Long Road unsafe
Cycling on Long Road can be pretty hazardous and unpleasant. There needs to be a lower speed limit (30mph) as a minimum.
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:
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Cycling on Long Road can be pretty hazardous and unpleasant. There needs to be a lower speed limit (30mph) as a minimum.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
This portion of the cycle path near Reed Pond gets quite muddy on an annual basis. In the autumn / winter / spring it can sometimes be quite difficult to traverse.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The gaps between the boards on the ramp connecting to the Weir Court cycle bridge mean that cyclists crossing the bridge could get their wheels caught in the gaps.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
A new playground is being proposed in the vicinity of Vauxhall Avenue. The playground is welcome, but it is important that its placement does not jeopardise the long-term ambition of a riverside cycle route.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The cycle parking at the new Waitrose in Ashford is positioned such that some spaces are not available for use. One rack is too close to a bollard. Both racks are too close to each other.
Created by cobweb // 2 threads
Burwell is scheduled to be expanded by East Cambs and there are fears it might end up car centric.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The road between Kingston and Barham is rural and has fast-moving traffic despite the majority of it having a 30 mph speed limit. There are no accompanying footpaths beside the road and the road is relatively narrow. A cycle and pedestrian link is required, particularly to allow schoolchildren from Kingston to safely reach the primary school in Barham.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
Canterbury planning permission CA//09/00142 includes an emergency access road, which is intended to be open to cyclists. This provides a vital link in the riverside cycle route in Canterbury. The rest of the construction on this planning application has been completed, but, contrary to conditions 12 and 13 of the appeal planning permission the emergency access link and the final portion of the cycle path have not been constructed.
Created by Gregory Williams // 2 threads
This provides a flatter, shorter, and traffic-free alternative to the National Cycle Route 18 alignment via Sole Street.
The wheeling ramps over the line to the new island platform are attracting some criticism.
Created by WildNorthlands // 1 thread
Brook Hill roundabout is a major barrier for cyclists in West Sheffield. The traffic is fast and as it is a three-lane spiral roundabout with the exit roads (except Bolsover St) having two lanes there is a lot of lane-switching by motorists. This makes the risk of a collision very high, and for less experienced cyclists it is simply a no-go area.
Many of the buildings adjacent to the roundabout belong to the University, and have been built up to the curtilage, so there is no space to expand the pavements and make them shared use.
One alternative for cyclists coming from the Walkley/Crookes area via Bolsover St is to use Tower Court, but this area can be very congested when the University is in session, with several thousand students using the Arts Tower and Library.
The council has signed an alternative route via Weston St and the Netherthorpe Rd tram subway, but this involves a drop in height of about 100 metres and subsequent climb up again, plus the negotiation of access barriers in the subway, so is not really sensible.
Meanwhile on Upper Hanover Way, a cycle crossing was severed when the tramway was installed, although cyclists still use the crossing. A proposed alternative crossing is stalled as it is too expensive.
What can be done about this knotty problem?
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
Substantial development: 55 dwellings, 63000sqm business use, 2000sqm local centre.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Vehicles parking and driving in cycle lanes are a serious problem in Cambridge and beyond.
This is a master issue for discussions on this general problem.
(The Downing Street cycle lane has been shown as a key location where this is a problem, though the issue is city-wide.)
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
Much of the route of the former Elham Valley Railway has not been constructed on. This would make an ideal long-distance cycle path.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
12-month trial traffic restriction at Westgate Towers with a view to pedestrianisation of the road through the towers. Access in the area will be largely limited to buses, taxis, and cyclists.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
Proposals are being made to provide a surfaced route suitable to facilitate a direct and largely traffic free route for cycling between Whitfield and Dover town.
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've just come across
http://idox.cambridge.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LZDOOTDX07B00
Basically, it's an area which was surveyed in the summer, where we identified that the current cycle parking was rubbish.
They are planning to improve the spacing, and make it secure sheds, but at the cost of reducing the number of spaces, which oddly I inspected the other lunchtime and all were full apart from the "wheelbenders at 30cm spacing", from 178 spaces to 146 spaces. When we did our survey, we felt more spaces could be fitted in, at a better spacing, than what is currently there. There is more detail in the Design and Access Statement regarding the lighting than there is about the actual sheds, how you get in and out of them, and whether you can easily park a bike in them.
This junction is a pain for all users as the only traffic to get through unimpeded is that going to the Grand Arcade car park.
Created by Richard Alderson // 0 threads
Making this road 2 way for cyclists will greatly increase the permability through Altrincham. Without this exception cyclists are forced onto the busy A56 or Stamford New Road also busy. Test
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've just sent a sharp email to the Council. It reads as below. If the council can't do joined up information on their own websites, how do they expect people to make these modal shifts in transport that they are so keen on?
"Dear Parking services,
I've just done a google search on this.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=park+st+car+park+ca
mbridge&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=eZdMT-vbLsnu8QPw7pHXAg
first item says "multi-story car park with cycle parking and pushchairs
for loan".
However, when you then go to the Park St car park page, it says nothing
about either cycle parking being available, nor about the pushchair loan
scheme. How about a link to
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/transport-and-streets/cycling-and
-walking/cycle-parks.en
on the website, so we don't have to do a separate search, so that when
people go to the Park St website, they can get all of its features? They
may even then decide to cycle into town rather than drive.
I was looking for this information as I was just emailing a friend who
lives in Chesterton and has a nine month old child, who I wasn't sure
would be aware of this scheme, which she may find useful. However, if we
have to spend five minutes doing exactly the correct google searches, it
counts as a "secret facility" apart from those in the know.
I wasn't aware, for example, that you could also get pushchairs at the
Grand Arcade one. This information needs better dissemination, and
linking from within the car park and other public transport pages, so
that people can make a properly informed decision about their transport
choices when visiting the city. This, surely, is the way to get modal
shifts in people's transport choices?"
Created by Heather Coleman // 2 threads
e.g.
A report in the Cambridge News
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Streets-due-to-be-closed-to-traffic-for-the-race-24022012.htm
The car-centric paper talks about motorists, but there is of course no information for cyclists and pedestrians. These are roads that are closed. To all traffic including cyclists and pedestrians? Will routes across the Commons also be closed to cyclists?
How should those of us who have to work that day in the centre of town get to work? Will it paradoxically be easier for me to drive along the A14 and M11, down the Barton Road, and park my car on West Road, and walk through King's, than cycle through Chesterton and Midsummer Common and through town and try to park my bike on King's Parade?
Improvements proposed by a resident to the safety of the pedestrian crossing at the Trumpington Road/Fen Causeway junction.
Created by cobweb // 3 threads
This junction is one of the most dangerous in the city. For many years, there have been injuries (and a death I believe) and complaints, but nothing has yet been done.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
Student accommodation and cycle parking.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
They propose improving the 20mph signage in the city centre.
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Created by Matthew Phillips // 1 thread
The bottom stretch of Potters Bank is quite steep, and therefore cyclists tend to be going quite slowly up this section of road. In this situation it is nice to have plenty of space so that you can pedal at your own pace without feeling hassled by traffic trying to overtake. Unfortunately on this section of road, there are several car parking spaces on the up-hill side of the road. When they are occupied, passing them on a bike is a slow and uncomfortable business. It would be far better for cyclists if these spaces could be removed and an up-hill cycle lane provided.
The parking spaces are not adjacent to any properties so there is no particular need for people to park there rather than in neighbouring streets: they are probably mainly used when the spaces in Quarryheads Lane are full.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Bristol City Council are changing the waiting restrictions across the whole of Clifton in Bristol. The number of places that you can legally park in are being decreased.
Cycle Parking is being removed on Victoria Street.
Created by Andrea Bredel // 1 thread
this is one of many cycle lanes here in Ipswich that go on and off the road several times. This is very awkward for cyclists as they need to be very careful when getting back onto the road and most probably confuses drivers as well.
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 MikeF // 1 thread
Traffic light sensor on Tavistock Road at Derriford roundabout (inbound) is unable to detect cyclist correctly forcing extremely long waits in the early hours until a car comes along to trigger the lights
Created by WilliamNB // 0 threads
When cycling from Marsh Mills towards town, the pavement is a bi-directional shared path, albeit of poor quality and far too narrow to be safe. As you approach the junction where the off-ramp for Old Laira Road veers off to the left, cyclists are forced around a barrier to meet the road perpendicularly, where they have to wait until there is a large enough gap in traffic to allow them to cross.
This is one of Plymouth's main cycle routes into and out of the city, while Old Laira Road is not a main arterial route and indeed has a 20mph speed restriction in place further on.
It would be good if the on-footway cycle provision can become a segregated cycle path for a short distance, which may be continued across the slip road veering off to the left, as has been done on Laira Bridge Road recently, as well as on Alma Road, approaching the junction with Outland Road and Milehouse Road.
Clear signage could be erected to show traffic wishing to cross the cycle track that it should yield to cyclists.
The cycle track should be continued past the small traffic island and retain priority over traffic joining from Old Laira Road, before it can merge again with the shared pavement along Embankment Road.
Created by WildNorthlands // 1 thread
Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a three/four storey building (including Cinema at third floor level) for use within Classes A1 (Shops), A2 (Financial and Professional Services), A3 (Restaurants and Cafes), A4 (Drinking Establishments), A5 (Hot Food Takeaways) and D2 (Assembly and Leisure), associated infrastructure and ancillary facilities
Location: Block 1 The Moor, Sheffield S1, (Land And Buildings At 16-18, 28-54 The Moor, 25-33 Charter Square, 15 Charter Row, Rockingham Gate And Multi Storey Car Park Rockingham Way), ,
Applicant: Ms Kerri Hunter
Grid Ref: Easting 435137 Northing 386821
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Planning application here. Access issues need checking.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 2 threads
Currently there are 'No cycling' notices despite this being a major cycle route.
Although it is unlikely that major works can be done to the bridge, changes on the approaches could reduce the conflicts, by improving 'intervisibility' between the different users.
A meeting between various parties (Councillors, County bridge engineer, cycling officers, and cycling campaign is proposed.
The A14 Histon Interchange is hostile to bikes as their is no way to safely cross the entrance slip roads onto the A14.
Created by WilliamNB // 0 threads
When Chapel Street was recently renovated and resurfaced, new on-carriageway cycle lanes were painted. Sadly (predictably?) these lanes end just when they are most needed.
The fact that the lane ends, when cycling in a northernly direction, is in itself an annoyance.
The manner in which it ends is stupid beyond belief:
A yield sign has been painted at the end of the lane. This means, to remain perfectly within the law, cyclists riding in the lane must yield to traffic traveling in the same direction and may only proceed when there's no traffic approaching from behind.
It is legally possible to avoid having to yield by leaving the cycle lane before it ends and by riding on the main carriageway.
Created by WilliamNB // 1 thread
When travelling along Billacombe Rd in a westerley direction, there is a dedicated right-turn lane at the junction with The Ride. As is the case with many traffic lights across the city, there is an induction loop system buried in the road.
This seems unable to detect the presence of cyclists waiting to turn right at the lights, thus forcing cyclists to skip a red light.
Outside the old, unused entrance to the boatyard there are barriers that needlessly force cyclists to slow right down.
Created by Matt Turner // 0 threads
Any cyclist using this cycle lane is at risk from vehicles using the narrow main carriageway as they move into the cycle lane to make it around the corner.
This junction is newly designed and was installed in Summer 2012.
The cycle lane on Billacombe Road is unusable due to car parking in it.
Created by cobweb // 43 threads
"The Greater Cambridge City Deal was signed by Central Government, Council leaders, businesses and the University of Cambridge and aims to secure hundreds of millions of pounds for the areas of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.
The Greater Cambridge City Deal aims to ensure that the success of the area continues by investing in the transport infrastructure, housing and skills needed to see future economic growth.
The first £100m of funding will be made available for transport improvements in the five years from April 2015."
Created by aSemy // 0 threads
A tree on the side of East side of Whiteladies road (next to HSBC) has a notice stating that the tree will be removed and replanted. The tree is on the very wide pavement right next to the road, and the road is not wide enough for vehicles and cyclists: a pinch point.
There is clearly enough space on Whiteladies road for a segregated cycle lane. It is a popular route used often by heavy traffic. With enough shifting of road lanes there's even enough room for an uphill cycle lane.
Replanting the tree away from the road would remove one small obstacle and show evidence that BCC is looking towards improving cycling in the long run.
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 Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
Talk by local historian about cycling in Cambridge
Created by christhebull // 1 thread
South Gloucestershire have released plans of their proposed changes to their section of the A38 Gloucester Road. Several locations will be altered, namely:
Northville Road Roundabout
Filton Roundabout
A38 / Filton Avenue Junction
A38 Patchway Slips
The proposals can be viewed here https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/A38_Cycle_Safety_2013/consultationHome and the consultation closes on the 29th July.
What is being proposed is, in my mind, inadequate, as the modifications are mostly tinkering with junctions, with cyclists still expected to use the mainline carriageway (which has a 40 mph speed limit north of the Air Balloon). This route forms part of Bristol Cycling Campaign's proposed "cycle freeways" and the proposals are nowhere near adequate for this road to be called such - so make your voice known at consultation!
Created by ambrosen // 1 thread
For additional commuter access to the Newton Park campus of Bath Spa uni, does anyone have any ideas about upgrading the footpath over the field from route 4, under the railway to the new path on the A4, linking up with the university.
I realise that for westbound commuters, this duplicates the route which took some effort to get made on the A4, and that it needs a new right of way to be made/purchased/recovered from the historic record, but it looks like a good link.
Created by WillC // 1 thread
Cycle lane marking is badly worn which means other road users cannot tell if it's really there or not - which is bad news for cyclists, and dangerous. needs urgent re-painting. Lodged with highways@leeds.gov.uk twice in last 2 years but no action taken.
Created by carlystevens1989 // 1 thread
There are a number of varying sized pot holes along the Cumberland Road leading up the traffic lights near the Mud Dock Deli, the side of the road with no cycle markings. They are mainly on the edge of the road, the largest being around 12 inches in diameter and are also in succession of each other. I would estimate around 10-15 pot holes in total.
Cars are often less than forthcoming when you have to move into the middle of the road to avoid them and therefore cyclists often cycle on the path in order to avoid them - although this path is wide enough to accommodate a cyclist it is not a shared path.
It would also be useful if this side of the road had cycle markings like the other side.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 2 threads
When cycling west bound from Rope Walk into Eagle Street through the cycle filter (where cyclists are unaffected by the traffic signals except giving way to the traffic from the left), the width between the bollard and the kerb and the sudden left movement required make the travel through the junction more difficult especially when using bikes with trailers, cargo bikes. Ordinary bike users also find it difficult to use and will avoid it instead.
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