12/0603/FUL | Construction of a cycle shed to existing car park area
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.
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:
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.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Speeding can be a problem on Granchester Road.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Existing building to be rearranged internally for surgery and medical admin. There is locked-away cycle parking for staff (quantity not spec), but none proposed for patients/ visitors. See thread for Sustrans' objection.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 10 threads
Turnstone, a consortium, is hoping to build a new town, to be named Denny St Francis, adjacent to Waterbeach (the barracks site, plus). Like any large development, cycling conditions need to be good.
Converting one-way streets to two-way cycling has long been a Cambridge Cycling Campaign priority.
Progress has been made, with Hope Street being made into a two-way street with a no motor vehicles exemption at one end.
Now that Except Cycles signs under No Entry signs are permitted there is scope for extending this to Romsey Streets.
Created by Klaas Brümann // 1 thread
South Cam is working on a cycling project between Haslingfield and Grantchester, proposed by the Haslingfield Parish.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Cambridge East development is in the 2006 Cambridge Local Plan and would have a big effect on cycling and traffic more generally in the area.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The City Council will be designating Sheep's Green & Coe Fen as a local nature reserve in 2012, in recognition of the site’s value for both wildlife and recreation.
As part of the process, a management plan has been prepared to establish a long-term vision for the site and to guide ongoing maintenance and habitat-restoration works.
They are seeking public comments on the draft plan, prior to formal adoption and designation of the site.
It is important that the proposals are scrutinised to check whether this will have any effects in the longer term on cycling and path improvements.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Now that the East Road gas works have finished, the road has been patched up, but in a very bumpy way. Although the tarmac is smooth, it is not at the same height as the original road so riding along is continually bumpy.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
A further application following several rejections.
Planning application to demolish 32-38 Station Road and build two office blocks. This is a revised application.
Application is called 'Fifty & Sixty Station Road'.
Documents are completely inadequate for this listed building. I submitted this objection:
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
The application form indicates that there is currently no cycle parking and that none is intended. This is unacceptable - the development must conform to the Council's standards in quantity, location and type.
There are insufficient graphic details on which to assess the application.
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
Created by Rohan Wilson // 0 threads
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
We note that 3 Sheffield stands are shown within the cycle shelter - good provision for a site which is on the city's Signed Primary Cycle Network. It is important that they should not be installed too close to the rear wall, and that the spacing between each and between stands and side wall should meet the City Council's standards - see Cycle Parking Guide.
Only 3 bins are shown - is this acceptable, for recycling etc?
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
Objected.
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
We are concerned that there may not be sufficient space in the rear "bikes and bins" (unattractive combination!) room. It is important that the Sheffield stands indicated should be installed as shown, and to park or remove a bike, rearward space is essential (See the City Council Cycle Parking Guide), adequate as drawn. But only five refuse bins are shown, one for each apartment. Normally each would need 3 bins (black, blue, green), for which there would clearly be insufficient space.
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
Created by Rohan Wilson // 0 threads
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
The documents state that cycle parking is to be increased to 4 spaces (staff) and 6 spaces (pupils), but gives no indication as to its type, location, or whether it is sheltered.
We consider the quantity to be provided seems unambitious, especially considering the site is in a quiet street close to routes on the city's signed primary cycle network. The cycle parking should be of Sheffield stands, convenient to the building's entrances, in a clearly visible location, and sheltered. See the City Council's Cycle Parking Guide for information.
We recommend that more spaces should also be provided, better to encourage a healthy alternative to car use. We note that the site is a listed building whose character and surroundings are not likely to be enhanced by full occupation of the "ample" car parking mentioned in the D+A Statement.
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
Created by Kevin Hickman // 0 threads
Poor provision for cycling in the submitted plans.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
BBC R Cambs want to interview someone at 07.05 tomorrow (May 1) about the potholed condition of Mill Road.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
Plans are mooted to paint directional signs on the roads in the city centre to alert bike users to the legal direction of travel.
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.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 3 threads
Cambridge United are proposing a new stadium in Trumpington, near the Park and Ride site. Clearly this will have major traffic generation effects.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Create an off-road route along the railway line out to the east, which could ultimately form a route out to Collin.
Created by Sam Saunders // 2 threads
On the eastern approach to Clifton Suspension Bridge the narrow road curves past a pedestrian refuge next to a toilet block. The short cycle lane that had started as approximately 1.2 metres wide narrows to approximately 0.9 metres at the refuge. More than half of the cycle lane at that point is paved with uneven cobbles unsuitable for cycling, especially on a bend. The traffic lane (approx 3.2 metres) is too narrow for a car and a bicycle to pass together. The cycle lane, in effect, is encouraging inexperienced cyclists to adopt a vulnerable road position and to cycle on an unsuitable surface.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 4 threads
The Shotley Peninsula Cycle Campaign have plans for a dedicated cycle path from the edge of Ipswich to Shotley. http://www.spcc.info/News%20and%20Projects.html
Upgrades are needed from Ipswich town centre to the new cycle track.
Created by Paul James // 1 thread
The cycleways along the Thames Path and along Ducks Walk are not connected with the south/east side cycleway across Twickenham Bridge and only to the north/west side cycleway via a long detour through Old Deer Park or along The Avenue.
A ramped way down from the bridge would create a useful route for people into and out of Richmond town center that is currently only possible by using two flights of steps.
The service entrance to the motorway services now has priority over the shared use path which runs parallel to the main road.
I have contacted both Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council about this change in priorities, but neither has responded beyond a cursory "we have received your email".
This is yet another example of through traffic being de-prioritised simply because it is on a cycle (or shared) path, rather than on a road.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Many cyclists won't cycle to Harwich International from the Ipswich direction due to the roads. There really should be a high quality cycle route for this to continue the cycle journey from The Netherlands, where you can ride of the ferry and on to quality cycle infrastructure. The fact people choose the train is not a good sign.
This issue is the overall goal, and needs to be broken down into smaller sub issues of smaller more specific projects or improvements that can work towards this goal.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 11 threads
Major planning application here - c. 10,000 homes
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
West side the cycleway terminates at the Manor Rd zebra crossing.
East side it vanishes 20 meters from the junction at the Lower Richmond Rd zebra crossing.
Path between is not shared use and is very narrow due to excessive road width on roundabout due to dedicated turning lane and large roundabout center.
Created by Roy Russell // 0 threads
This is a good location for "No Entry except Cycles".
The existing Traffic Order allows cycling past the No Entry sign.
The existing "cycle bypass" over the footway, which was rarely used, has been obstructed and largely destroyed by the adjacent building site.
The simplest solution is to add a supplementary plate "Except Cycles" under the No Entry sign.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The entrance to Dock Street should be turned into a continuous footway with pedestrian and cyclist priority over turning vehicles akin to this Danish junction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcnmLU1ClTo
This would improve sight lines for pedestrians too as the dropped kerbs are away from the junction, and it would also go with the pedestrian desire line as many tend to cross closer to the junction than the dropped kerbs. It would also slow down the vehicles entering the narrow street.
Created by Andrea // 3 threads
In Museum Street and Upper Brook Street/Northgate Street it is very dangerous to cycle. Both roads are very narrow, have lots of buses pass through and there are contraflow cycle paths. On those you are very close to the buses (both directions) even if you wait on the pavements to let them through because you are worried about accidents. Can cyclepaths go through Elm Street, Tower Street or Tower Rampart instead?
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
A northern stretch of Bristol's waymarked "Concorde Way" runs along a quiet residential street, Wordsworth Road. On the newest housing development as Bristol gives way to South Gloucestershire there is a barrier between the end of Wordsworth Road and the start of Eighth Avenue to prevent motor vehicles passing through. There is a raised curb, offset railings and large grey concrete bollards and only a narrow passage either side of one bollard for cyclists to ride through. Tricycles, cargo bikes, or trailers might be to be lifted over the raised curb. In dusk or darkness neither the bollards nor the curb are easy to see. There is a light on the traffic sign offering some help, but a less intimidating arrangements or reflective/high-visibility surfaces could be considered.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Cherry Hinton Road is currently mainly typical 'blue sign on a pavement' provision, despite having the edge-to-edge width in places for proper cycle provision. A longer-term objective should be to upgrade this.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
There is currently a bit of a conflict between pedestrians and cyclists around Stoke Bridge, between St Peter's Street and Dock Street, where there is the legalised pavement cycling.
To resolve this I would propose removing a lane of traffic (which is only needed for a very short time at peak times, and a small modal shift through improved infrastructure would resolve any congestion issues) and giving that lane to cyclists in a segregated fashion.
Created by JonC // 0 threads
Our club (South Herts CTC) had to cross the A505 to get back into Hertfordshire on Sunday and we took a route between Litlington and Therfield which involved 500 m along the A505 and a right turn at the roundabout west of Royston.
I was quite surprised there was no cycle route to help cyclists here. It was a Sunday so at least there were fewer heavy vehicles than normal, but the speed of some cars coming up behind made it tricky to change lanes on a bike when turning right at the roundabout.
Since then I have studied other ways of crossing the A505 (using Google Streetview) and can't find any easy crossing points near Royston. I see it is the boundary between Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, which complicates matters (although it looks like the A505 road is in Herts).
To the east, I've used the B1368 crossing at Flint Cross, which is also a nightmare. To the west the crossing at Slip End does at least have a central refuge. It seems little or no thought was given to cyclists when the A505 was constructed.
Added to reduce confict with pedestrians at back of Leith Academy.
Will act as a barrier to long bikes, trailers and probably buggies and wheelchairs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/8116937797/sizes/l/in/photostream
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Improving the connectivity from Bourne Hill over the A14 to Wherestead with dropped kerbs, allowing cycling and signing as a cycle route would be a step in the process to improving cycle access south from Ipswich to various places including Jimmy's Farm (a family leisure venue, which should be cycleable to by a family with young children), Shotley Peninsula, and the land route to Harwich International ferry port for cycling to The Netherlands.
Created by Mark A // 1 thread
A dropped kerb at this point would improve the route that people can take to cycle between Bear Flat and the city centre - making it easier to use Calton Gardens to avoid the section of footpath on the alternative via Holloway and St Marks Church.
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
All the sideroads between Richmond Circus and Manor Circus are a danger to cyclists on the cycleway.
There is no warning to motorists that there will be crossing cyclists and the building angles make it hard to see if anything is coming.
Turning traffic from the A316 can have an obscured view of the cycleway due to foliage.
Decrease corner radii.
Make road hump more pronounced.
Make cycle surface colour continuous across roadway.
Add markings across roadway.
Add warning signage.
Move give way lines back to before cycleway or add additional give way lines.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
It would be much safer to have cyclist priority on the slip roads here as is done in The Netherlands http://www.flickr.com/photos/smsm1/10046288016/ , or even the following example from Britain: http://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/photos/good-cycling-facility-of-the-week/good-cycling-facility-of-the-week-14th-november-2013-0
The slip roads also need to be narrowed to slow motor vehicle speeds as does the turning radii of the roundabout.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
The railway line from Cambridge to Newmarket turns out across Coldham's Common and right through the middle of Cherry Hinton, and then carries on passing to the north of Fulbourn.
There are currently (2013) two main routes from the east of Cambridge to Cherry Hinton - the Tins and Snakey Path. However both have long very narrow sections involving pedestrian conflict.
The railway line is single track - but satellite images show the bridges crossing Barnwell Road and Coldham's Lane were both built for dual track. So this means there should easily be enough room to accommodate a cycleway alongside the railway.
This route could then connect up with the Chisholm Trail and provide a direct fast cycle route to and from the city and the Science Park area.
Created by Richard Jennings // 2 threads
Because of queuing for the Grand Arcade car park, amongst other things, the mandatory cycle lane on Pembroke Street and Downing Street is routinely abused by motor vehicles – one every 66 seconds on a Saturday afternoon http://www.cyclestreets.net/galleries/221/.
The corner at Free School Lane is a particular concern because vehicles traveling east can't see oncoming cycles.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
The bridge between Dean Rd and Longford Close is currently a pedestrian only bridge, marked no cycling. Coupled with other improvements, provision of a decent facility here that could be used by cyclists with minimal conflict with pedestrians would open up a decent quiet route from the schools in Hampton (Hampton Academy, Hampton Boys, LEH) to the A316 cycle route.
Created by TonyBeaumont // 1 thread
Out side the royal orthopaedic hospital up top 30 cars are parked in the cycle lane every day. Cyclists are forced out into the traffic lane of the A38 over a distance of about 1/4 mile.
Sam // 1 thread
The bollards at the bottom of Herbert St haven't been replaced after the electricity cable was laid last week.
Rather than directly replacing the bollard slalom that existed beforehand, the bollard specialists might have suggestions on what the layout should be here which camcycle can suggest as for the replacement...