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:
Footpath 32 is to be converted to be a bridleway. The footpath runs at the edge of a field parallel to the Wheathampstead road from the Hertswood Forest car park entrance to Nomansland. It will have a garpack surface for cycling/walking and a larger strip of grass for horse riding.
Funding comes largely from a Paths For Communities grant with other contributions from local sources.
Created by mike1727 // 1 thread
Traffic on the redbourn road is often fast and uncomfortable for novice/nervouse riders. The footpath running along Redbourn road sees few walkers and appears suitable for a conversion to a bike route. This is being progresses through the Herts Cycle Forum
Created by mike1727 // 0 threads
The Stonecross/Avenue road junction is to be redesigned. It is rounoured there may be a ban on bikes turning right from Stonecross onto Avenue road, which makes bike journeys W-E using Avenue road difficult. It would be better to redesign the junction to allow bikes through since many people will continue to ride/use the pavement as this is a desire line route.
Created by Jose Ferraro // 0 threads
Coombe Lane West heading towards Raynes Park: There is a long downhill slope which has new potholes appearing frequently which after a long while are filled with blobs of tarmac creating equally dangerous lumps. Grit fallen from HGVs and parked cars narrowing the lane make this a very risky road to cycle along at speed. A cyclist needs to slow down to be prepared to manoeuvre these hazards which puts them into conflict with motorised traffic behind them who wish to pass but lack the room. This is especially true when cycling uphill over the flyover (in either direction).
There is a short piece of cycle lane only at the base of the hill which does not continue over the flyover and leaves slower cyclists to mix in with the much faster flow of motorised traffic.
The result is frequent close passes unless you cycle in a primary position which invites further conflict (tailgating and intimidation) from impatient motorists.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 1 thread
Proposals are coming forward for the redevelopment of part of the Cambridge University Pres Site as a single location for Cambridge Assessment. Some public engagement will apparently start in November
Created by Jon Warbrick // 1 thread
The link from Barton Road to the Lammas Land car park (and the car park itself) have been closed to all use by the County Council for some development work. This is a buisy cycle route, and no effort has been put into providing a diversion. Currently most people are cycling across the grass behind the hedge beside the road (though how long this will remain possible if it rains is unclear); an alternative is to use other paths across Lammas Land, but they are narrow, not actually marked for cycling, and it's further.
According to a notice at the junction with Barton Road this work will continue to the start of December. There was and is no warning when approaching from east of the river.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 0 threads
The Virgin Gym trade entrance is being used by drivers as a shortcut.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
Is it legal or not to ride on either Christ's Lane or Milton's Walk ?
Created by Angela Dyer // 0 threads
Convert footpath between Watling St & Coningsby Bank, near the Park St roundabout, to a bridleway & resurface.
Created by Angela Dyer // 1 thread
Proper surface on the link from Butterfield Lane to Holyrood Crescent
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 0 threads
To provide a safe route between Barnstaple Town Centre and the Pilton area, this footpath should be upgraded to a shared path, initially just by change of status, at a later stage, widening of the path should also be considered.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
The towpath from Richmond to Teddington lock is currently unappealing and dangerous. These photos were taken in May and the path is a lot worse after in winter or after a spring tide.
It is sufficient for people on mountain bikes who do not mind getting muddy, but not easy for children, older people, less confident cyclists, pedestrians with buggies, cyclists on cargo bikes etc to navigate - basically all the vulnerable road users who would most benefit from avoiding the busy, fast moving traffic on the narrow winding Petersham Road.
I take this route to work and I have to plan for the fact that I will get covered in mud every morning, and take it very slowly because it is so bumpy. I have seen pedestrians and those with child buggies climbing over the flood wall and walking on the grass on Petersham field in order to avoid this path. When I have my child in the bike seat I get off and walk the section between Ham House and River Lane that is pictured as I don't feel safe.
With a bit of thought this path has the potential to be an excellent car-free cycling and walking route that would tempt people out of their traffic jammed cars on Petersham Road.
See also the discussion at http://www.cyclescape.org/threads/811
Created by Paul L // 0 threads
The demand for cycle parking exceeds the supply in this important shopping area.
Created by Dan // 1 thread
Traffic lights will not change for cyclists when on the sensor (at night).
Created by Clare Gibbons // 0 threads
I propose the creation of bike/bus scheme: a bus service for Sundays and Bank holidays leaving Cambridge Rail Station, heading out through Barton Road and linking Burwash Manor, Wimpole Hall, Gamlingay Woods, Great Gransden Woods etc in a circular route. Short cycle routes to be developed around villages along the route. Cyclists can choose the length of journey they want to make and be assured of a ride home by bus if they do not wish to cycle back to Cambridge...
A 24 cycle bike-trailer can be towed behind a 20 seater bus, providing sustainable tourism access to South Cambridgeshire and passenger transport services for settlements that do not currently have Sunday services. Please respond and state whether you would be interested in such a service.
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Proposal to help pedestrians crossing A325 also includes a proposed Shared Use Path.
Concerns:
1. Shared Use Path would feed cyclists into moving traffic, better if they join at the junction.
2. Proposed traffic islands and changes to kerb line create pinch points for cyclists.
3. Signalled crossing on north branch of junction would serve pedestrians better.
4. Conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists on existing and proposed SUPs
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Proposed changes to Elles Road crossing creating a corral style refuge and improving sight lines by removing vegetation.
Proposed changes to centre of roundabout to create cycle paths.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
County Council press release: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/CMSWebsite/Apps/News/Details.aspx?ref=1154
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
It would be useful to provide a route from east side of Kew Gardens station; via Burlington Avenue; along Mortlake Road and up the service road alongside the district line to the Thames Path. The service road is already closed to traffic; but cycling is obstructed by a large ugly concrete barrier (see photo). There is room on the north side of Mortlake Road for a short section of dedicated cycling space to link to the junction with Burlington Ave - see http://goo.gl/maps/DG7gh. The crossing could be problematic.
Created by Andrew Clegg // 2 threads
The garage at the end of radcliffe road uses the end of this road as a car storage area, which often results in the access onto the cyclepath being obstructed.
Created by mike1727 // 0 threads
Route to link the Northern end of the converted foothpath running from Sandridge to No-Mans's land via Heartwood to Wheathampstead.
This is on the Hertfordshire County Council's rights of way improvement scheme.
Created by Charlie Halliday // 0 threads
Surrey County Council have started a consultation for their proposed cycling strategy.
This issue covers the aspects related to the bordering borough of Rushmoor.
Consultation finishes on 1 November 2103
This junction has often been suggested a prime site where a continental-style 'all green phase' signalling scheme could be tried.