Issues
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:
-
-
post removed ( Nightingale Avenue )
Post removed , increased usage by cars .
-
Camber on bike entrance going east on Glisson Road not trike-friendly
Turning from Hills Road onto Glisson Road going east, there’s a “cycles only” lane on the left-hand side, with a concrete separate from traffic in the other direction. The camber is extremely steep in the cycle gap, and risks our cargo trike overturning. The barrier is well meant, but ultimately the steep camber means we have to enter on the wrong side of the barrier, which is less rather than more safe than not having a battier at all.
-
-
Damaged bridleway sign
The Heathfield Bridleway is generally a good piece of off-road provision that links Thriplow to Heathfield/Duxford whilst avoiding the A505. The sign is damaged; Cambs CC say it’s not their duty to repair/replace.
-
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.
-
23/01815/FUL Residential (Cherry Hinton)
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.
-
23/01701/FUL Change of use of from office to student accommodation - 8 rooms
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
-
Planned layout of new cycle/pedestrian crossing on Milton Road near Ascham Road
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?
-
Mile Road /Roman Road /A 1307
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 . -
Election campaign 2024
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.
-
New scoping application for 'Land South of Coldham's Lane'
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
-
temporary fencing on Haling way
Temporary fencing, for no apparent purpose, that then becomes a hazard as it falls over or degrades.
-
A users first approach to cycle infrastructure design.
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.
-
Greenway: Lode to Swaffham Bulbeck
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.
-
23/1287/FUL Extension of and alterations to Quy Mill Hotel
The area covered includes the cycle route to Church Road. It may also be useful to look at the cycle parking.
-
Extension of 19-35 Regent Street
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.
-
Government Transport Policy
This (apparently) revised draft leaves little/nothing for any other forms of transport and continues a policy of road expansion.
-
Planning application: 23/00795/FUL Wendy's restaurant, Emmanuel St
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.
-
Hills Road North Sixth Form College
Not much information yet, but Hills Road Sixth Form College are hoping to create a second base to the north/east.
-
Planning application : 23/00872/REM Plaza adjacent to proposed primary school
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
-
Social Media Hostility
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.
-
22/05018/REM - land to the west of Cherry Hinton Road/ Airport Way
We might need to look at the road layout proposed here.
-
Blockage on Horningsea Greenway in Fen Ditton
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.
-
Lincoln's lane car park crossing
Improvements required for safe crossing of walkers, cyclists and horseriders using the main path through the forest.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
-
U&C Outline planning Application
Objections to U&Cs outline planning application need to be submitted by 10 April. There seem to be some interesting ideas for improving cycling infrastructure but a lot that could be improved upon.
-
Colne Road - shared access
The shared access path on Colne road, on its north side, creates conflict between cycles and vehicles. The provision seems worse than using the road. The presence of commercial premises on both sides of this road make the use of a shared access path highly problematic.
More photos can be found on the campaign blog. -
Braidwood Gate missing dropped kerb
There should be a dropped kerb at the foot of Braidwood Gate, leading to Dumbiedykes
-
Bike lane extension on Ferniehill Drive
The bike lane here starts too close to the junction - drivers hug the kerb before the cycle lane starts, and this makes the lane useless.
-
Reallocation of cycle space (driverless buses/pods)
A driverless pod system is proposed is proposed to connect CBC and Trumpington P&R.
see:
http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cambridge/innovate-uk-have-put-up-250-000-to-get-two-cambridge-medical-campuses-serviced-by-driverless-buses-1-4993867
It 'implies' it will use maintenance-track!
"An out-of-hours driverless shuttle service on the fixed path from Trumpington Park and Ride will aim to allevieate congestion on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus."We need to find out more.
A similar system is proposed to connect Whittlesford station and Genome Campus. This should offer possibilites for a new walking and cycling route. -
Coldham's Lane / Cromwell Road junction
This junction is currently very poor. Cyclists end up doing awkward manoeuvres and visibility is not good.
It is possible this could be improved as part of the Chisholm Trail.
How could this junction be redesigned to make it best practice?
-
inaccurate "no through road" signs, missing "except cycles/pedestrians"
I've noticed a few of these around Cambridge where there's a "no through road" sign but it's a through road for cyclists and pedestrians. As there's a post already, if the council had a ready-made stock of plates saying "except cycles", "except pedestrians", a single operative could affix the plate below the sign to made it correct. It is highly deceptive and not serving those using non-motorised transport if they go the long way round not realising they can get through a quicker route.
-
Thames bridges counter-terrorism barriers
Since the horrific attacks that took place on Westminster Bridge, and most recently London Bridge, the Metropolitan Police have installed temporary barriers on many central London bridges.
LCC is fully supportive of the need to take urgent steps to provide extra protection for Londoners and visitors to our city. But we also believe it's right that we look at these measures, that have had to go in very rapidly, to see both what lessons need to be learned for future Highways schemes in the capital, and to see what, if any, tweaks can be undertaken to ensure these barriers can provide the extra security needed as well as allow people, especially London's large number of cycling commuters, to continue to cycle safely with minimal disruption - ideally even with enhanced safety and/or provision.
Now we want your ideas of any tweaks, modifications or other measures that can be brought forward on the bridges affected so far, and given the measures in so far, to provide vital measures to protect against terrorist attacks, but also to enhance safety and provision for those walking and cycling, and to mitigate the negative effects of the measures so far.
-
Brighton Hill Community Plan consultation
Brighton Hill Community Planning Group is consulting:-
Now consulting!Brighton Hill Community Planning Group
If you live work or volunteer in Brighton Hill please let us know your views.
Complete the survey (https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=149700756001)
The consultation will close on 14 August 2017.
-
Dropped Kerb/DYL on NEPN Access
Better access to NEPN than through St Mark's Park which involves an uphill, narrowing road approaching a blind bridge. Requires stopping in traffic to negotiate parked cars and kerb.
-
No Foot/Cycle Access to Fishwives Causeway
Opening a gap in the wall would give access through towards Portobello and Figgate Park
-
No Foot/Cycle Access to Fishwives Causeway
Opening a gap in the wall would give access through towards Portobello and Figgate Park
-
Narrow chicanes need removal
The path between Hyvot Loan and Guardwell Glen has two narrow chicanes at both ends, which are quite overgrown too.
This path is important as it allows people to leave the quiet route northwards towards Ellens Glen, so you can avoid parts of the busy Gilmerton Rd.
I contacted the Active Travel team about it and they are going to look at it. There is some uncertainty if this is owned by the Morrison supermarket or the council. The chicanes were put in after local complaints about motorbike, so the Active Travel team has to investigate if this is still a concern.
-
Dropped kerb needed for NEPN access
See: https://goo.gl/maps/sZEe3AdMN8v - dropped kerb and step removal required for NEPN access from Bonnington Grove. The other side at Dalmeny Road has step-free access.
-
Old Dalkeith Road/Ferniehill junction
The timing of the signals at the Ferniehill Road junction could also be changed. Currently, you need to use three separate pelican crossings to get from one side of the road to the other, and this can take several minutes.
-
Road markings on ODR beside Little France Cottages
The road markings at the junction between Old Dalkeith Road and Little France Cottages should be repainted. Adding a bike lane would also be an improvement.
-
Old Dalkeith Road bike lane
Just south of Little France Road, the southbound bike lane on Old Dalkeith Road is appalling. It's alongside a parking bay, but the parking bay isn't wide enough for cars to fit into it without them sticking into the bike lane. Even if it was, "dooring" would still be a significant hazard.
Even away from the parking bay, the bike lane is too narrow.
The bike lane really needs to be wider and further away from parked cars. If this isn't possible, I think it would be better to have no cycle lane at all.
-
Unsurfaced Section of QR20
Gravel/muddy slope section of QR20, the rest of which is tarmac path/roads.
-
Poor Access to QR10
Access to QR10 from Fillyside Road requires either:
- Cycle across busy/fast road and up full height kerb
- Turn right onto busy/fast road for ~100m, turn left up dropped (but not flush) kerb
- Cycle on pavement and cross at traffic island -
Remove or widen gate at Innocent tunnel
The gate at the north end of the Innocent tunnel only leaves a narrow opening.
1. It's generally too narrow for trailers etc.
2. You move from bright light outside into the darkness of the tunnel, and going into the tunnel you often can't see people cycling or walking out; this would not be an issue of the full width of the path was usable.
3. The gap is at the edge of the path with various surface defects
-
crossing very slow to change
usually have to wait a very long time here - reduce the wait time after pushing the button! This crossing needs to be more responsive like the one round the corner on Clerk St.
This small change will make a big difference to this route to the Innocent Path -
17/02190/OUT erection of up to 95 dwellings - Goddards Lane, Sherfield on Loddon
Outline planning application for the erection of up to 95 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS). Demolition of garages to form a vehicular access point from Bow Drive and replacement garaging. All matters reserved except for means of access
Land At Goddards Farm Goddards Lane Sherfield-on-Loddon Hampshire
"Whilst there are no cycle routes currently in the vicinity of the site, the topography of the
surrounding roads make them generally conducive to encourage cycling. These provide
connections for cyclist from the development site to the wider area."Basingstoke
Application reference : 17/02190/OUT
-
Rumble strips instead of paint
Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?
-
New Chicanes are Non-compliant
The Dalmeny Park house builders have installed new chicanes on NCN route 1. Unfortunately none of these meet the guidlines for chicanes on cycling facilities.
-
Gate Blocking NCN1 @ Dalmeny
There is a gate across the full width of the national cycle network just west of the Railway line past Dalmeny. This forces all path users to use the uneven verge which can get very muddy at certain times of year.