Engaging with election candidates
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for their commitments to cycling.
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:
Martin Lucas-Smith // 31 threads
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for their commitments to cycling.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
'Except cycles' plates missing on No Left/Right turn signs at Mackenzie Road and Stockwell Street, and shared-use signs missing on Perne Road between Natal Road and Brookfields
Created by David Earl // 2 threads
The new franchise for the Kings Cross rail line started recently. We have been sent a letter of introduction.
Created by MJR // 1 thread
Basil Drive, Coriander Road and Bay Walk are residential streets that probably should be a 20mph zone, at least to avoid sat-nav routing cars that way in preference to Rosemary Way.
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
"Following a request for a vehicular access outside of 27 Tenison Avenue it is
proposed to revoke a 5 metre length of Residents Parking Bay and replace it with
double yellow lines.
If you wish to object to any of these proposals you should send the grounds for
objection in writing to policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk to reach us by no
later than 19th September 2014 quoting reference PR0147."
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Extensive package of measures which "aims to transform the accessibility and connectivity to and around Stockport town centre.
The plan considers access by all modes of travel and specifically aims to ease congestion for buses and general road traffic, as part of an ambitious vision and development framework for investment in the town centre"
Created by John Chamberlain // 3 threads
Camden are consulting residents, cyclists and others on their plans to extend the Royal College Street cycle facilities to the north, across Camden Road and up to Kentish Town Road. If it is approved, we think this will be a great improvement as it will provide protected two-way cycling all the way. Later there are plans to extend it south to Kings Cross.
We hope you will respond to Camden in support as there may be objections from residents, especially as it results in some loss/relocation of parking.
Details of the proposals can be found on Camden’s website at:
https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/royal-college-street-walking-and-cycling-improveme
For cyclists, the main proposals are as follows:
- Two way cycling all the way up and down Royal College Street with no need to use St Pancras Way or Camden Street.
- Protected northbound and southbound cycle lanes with no loading or parking within the cycle lanes.
- A separate green phase for N-S and S-N bound cyclists at Camden Road.
The difficult areas are the Camden Road crossing, which we think Camden have handled in an effective and innovative way, and the southbound split at College Gardens, where motor traffic has to bear left but cyclists go straight. This is not easy to handle without the danger of left hooks, but we think that the suggested solution, which involves road narrowing and a raised junction to slow motor vehicles, is the best option.
Please feed your comments to us via the threads on this issue, or by email to john@camdencyclists.org.uk
Our response needs to be in by 3rd October so we'll take comments on board until the 28th.
Created by Tom B // 2 threads
Previously, there was an Advanced Stop Line on Kew Gardens Road (B353) where it joins Kew Road (A307). The junction was recently resurfaced, which removed the ASL markings, and they have not been replaced. I have attached a Google Streetview photo showing the ASL that was previously present.
The ASL marking was very useful, as the junction can become gridlocked in rush hour, so that only cycles can take advantage of the green signal from Kew Gardens Road without blocking the junction. Cyclists therefore need the space to be able to safely wait at the front of the queue.
It would be great if the ASL markings could be restored as soon as possible. If they have been removed for a reason, then I would like to understand what the justification is.
Created by George Coulouris // 4 threads
Full details of the consultation are at:
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/northsouth
closing date for comments is 19 October 2014.
Camden Cyclists we propose to send a response to this consultation on behalf of our members. This will focus only on the part within Camden (the section between Charterhouse Street and Euston Road - as detailed on the map attached). But note that the alignment of the route north of Greville Street is not agreed between Camden and TfL and is not formally considered a part of the consultation.
So it makes sense to have two discussion threads for the sections in Camden south and north of Greville Street.
Created by James Gilbert // 1 thread
The Astra Zeneca developers (I assume) have installed a chicane made from two plastic roadwork blocks, plus a little "Chicane Ahead" warning sign on the down slope of the guided busway path as it approaches Francis Crick Avenue.
I assume that the idea is to slow down cyclists, but I don't see why this is any more necessary than it was before their building site was created. I think it will make collisions between cyclists, or between cyclists and pedestrians, more likely.
Created by Clive // 1 thread
Herts County Council proposal to make currently two-way Vicarage Road a one-way street between j/w Scammell Way and Hagden Lane and provide a ''kiss and drop'' lay-by in Scammell Way. The one-way section will be for northbound traffic only (ie travelling towards the town centre).
For further details see:
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/11422333.Plans_to_make_part_of_Vicarage_Road_one_way_and_bring_in_parking_scheme_branded__ill_conceived__and_a_safety_risk/
Herts County Council will have a display at Watford Cycle Hub
====date and time to be confirmed====
Place: Watford Cycle Hub
The Pavilion
Chaffinch Lane
Watford
WD18 9QD
Map: http://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=51.6428&mlon=-0.4165#map=14/51.6428/-0.4165&layers=C
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Salford Council/Urban Vision consultation on CCAG scheme. "The proposed cycle improvement between Station Road in Irlam and Astley Road in Cadishead will enable better sharing of the road space by all users and improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. Cycle parking facilities will be provided and cycle symbols on the road will be marked to highlight the presence of cyclists. Line markings and the construction of build outs and central reserves are proposed to narrow the road and reduce the overall speed of vehicles"
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Salford Council/Urban Vision consultation on this CCAG scheme. "A new cycle lane will be implemented along Liverpool Street between Langworthy Road and Cross Lane, linking the neighbouring residential areas to employment and educational opportunities at Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, the University of Salford and Manchester City Centre"
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Salford Council/Urban Vision consultation on CCAG funded scheme. "This route will provide new cycling facilities on Silk Street and North George Street, linking route one to the University of Salford and improving onward cycling links to Salford Quays and the regional centre, through the existing wider cycle network."
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Consultation by Salford Council/Urban Vision on CCAG funded scheme. "This will provide a new cycle lane along the length of Great Clowes Street and Blackfriars Road, which will link the residential area of Broughton to Manchester city centre. Where possible the route will be segregated from traffic"
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Consultation about cycling in Lyme Park, carried out by the National Turst
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
New cinema and car park next to Debenhams in Stockport centre. New open space on Bridgefield Street and Prince's Street. One of the objectives is "to provide enhanced public transport routes,cycle facilities and pedestrian access". Issues: cycle parking, shared space, link to wider cycle network.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
This bus gate is a continuing problem. We first raised this when it was first installed in 2007. The problem hasn't gone away.
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/70/article6.html
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
You probably remember that we began a new 'Quick Wins' campaign in November 2013.
http://camdencyclists.org.uk/camden/campaigns/quick-wins
I asked members for their suggestions for (very) minor improvements throughout the borough that will make cyclists feel better catered for. These are examples of the type of changes that Camden felt could be implemented without consultation of local residents/businesses:
⁃ dropped kerbs
⁃ obstructive barriers (i.e. anti-motor cycle barriers)
⁃ stretches of poor road surface
⁃ Feeders into ASLs that are too short or non-mandatory
The response from members was very good and we were able to assemble a list of suggestions and submit it to Camden in November 2013. Camden responded by assigning an officer to work on the entire list and he has worked hard to progress them.
The web page linked above includes a table showing the list of 17 suggestions that were submitted to Camden, updated to show the five suggestions that we know for sure to have been completed (those table entries are in italic with completion date and a photo). There may be one or two other items in the list that have been completed - I haven't been to check all of them recently ;-) I would be very grateful to anyone who can give me up-to-date information on the status of the other items.
Several other minor changes that we have suggested, outside the 'Quick Wins' list have also been completed this year.
As far as I know Camden still intend to progress most of the remaining items. It is worth noting that some of these relatively minor changes received significant 'push-back' from locals, making the process slower and more expensive than it might have been.
We and Camden are still very positive about this campaign. Camden are now asking us for a set of 'Phase 2' suggestions. The criteria for this are likely to include the types of changes suggested in the first phase but also include some new ones.
We are still clarifying with Camden the new categories that can be classified as 'quick wins' (i.e. can be implemented without consultation). They may include:
⁃ widening cycle lanes or converting them to mandatory (i.e. replacing a dashed with a solid white line). In some cases this might be a first step towards installing lightweight segregation.
⁃ widening existing cycle lanes where there is limited traffic impact.
⁃ widening bus lanes to 4.5m to allow safer overtaking of buses by cycles and vice-versa.
⁃ adding cycle lanes that link up sections of bus lane.
⁃ trial lane closures to provide better space for cycling.
⁃ more 2-way cycling on side roads.
I would be grateful for your feedback, commenting on the categories of changes or preliminary suggestions for actual changes.
I plan to construct a new list for submission to Camden in October, but I would be grateful for concrete suggestions by mid-September.
It helps if you can provide a link to the relevant location on Google maps. A photo is even more helpful.
George C.
Between the A10 cycleway and the Hardwick Road cycleway is a complex of sluggish crossings, narrow tracks and dangerous junctions which currently (early 2014) take 7 minutes if you wait for all the crossings. Of course, the red bike lights are only advisory, but then riders and drivers are hindered by the poor visibility at many of the crossings, plus some drivers mistakenly believe that riders should dismount and walk across, to the point of harassing riders who ride across.
Unsurprisingly, some commuters riding through this junction have developed a number of innovative and, eh, "interesting" approaches to it. This shouldn't be necessary. This junction between the Highways Agency's A47 and Norfolk County Council's A10 and A149 should be cycle-proofed as a high priority, before the planned housing at West Winch and North Runcton.
Created by MJR // 2 threads
The Parish Council have prepared the plan with the help of local residents, businesses and interest groups. A draft was prepared in February 2014 for consultation locally and with statutory bodies. When fully approved, it will take the place of many North Somerset Council planning policies which cover Long Ashton Parish. It will contain policies to:-
· protect areas of Local Green Space from development
· protect the open countryside between Long Ashton and Bristol
· protect and improve recreation and community facilities
· support the shops, services and businesses within the village
· reduce traffic speeds through the village and make it a more pedestrian friendly environment.
North Somerset Council http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk is currently preparing an Employment-Led Delivery at Weston-super-Mare Supplementary Planning Document(SPD). The SPD provides guidance on how the Council applies Core Strategy policy CS20 Supporting a Successful Economy.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Bike Bus Explorer tows a 30-bike(?) trailer. Picks/drops bikes at Cambridge Station, Brooklands Avenue, Barton Rd then a linear route to Wimpole, and a ring from Arrington via Hatley, Gamlingay, Gransdens, Longstowe.
It leaves the station Sunday and Bank Holidays at 09:00, 11:30, 14:30, 17:00. Last return to Cambridge arrives 19:12.
A leaflet gives info about the rural destinations including Wildlife Trust sites, and a map showing the bus route, stops and suggested rural cycle rides. Operations exclude Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, suggesting it operates all year.
Created by Stefan Kaye // 1 thread
For several weeks now, ever since part of the surface of the path was repaired, the cycle detector loops at the crossing of Maids Causeway from Midusummer Common to Fair Street have not been working. This means that cyclists using the crossing have stop and press the button unless the road is already completely clear. Does anyone know any more about this problem, and to whom should a complaint be addressed?
Created by Hester Wells // 3 threads
The Papworth Hospital is moving to Addenbrooke's.
There is a public consultation until 26th August 2014, ahead of a planning application in September.
http://www.papworthhospital.nhs.uk/content.php?/about/new_papworth_hospital/public_consultation
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Chris Neston // 2 threads
This section of the A540 is Dual carriageway North of the Welsh Road (A550) towards Hoylake ( 60 mph) and single carriageway south of it towards Chester ( 50mph). It is used by hundreds of cyclists every week, yet is extremely dangerous to them and there have been numerous collisions and several cyclists have died along here. It provides a vital link between the lanes of Wirral and those of Chester and North Wales. It also houses the world famous Eureka cyclists cafe.
Ideally the whole of the A540 from Chester to Hoylake needs a cycle path, but to provide one over the relatively short section between Mudhouse Lane and Woodbank Lane would make an incredible difference for a small outlay. North of the A550 there is plenty of room alongside the existing road. South is more difficult but not insurmountable.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Eastern Gate proposals are a strategic attempt by the City Council to rework the Newmarket Road roundabout area towards a standard crossing, and create a welcoming entrance into this very run-down looking part of the city.
It is supposed to be being paid for by Section 106 moneys from developments, yet proposal after proposal is coming forward but nothing is happening.
Created by James Avery // 0 threads
As freeholders of the site, Tesco have applied for planning permission for two new restaurants between the roundabout shown and the railway tracks / A444 (above the dual carriageway).
Two core issues:
1) This is an extremely dangerous, uncontrolled crossing - traffic leaves the A444 at 50mph, and is still 30 as it reaches the roundabout. As the map shows, there are Belisha crossings both north and south of this roundabout, so why not to the west, where traffic is still fast and undivided?
2) Cycle parking on the rest of the site is still grossly inadequate. 18 cycle parking spaces are proposed with the restaurant - the same number as the rest of the site combined - although these are actually all in one place at the south of the site.
Created by Mr Andrew Woodhouse // 1 thread
When trying to turn right up Regent Street to join the orbital route from Lawrence Street cyclists have to use the main traffic straight on lane indicating right and stopping at the junction, with no safe marked or protected bay to direct traffic from either direction around them. Making the cyclist exposed and also confusing and frustrating drivers.
Coming up Lawrence street I often feel intimidated by drivers as I indicate right and pull into the straight on lane, I guess as they don't understand that cyclists can turn right and cars can't, there is no indication to the traffic that this is possible, with either road markings approaching or at the junction. Also when turning right the cyclist is faced with oncoming traffic itself trying to turn right, not understanding why the cyclist is positioned where they are in the road, and maybe also taking up the possibly safe space that the cyclist needs to use to get out of the traffic.
This junction has often been suggested a prime site where a continental-style 'all green phase' signalling scheme could be tried.
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 George Lund // 2 threads
Transport for London are "proposing improvements for pedestrians and cyclists by providing signalised shared ‘Toucan’ crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on all four arms of Charlie Brown’s Roundabout. Presently there are no signalised crossings at the roundabout. Pedestrians and cyclists using the existing un-signalised informal crossing points need to wait for a safe gap in the traffic to cross, which can be difficult at times and make them feel unsafe."
Created by christhebull // 1 thread
This section of road is surprisingly hostile to cycle along on account of the restricted width, parked vehicles and high traffic speeds. I have had drivers behind me screech to a halt when they realised that they are likely to collide with me or an oncoming vehicle, and moving out to pass parked vehicles is needlessly stressful.
There is a vehicle activated "30 mph" light-up sign along this road but it is hopelessly inadequate, and more substantial methods of reducing traffic speed are going to be necessary.
Note also that the option of using Snowdon Road and then Fishponds Road is not only longer and steeper, but still involves awkward pinch points northbound along Fishponds Road. This is an important route linking the Hollies (halls of residence) and UWE Glenside with the centre of Fishponds and thus ought to be a priority within this area.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 2 threads
There is currently a cycle track to the David Lloyd sports centre from the Staines Rd; which turns into a muddy track, blocked at the exit to Uxbridge Road by a difficult and narrow gate.
Upgrading this short section of path with decent surfacing, streetlighting and removal of obstacles would provide a good link from the cycling facilities on the A316 and the Staines Road onto the schools in Hampton.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
There is room on this pavement for a properly segregated cyclepath that would feed up to Christ's school and continue up as a quiet route up to near the top of Richmond Hill as an alternative to the busy and unpleasant Queen's Road.
RL // 1 thread
Drop kerb removed from Tanners Moat-Rougier Street pavement as part of Lendal gyratory works Feb-Mar 2018. Makes movement from Tanners Moat to Rougier St pavement difficult, hazardous, unattractive, painful for people with buggies, wheeled luggage, in mobility buggies, in wheelchairs or pushing same, people on bikes and all variants including heavy electro-assist models, laden with luggage (part of NCM65 avoiding pedestrian-only Scarborough bridge), with children, with trailers, and everyone who experiences pain from lifting/bumping a bike or anything else up a kerb.
Brings people on bikes and variants turning off Lendal bridge into Tanners Moat into conflict with those using the cycle cut-through as a dropped kerb. (The turn is already tricky.)
Council said it didn't do counts of who uses or the type of user on Tanners Moat before removing the drop kerb.
Undermines Government aim for most short journeys to be made on foot or on bike by 2040.
Does not support York's ageing population.
Undermines the tourism offer.
Created by jpennycook // 0 threads
Drivers are unaware/don't care/don't see cyclists in the cycle lane, so pull out of Lidl an Old Worting Road turning left, or turn right from Worting Road to Old Worting Road leading to very near misses. The cycle lane should be replaced with access to Old Worting Road near the bus stop, and improved access to Lidl provided.
Kate Ravilious // 0 threads
The padlocked barrier at the end of Hospital Fields Road is inaccessible for non-standard cycles, and difficult to pass through for anyone except the most able-bodied cyclists.
Created by Jon_B // 1 thread
Warwick Road is marked as an "Advisory Cycle Route" on the Suffolk County Council cycle map.
However, in morning rush hour it is frequently backed up a considerable distance heading south towards the traffic-light controlled 4 way junction with St Helens Street / Spring Road / Grove Lane.
There is an ASL on these lights, but in practice the carriageway is too narrow to allow cycles to pass the stopped traffic on the left hand side - particularly as the route is used by buses which occupy the space right up to the kerb.
Overtaking on the right is not a safe option where there is queue of stopped traffic as this is a two-way road with the added complication of traffic pulling out from Lancaster Road.
Given that the motorised traffic flow seems to be mainly south bound it would seem appropriate to make this a one-way street with a proper cycle lane including changing the phasing of the lights to allow cycles an advance phase to make the turn into Spring Road / St Helens Street.
One-way flow up another of the cross streets (probably Palmerston Road ) in the Northbound direction would complete the "loop" for cars and also ease traffic flow on that road which is currently difficult for cars or bikes to negotiate in a northbound direction in rush hour.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Northumberland Road (part of Concord Way at this point) has been deliberately narrowed to allow pedestrians to cross between the footbridge and the Sports Centre and a cycle lane marking has been placed to one side of the narrow gap. The gap, however, is not wide enough to allow a car and a bicycle to go safely through the pinch point at the same time. A cyclist needs to take the centre of the lane, or pull over and wait for vehicles to pass.
Either the carriageway should be re-widened (preferred) or the cycle lane indicator should be removed.
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 0 threads
Need proper bicycle racks in front of Margiotta (there are a few wheelbenders in a corner)
Created by John Chamberlain // 1 thread
For the last year Torrington Place and Tavistock Place have had segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the street. This consultation is about making the current trial arrangement permanent. The current lightly segregated tracks would mostly become stepped tracks and there would be other improvements to junctions as well as increased space for pedestrians. There is a lot of local support but also significant opposition, mostly from residents of Judd and other streets where motor traffic volumes have increased. We think this can be corrected by the (separate) proposed changes to Judd Street and at Brunswick Square.
It's important that all cyclists and others in favour respond using the website below. Otherwise we are in danger of losing this flagship facility. You don't have to live in Camden but you do need to provide an address and postcode.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Demolition of ancillary buildings and removal of 1930's facade at the grade II listed Cambridge Union Society. Construction of replacement facade, reinstatement and refurbishment of historic features and internal and external access and refurbishment works including enlargement of existing cafe (use class A3) and re-opening of 'footlight's' entertainment space (sui generis). Demolition of squash courts and un-listed 3-5 Round Church Street in the conservation area. Construction of new link building for access and ancillary uses for the Union Society. Construction of adjacent new building with ground floor restaurant (use class A3) with 41 room post-graduate student accommodation above (use class C2) together with basement storage and services.
Cambridge Union Society 9A Bridge Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1UB
Application reference : 16/0673/FUL
Also a Listing Building Consent application: 16/0674/LBC Demolition of ancillary buildings and removal of 1930's facade at the grade II listed Cambridge Union Society
Created by Jack Thurston // 0 threads
The four-way junction at Cross Street / Monk Street is dangerous for cyclists, with large vehicles making the turn, crossing onto the other side of the road. It is even more dangerous for pedestrians. There are no pedestrian crossings provided at this crossing requiring pedestrians to walk a very long way around to get from one side of Cross Street to the other, or to take a chance by crossing through the motor traffic.
Created by Adam Edwards // 1 thread
Map shows the route which Hertfordshire are upgrading as part of the Hatfield to Rail Station link footpath works. The plan is just for enhanced lighting, when what really should be done is to make this shared use.
Cyclists would then use the exisiting route from the station up French Horn Lane, push accross the Puffin crossing (or cycle on road), use the stub road to the phone exchange and then go shared us to the Toucan crossing to the Market Place. That is the start of the on and off road cycle route to the University and De Havilland Village, the Alban Way and beyond.
Without this link cyclists have to use Queensway and turn at the large fast two lanes wide roundabout at the junction with Wellfield Road. This is a major deterrnet to use.
Other than two sheffield stands in the train station there is no secure cycle parking available in Buxton. This is discouraging people from travelling to this tourist hotspot by bike.
Created by Andy Allan // 0 threads
Heading southbound from New Malden along Malden Road, there is a segregated bike path for most of the route between the Fountain Roundabout and the A3. Unfortunately it ends around 100m before the A3 junction, and bikes are forced back onto the busy A2043.
It would be a good idea to link the bike path along the A2043 to paths around the roundabout, to make a joined up route.
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 0 threads
When traffic backs up on Spring Road from the Grove Lane lights motor vehicles cut through via Bartholomew Street, Alexandra Rd, Warwick and Lancaster Roads to Palmerston and then onto St Helens.
They travel fast and a group of five or more motor vehicle drivers copying each other is not unusual, at peak times.
To protect the residents of these narrow streets, filtered permeability would seem to be the only answer.
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."