racks on the highway near the Derby Store deli and post office. Cycle parking is almost non-existent here but there is not much support for taking away on road car parking apparently.
Created by cobweb // 0 threads
A proposal to restrict right turns from Barton Road or Lammas Land car park into Grantchester Street.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
A mixed development of ground floor commercial units and 12 flats above those. This will replace the current small parade of shops near the Perne Road roundabout that have got into a state over the years.
This is a proposal to demolish the existing (but now closed) Rosemary Branch pub and replace it with eight houses and two flats.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Planning application here. Access issues need checking.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
A cycle link is needed to Barton Court Grammar School in order to give the school students and staff a viable means of reaching school.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
Cyclists need to walk for a short distance to follow NCR2 next to the Prince of Wales Roundabout if they wish to avoid using the A20 on the roundabout.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The A2 is a hostile environment for cycling. Cyclists should be directed away from using the A2 towards existing safe alternatives (e.g. RCR16) and the current A2 cycle signs should be removed.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 13 threads
Formal policies on health, with mention of cycling, need to be improved as a way of providing an additional tool to be used in transport and planning.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 33 threads
Collisions, 'accidents' and even occasional deaths involving cyclists remain an issue in Cambridge.
This Cyclescape issue is so we can collect the reports and debate approaches to tackling this issue through the media and through policy objectives.
There are a range of issues regarding cyclists breaking the law in Cambridge. This issue is intended as a container for strategic discussion of how this can be resolved.
There are of course many problems with drivers breaking the law, and discussions need to be in that context also, but this is issue is primarily for addressing the cycling side.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 5 threads
Cycle parking has long been a problem in the Romsey and Petersfield areas, mainly because of lack of proper provision.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The proposal is for demolition of the existing non residential language
school and replacement with new with on site accommodation for students. Cycle parking needs to be checked.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Regent Street crossing has been upgraded. How are people finding it?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
80-cycle prefab shed using sheffield stands, replaces 7 car spaces. Need to check the application and welcome it if this is as positive as it sounds.
Created by Heather Coleman // 2 threads
This is a planning application variation for 42 Fen Road, Milton. Application no (south cambs) is S/0756/12/VC
Permission had been given, but I noted as I passed the other day, that there was an application for a variation. Looking at this, one item seems to be to vary the "cycle storage".
From the description in Addendum to Design, Access & Herigage Statement in plans and docs:
I quote
"The bin / cycle store has been relocated and enlarged to allow for a tool shed. It was felt that
the proximity of the previous store to the proposed dwelling had an adverse impact on the
street scene and cluttered up the entrance area. By setting it back within the garden space it
was felt this would positively enhance the character of the area. Additionally, as a temporary
structure it is felt this would not have any more of an impact on the surrounding trees than
the current position of the bin store."
Or if you look at the map, the cycle "storage" (should that be parking?) now appears to be round the back end of the garden, and as a hedge is shown surrounding the car parked at the front of the property, I am at a loss as to how it would be at all convenient to ever get a bike out of this shed, rather than just getting into the car.
Of note is the fact that this proposed house is about 15 yards off NCN 11. In one direction*; this gives a virtually traffic-free route almost into Cambridge city centre or to Waterbeach railway station. In the other direction, NCN 11 heads through Milton Country Park, leading almost directly to the local Tesco superstore as well as to the Coston bridge, Science Park, Guided Busway. Thus, it could be possible to live an almost entirely car-free existence at this location.
*Fen Road is erroneously described as a cul-de-sac in the application. It is to motor vehicles, but is in fact a through route to the city centre for cycles and pedestrians.
From the 2004 South Cambs local plan
"To promote the use of more sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport,
walking and cycling by making such modes more accessible, safer and more attractive
to use.," and "To promote sustainable travel by ensuring new development takes place in highly
accessible locations."
" To limit the amount of car parking provided in new developments, where appropriate,
to reduce over-reliance on the car." "adopting on-site and/or off-site design features that promote
access by non-car modes as far as practicable (including
walking and cycling) and facilitate and encourage their use"
Of course there appears to be nothing about accessibility of cycle parking cf car parking, unlike the City Council local plan.
Is it worth putting in an objection? The publicity end date is 5th June.
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 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
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Application to build a bridge over the brook to provide rear foot/cycle access to the school.
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Created by Sam Saunders // 0 threads
The south-west bound advisory cycle lane, marked with dotted lines and with a small traffic island to funnel cycles into it (creating a pinch-point) seems to be regularly used a car park. If the parking is being encouraged or allowed, the island and the markings should be removed to allow the hazard to be more clearly seen. Preferably, the parking should be disallowed and a mandatory cycle lane should be installed.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
This stretch of Grove Road is pedestrianised. Formally opening this up to cyclists - and marking it so - would help establish a quiet cycle route all the way up/down Richmond Hill as an alternative to the busy Queens Road
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
There is room on this pavement for a properly segregated cyclepath that would feed up to Christ's school and continue up as a quiet route up to near the top of Richmond Hill as an alternative to the busy and unpleasant Queen's Road.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
This short section of The Vineyard is one way street. Opening this up to 2 way for cyclists - through signage and a 20mph limit - would improve permeability for cyclists in Richmond centre.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Southbound cyclelane ends abruptly in row of parked cars forcing cyclists out into often fast moving traffic whilst trying to climb a hill.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Create a shared use path (or even better a dedicated cycle track) from the junction of Woodlands Road / Vine Road to Barnes Railway station - this would join LCN37 and providing a quiet route to Barnes Railway station for many residents of Sheen / Mortlake, avoiding the busy A205. This route is currently a footpath.
Created by Paul James // 1 thread
The exit from the car park crosses the shared use path and is blind from the drivers POV if they stop at the give way markings. This means that drivers will move blindly across the shared use path without being able to see cycles moving along the path.
The solution is to close the gate to motor traffic.
The carpark is accessible from both the driveway to Pools on the Park and from Kew Foot Road and the entrance from Pools on the Park would appear adequate to act as both an entrance and an exit.
Created by christhebull // 1 thread
This section of road is surprisingly hostile to cycle along on account of the restricted width, parked vehicles and high traffic speeds. I have had drivers behind me screech to a halt when they realised that they are likely to collide with me or an oncoming vehicle, and moving out to pass parked vehicles is needlessly stressful.
There is a vehicle activated "30 mph" light-up sign along this road but it is hopelessly inadequate, and more substantial methods of reducing traffic speed are going to be necessary.
Note also that the option of using Snowdon Road and then Fishponds Road is not only longer and steeper, but still involves awkward pinch points northbound along Fishponds Road. This is an important route linking the Hollies (halls of residence) and UWE Glenside with the centre of Fishponds and thus ought to be a priority within this area.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The traffic lights don't detect cyclists, thus you potentially have to wait ages until a car comes up behind you.
Created by Sam Saunders // 0 threads
A twenty metre stretch of advisory cycle lane at the end of Whiteladies Road, from a zebra crossing to its junction with Queens Road, encourages cyclists to take a position near to the curb as they enter the and leave the junction. This puts them exposed to frequent buses turning immediately left into Queens Avenue and in a vulnerable position from which to continue a journey south west towards Park Street or Park Row.
Created by Paul L // 1 thread
This path is included in the Richmond Cycle Map and leads to a toucan and is a useful link from Hampton to the quietish Lower Hampton Rd towards Sunbury but is marked "No Cycling".
There is little pedestrian traffic but ideally it could be made wider.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
The existing continuous route from Bristol's Cumberland Basin Swing Bridge along The Portway towards Sea Mills and Avonmouth runs under a footbridge beside the sea lock that provides a direct traffic-free link to quiet streets on the other side of a very busy road system. The footbridge is wide and occasionally used by cyclists who carry or bump their bikes up and then down a long series of steps on each side to get to Granby Hill and Cumberland Place. The advantage of using the bridge is that it avoids crossing or joining the multi-lane traffic of Hotwell Road and offers a quiet route to Clifton, and to Hotwells Primary School. It would be useful for cyclists travelling from the west or the east along the existing cycle route. A continuous channel in which to wheel a bicycle at one side of the steps would be helpful for some and make use of the bridge a more viable option than it is now.
Created by MB // 1 thread
TFL are thinkingof closing this 'rat run' to motor vehicles & have put out a consultation here:
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/coleparkroad
They are keeping it open to cyclists - but are proposing (I think) an awkward right- angled turn for cyclists to get in & out of the cul-de-sac. Can we suggest a better layout?
Consultation closes on May 10th 2013
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Vauxhall Bridge between Coronation Road and Cumberland Road has a channel provided for wheeling bicycles on one side of its stepped sections. The channel is so narrow and so close to the railings that a bike can only be wheeled along it at a severe tilt. In addition only one side has a channel so wheeling the bike in the opposite direction has to be done from the wrong side of the bike, making it even more awkward.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Cyclists travelling south west along Woodland Road and intending to turn left into Park Row are offered a continuous (advisory) cycle lane that is less then 1.2 metres wide and paved with cobbles for half of its width. It should be removed or else widened and considerable resurfaced.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
The unusual arrangement at the beginning of this cycle lane in Dighton Street Bristol might lead some road users to take it lightly. It could be that experience of moving or replacing trees with less destructive varieties in suitable containers should be sought from other places. Dighton Street is part of a well-used natural route from east to west near the city centre and efforts to establish serious, continuous and high quality cycle routes on roads like this one could represent very good value for money. Mandatory cycle lanes, once installed, need to be policed.
Created by MB // 1 thread
There is a useful but unmarked path from Queen's Road to Richmond Park and through to Sheen. It is used by pedestrians and cyclists & I have never seen it on any map! From Lower Grove Road, it takes you to the park via Bog Gate, or Sheen via Sheen Common.
If it were better marked on maps, better maintained & wider in places, it could form a useful section of Richmond's (paved, segregated, Dutch style?) cycling network.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
This is the approach to Kew Gardens station and is an area with many shops and cafe’s. Enabling this street to become 2-way for cycling will make access to the station and shops more convenient for cyclists and should therefore bring economic benefits to the area. Streetview: http://goo.gl/maps/P4spf
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
longer than Kew Rd and any traffic can be obstructive in narrow roads.
Toucan crossings of A316, Kew Road and Mortlake Rd.
Is rat running a problem ?
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Cycling North along Westbury Road (A4018) on a shared-use pathway beside the main carriageway there is a sign to "Westbury Park Shops". It is about 50 yards before the Parry's Lane roundabout and indicates a right turn ahead for cyclists and pedestrians. It has been added to a larger sign that reads "New Road Layout".
In practice, on arrival at the roundabout there is no indication before, on or after the roundabout as to where cyclists should go next. A zebra crossing before the roundabout offers a dismounted route to the other side of the road, but there is no indication of which direction to take thereafter. There are 4 roads to chose from, Westbury Park, Etloe Road, North View and Downs Park West but none of them seem to offer shops. There are two ambiguous cycle lane markings on the entrance to Westbury Park and "NO CYCLING" is painted on one footpath.
The problem, in a nutshell, is one that recurs all over Bristol: if you don't already know the way a first encouraging sign gives expectations that are not followed through. A route that had been indicated as a cycle route (with the cycle symbol) at its origin is left to chance and guesswork. The effect on cycling is to increase uncertainty and unpredictability. Each cyclist is obliged to make guesses about how to use a junction or follow a route. An association of cycling with expert and arcane knowledge is reinforced. Many routes (including this one) could be improved with a few additional signs or road markings and their use by casual or less well-informed cyclists could be encouraged.
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.
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?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Queen's Road is currently one-way for cycling - it would be good to remove this barrier.
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 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?