Local Plan 2018 - creation and review
The Local Plan is being reviewed - which will be a big process over the coming two years. It's important that cyclists engage with this and ensure that deficiencies, such as lack of cycle parking, are fixed.
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 // 21 threads
The Local Plan is being reviewed - which will be a big process over the coming two years. It's important that cyclists engage with this and ensure that deficiencies, such as lack of cycle parking, are fixed.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
There was a Sainbury's lorry delivering to the front of the St Andrew's Street store today despite signs saying there is no loading at any time on posts nearby. Sadly I didn't have camera. So my question is 1) Are they allowed to do this? and 2) if not, should we make a fuss (assuming it's a regular occurrence?)
[Originally submitted by another user, just transferring this to be a full issue so it has a location]
Created by Robin Heydon // 2 threads
The busway is not lit at night, which is unsafe and hard to navigate.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
A new school at Cambourne is proposed here. Obviously we want to encourage children to cycle to it, but the conditions need to be right.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The City Council believes there are rat-running issues here.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 10 threads
Various issues relating to enforcement of taxis in Cambridge (the line shown on the map being the worst area)
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Improvements and changes to Perne Road - making this as cycle-friendly as possible.
Created by t1mmyb // 0 threads
This shortcut is technically pedestrians-only, but forms a useful link from the environs of Bath Spa station (Widcombe) to Holloway, a dead-end for motor vehicles and therefore a quiet, if steep, climb to Bear Flat, Wellsway and beyond.
Dropped kerbs, barrier/chicane removal etc. would make this route usable by parents with cycle trailers, people on cargobikes and the like.
It was slated as a piece of work to be done by Bath & NE Somerset, but there's been no news lately.
Created by Richard Alderson // 0 threads
Near Cob Kiln Lane commuter route to Urmston Rail Station Cyclists and pedestrians are supposed to use this kissing gate. The dwell space is far too small and very muddy. There is a horse stile as well which is equally muddy - this is a major access route to the Trans-Pennine Trail
A section of the road now has a TRO restricting all motor vehicles without a VIP parking pass. Cycling is permitted on this section, but there are no signs to confirm this. The road still part of NCN55.
Created by David Earl // 5 threads
There is a great shortage of cycle parking in Cambridge City Centre. The cycle parks have been very successful, but the promised 500+ spaces at Grand Arcade actually only delivered around 250.
Created by David Earl // 2 threads
11 flats replacing existing building
Created by t1mmyb // 0 threads
There is a pair of traffic-calming chicanes/pinch points on The Hollow. The one lower down the hill (where drivers must give way to downhill traffic) has a cycle bypass; the one further up the hill (where ascending traffic has priority) does not.
When I cycle up The Hollow I am probably managing about 5mph; this pinch point brings me into conflict with much faster motorised traffic going up the hill, to the extent that I usually avoid the road completely and take a different route (Southdown Road) that has no traffic islands/pinchpoints.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Discussion of cycle training issues in Cambridgeshire.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Dear CCC,
In light of the recent news of a cyclist being injured by a motorist whilst on the off road cycle path on Barton Road (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge/Driver-who-knocked-over-cyclist-keeps-his-licence-16012012.htm) I was wondering if the CCC is campaigning for a reduction in the speed limit along Barton Road? I think (but am not categorically sure) that Barton Road remains the last main road into Cambridge with a 60mph limit.
Barton Road suffers from two problems with speed: heading out of town motorists accelerate from 30 to 60 after the speed camera; and heading into town motorists are coming off the motorway and are used to such speeds and continue to drive way over the 60 limit.
According to the http://www.crashmap.co.uk/ Barton Road has seen several fatalities and many accidents recently.
Sincerely
Barnabas Baggs
Starting a thread about this application here so we can continue on from the previous planning list discussion.
Created by Richard Moss // 3 threads
Planning application submitted for housing near the primary school and a mixed use housing plus retail development at Unwin Square, east of the Permier Inn. Concerns about provision for cycle parking contained in the plans submitted.
Created by Robin Heydon // 1 thread
Proposed package: Streamlining bus services through Cambridge city centre
A package of measures including some of the following is proposed:
• Cambridge Core Scheme extension – potential remove all traffic but buses and cycles from St Andrews Street north of Emmanuel Street through the day.
• Address taxi overcrowding in St Andrews Street.
• Remove / relocate some on-street parking in Jesus Lane.
• Bus priority measures along Chesterton Road
• Improved bus stop infrastructure in Hobson Street and Jesus Lane.
• Removal of some parking on Histon Road and Station Road.
• On Street ticketing at busy or constrained boarding points to reduce bus standing time and pedestrian congestion.
• Enhanced enforcement of infringements on key bus routes and stops.
• Rerouting of some buses away from Bridge Street / Magdalene Street.
• Park and ride capacity enhancements
• Rural interchange enhancements on longer routes benefiting from the city centre improvements.
ATM proposed next to Hills Road cycle lane
Martin Lucas-Smith // 3 threads
The LSTF is the funding from government for sustainable transport for the region. This issue covers discussion of the bid.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Planning application by Sainsbury's on Mill Road - various issues.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
I'll hang a thread off this general issue where we can share news - at least while we transition to using this new system.
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
The planning application has the promise of new, extra cycle parking, which should be good news. However, details are scant to say the least and as new jobs will presumably be created, I fear it will do nothing to alleviate the chronic shortage of cycle parking on site, especially at this location at the rear of the Concourse, and a place of choice to park if you have cycled from Trumpington.
Warrington Cycle Campaign have produced a leaflet aimed at improving the mutaul understanding of cyclists and bus drivers points of view.
It is called "Bus Drivers & Cyclists in Harmony"
We hope to promote better relations between the two groups via a similar leaflet. The key goal is safety but enhanced respect by both parties would be of benefit.
We have serious concerns over the standards of driving of certain classes of vehicles in Cambridge.
We have an opportunity to push for both bus companies and and local authorities to train their drivers to a higher standard
Under the 'Certificate of Profession Competence' drivers of certain classes of vehicle are required to undertake 'continuing training'
There has been an article in Local Transport Today about training in London. see:
http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/local_transport_today/news/?id=29476&StartRow=1
"A COURSE designed to cut the number of lorry accidents in urban areas, particularly those involving cyclists and pedestrians, has gained industry accreditation.
The ‘safe urban driving’ (SUD) course developed by Transport for London and London boroughs has been accredited by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training, the body set up by the sector skills councils for freight and passenger transport to manage the driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). "
"EU directive 2003/59 requires lorry and van (over 3.5 tonne) drivers to obtain a CPC by completing 35 hours of training every five years. The requirement came into force in 2009, so the first deadline is September 2014. "
"The second half of the course sees the lorry drivers get on bicycles and go on-road to understand how cyclists position themselves on the road, and how to drive in the presence of cyclists. This module was developed by Cycle Training UK for the London Borough of Lambeth. "
I've already pointed out this scheme to the cycling officers
It may be that we can get the LA's to approach Stagecoach on this issue and it could form part of any 'Quality Contract'
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Robin Heydon // 2 threads
The Landbeach Parish Council would like the bridgeway from Landbeach to Cambridge to be upgraded to a cycleway.
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 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.
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 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 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.
Created by kirbyjames // 2 threads
The primary route between Crediton and Exeter is the narrow and busy A377. It has been the site of at least one cycling fatality near Newton St Cyres.
An alternative route is possible using the lanes north of the A377 through Sweetham. However this route is compromised at both ends - at Exeter in the Cowley Bridge area and in Crediton by the approach along the A3072.
Development of a safe route is belived to be of high priority.
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 // 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 Richenda // 1 thread
Apparently TfL commissioned "...to explore the opportunity of a pedestrian river crossing ....". They may not think bikes should also be included, but they should!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/travel/4162/a-garden-bridge-across-the-thames.html
http://www.gardenbridgetrust.org/index.html
Starting a thread about this application here so we can continue on from the previous planning list discussion.
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 Dylan // 1 thread
There is a fairly good cycle lanes from Kingston towards Richmond up until you reach the Richmond Council border where Richmond Road (A307) turns into the Upper Ham Road (A307) and eventually Petersham Road (A307). At traffic lights along this route there are reserved areas for cyclists but along the roads there is nothing to remind drivers that cyclists share the road especially when the road narrows after Sandy Lane through Petersham. The road surface here is terrible and the speed bumps are pointless because some driver sprint between the bumps.
The best solution would be to remove the cyclists from this route altogether by upgrading the Thames Path to create a proper cycle path along the River Thames towards Richmond that currently stops at Teddington Lock. If a cycle/foot bridge linking Ham with Twickenham was built over Eel Pie along this route it would create an obvious link for those want to reach Twickenham.
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 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 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 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 Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Footbridges at Mortlake railway station should be fitted with troughs to enable cyclists to easily wheel bicycles to the other platform. Cyclists frequently carry bicycles over the footbridge, as per the photo - one going in each direction!
Created by Robin Heydon // 1 thread
The Cottenham to Histon cycleway needs improvement.
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.
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 Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Heading south west on Upper Maudlin Street, cyclists approaching lights have a narrow cycle lane cum ASL lead-in immediately adjacent to parked vehicles. The risk of dooring is clear. The lane or the parking should be removed.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The traffic lights at Eagle Street were timed such that travelling eastbound you would always get caught at the second set unless you were extremely fast setting off. After discussions with the council and it brought up at the Sustainability Forum by Cllr Smart, it was fixed to increase the length of time that those lights were green, and was great as you always knew you could get through the second set of lights without having to wait unless you just went through the earlier ones just before they went red.
However over the past few days the signal timing has changed back to the older timing where the probability of getting through the second set is virtually nil. In an ideal world they would be phased such that the first set would go green, then the second set would go green several seconds later at the point where you would be arriving at them, rather than having them change to green almost at the same time.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 12 threads
Project Orange is an attempt develop our general strategy during the year 2013.
It involves
1) Should Cambridge Go Dutch (or Copenhagenize)
2) A more assertive stance in our interactions with agencies: Demanding of them to make feasible what seems infeasible
3) focus on a regional area 10 miles (15 km) around Cambridge and a dartboard network structure to connect villages,
4) the development of a Bicycle Infrastructure Assessment Tool (BIAC) which will allow us to grade and praise provision
5) Priority over sideroads as part of a Dutch-style approach
5) Development of Visualisation Tools for major projects (Chisholm Trail, Newnham to Newmarket Rd, Mitcham's Corner)
Vehicles are continually abusing cyclists who use the road here because the bus lane on the other side forces the carriageway to be narrow.
Although there is the cycleway, it has the usual problems of loss of priority at sideroads, bins in the way, people going in and out of driveways, etc.