Queens St/Princes St loop Consultation
The formal consultation has now been set to run from Tuesday 25th February to Saturday 1st March.
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:
Created by Shaun McDonald // 3 threads
The formal consultation has now been set to run from Tuesday 25th February to Saturday 1st March.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Outline application for up to 69 residential dwellings including houses and apartments, open space, landscaping and new access. | Field At Corner Of Coldhams Lane And Hatherdene Close Cambridge Cambridgeshire
New junction onto Coldhams Lane proposed, which includes a central island, the gap on the westbound side is 3.1m, about the worst possible for cyclists.
Created by Caroline Page // 1 thread
Eastbound cyclists wishing to avoid the double roundabout at this point are routed onto the pavement, across the exit for the Shell garage (often to the surprise of exiting drivers), and then (still across pavement) onto a piece of decommissioned road used as access and double-sided parking for a parade of shops. This road has a separate car entrance from the roundabout.
Its a lethal combination -I have personally once been hit by a car turning fast from the roundabout on the road entrance as I entered it from the bike route. The driver was very angry because it was my fault that she didn't look out for me. You then have to cycle between two sets of parked cars/vans: there are frequent hazards: suddenly opened doors, people reversing/leaving the parking place without looking behind.
At the end, the cyclist is signed again onto pavement heavily used by schoolchildren/old people at the eastbound Heath Road Roundabout bus stop, before being routed back onto the road along the pull-off for the bus itself.
My personal view is that this scheme has been created and signed by a maniac
Created by Peter Lawrence // 2 threads
Please sign my change.org petition http://chn.ge/1epSzpK
Accident CC-23012014-0561 (Incident logged by the Cambridgeshire Police)
Leaving Zoology Department 18.15 walking east on Downing St, north side on 23 January, 2014. Car stopped in Downing st just west of Corn exchange road junction, obscuring the light. Lying on the road was a road sign warning cars of road works further left in Corn Exchange St, a needless warning. This 1 metre road sign had been placed on the pavement, occluding it seriously and had been, presumably, knocked over and left lying on the pavement with its black and invisible legs raised up about 10cm from the surface and its reflective surface tilted away (see picture). I tripped over the road sign in the dark and fell forwards injuring my face and forehead; the metal cut into my right leg. My glasses are destroyed, the leg of the sign tore my shoes.
I was taken to Addenbrookes and treated there. I left there ca 20.30 with head injuries and abrasions and now have an impressive black eye and surround.
I am seeking redress. I am exploring legal action against the County Council whose idiotic health and safety rules (for drivers, not for the rest of us) say that drivers should be warned in advance of even highly visible roadworks (in a 20mph area) and the company responsible for placing such a flimsy and dangerous sign right in the middle of a narrow pavement. Also am anxious that in general people who leave road traffic signs occluding the pavement or creating dangerous obstacles there, should be held responsible and penalised. I see these road signs often as I walk around Cambridge, they should be on or above the road, not blocking the pavement in my opinion.
The next day the same road sign, with my blood still on it, was back in the middle of pavement waiting to be knocked over again and even now forcing pedestrians to avoid it by diverting on to the roadway. I attach a photo of it taken on Friday the day following my accident with a diverted pedestrian on the right.
It was again fallen on the ground waiting to kill someone on Saturday night, presumably following the afternoon storms.
Bike users can turn right and cycle contra flow using a very narrow on road cycle path. Motorised traffic cannot do this, Park Road is one way to motorised traffic. Traveling down Queens Road there is no signage to suggest that bike users can turn right. Once into Park
Road there is awkward raised 'island' to manoeuvre around. Suggest signage saying right turn for bikes only and reconsider design of Island to make it less of an obstacle.
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Proposed off-road cycle path following the A323, Norris Hill Road, to link Fleet with the existing cycle-path from Norris Bridge towards the centre of Farnborough.
It would enable cyclists to avoid Norris Hill Road, an unlit road with speed limit of 60 mph. Once built it would be possible to cycle from Fleet to Farnborough without cycling on roads.
This is in the Fleet Town Access Plan ref. PC9
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
The image above is an extract from the map published by TfL on 18th Dec 2013; showing the GRID routes in Camden with some of the names of the roads added. We should reply to the documents at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/29172.aspx
Deadline 14th February 2014
Created by TMiles // 0 threads
The route marked between Headingley and Armley is heavily used as an intra-urban connector between north west and south west Leeds. Congestion can be particularly acute because it uses one of the few crossing points over the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool canal in the west of the city.
The addition of cycle lanes in both directions along the length of this route has the potential to encourage a modal shift from cars and make a real impact on congestion. These cycle lanes would help to establish a more comprehensive network outside the radial routes, and would be a useful on-road addition to the Leeds Core Cycle Network (forming itinerary Ar - W). The proposed route offers connections to the improved cycle facilities on Kirkstall Road (A65) and the future CityConnect facilities.
The addition of cycle lanes would be of particular benefit to uphill cyclists, minimizing their conflict with motorists.
In addition to the environmental, economic and health benefits, the project would improve car-free mobility between three very different communities in Leeds: Headingley, Hyde Park and Armley.
The width of the pavements along the northern sector would allow for a widened carriageway in order to accommodate the cycle lanes. The loss of pavement width would be outweighed by the benefits of calmed traffic. The carriageway of the southern sector is already generous and would make the implantation of cycle lanes relatively straight forward.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 2 threads
Travel Ipswich (Ipswich Borough Council/Suffolk County Council have a new consultation re proposed designs for the junction of Norwich Road, Vallet Road, and Chevallier Street. This is a major route for people travelling north in and out of the city.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Travel Ipswich (Ipswich Borough Council/Suffolk County Council have a new consultation re proposed designs for the junction of Felixstowe Road, Nacton Road and Bishops Hill. It's a cross roads with one significant use arm at a 30 degree angle
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Travel Ipswich (Ipswich Borough Council/Suffolk County Council have a new consultation re proposed designs for the junction of Woodbridge Road and Argyle Street. It is a t-junction of which 2 arms are one way and part of the gyratory.
Created by Richard Moss // 1 thread
An umbrella issue for discussion of general matters relating to reviewing planning applications in the city and south cambs.
Created by Hester Wells // 5 threads
The County Council is planning to redesign Tenison Road.
East Parade forms part of the one-way Leeds city centre loop. On the stretch shown it is three-lanes wide, a layout that encourages cases of excessive speed.
The addition of a wide hybrid or segregated cycle lane would improve cycle journeys from the railway station and the south of the city towards the Universities, hospital and north of the city.
Towards the junction with the Headrow the segregated system will end to allow cycles and vehicles to correctly position themselves to turn left or go straight ahead. In this final section the road surface should read, from left to right: (1) cycle lane, turning left (2) standard vehicle lane, turning left (3) cycle lane, straight ahead (4) standard vehicle lane, straight ahead (5 - if space permits) standard vehicle lane, straight ahead. Nevertheless, the layout should allow cycles continuing straight across to adopt their position without conflict from left-turning vehicles. An example of such markings can be seen in Cambridge (Hills Road railway bridge, inbound) or in Nantes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclable/9526360512/).
Provision for delivery vehicles should also be considered here, as the left hand lane is frequently occupied by vans or lorries under the current system. To avoid conflict with cyclists, it would be most sensible to site such parking to the right of a segregated cycle lane.
The project would bring additional traffic-calming benefits, with the reduction of the road width to two lanes along much of its length.
Created by TMiles // 0 threads
The width of the road after the traffic lights lures south-west bound cycles into a left position that becomes problematic because of the build-out at the later pedestrian crossing. They either have to stop to let traffic pass through this pinch point or take the risk of readjusting their path to the right in order to join the main stream of vehicles.
One solution would be to guide cycles into the correct position with cycle lane markings from the traffic lights to the pedestrian crossing.
The second solution would be to cut a cycle-lane across the build-out, including a mini pedestrian crossing that cyclists would have to respect. This short stretch of lane should be flush with the road surface and must be kept swept regularly in order to be effective.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The cycle lane on NCN1 on Stoke Park Drive are rather narrow, thus you cannot cycle within the cycle lane. Having the cycle lane there means drivers often don't give as much space when overtaking. There are also many traffic island pinch point which make it extremely dangerous, as drivers overtake and cut in just before the island.
Created by MJR // 1 thread
"The adopted Core Strategy designated South East King’s Lynn (this area) as one of the strategic ‘urban expansion’ areas around King’s Lynn. The independent planning inspector who examined the Core Strategy explicitly stated that, compared to the potential alternatives, the expansion areas identified (including South East King’s Lynn) were preferable to the alternatives in meeting the Borough’s need for substantial numbers of additional dwellings over the plan period. It is relatively unconstrained by flood risk and infrastructure problems, etc., and relatively easily accessed and serviced.
5.2.4 Policy CS09 of the Core Strategy, ‘Housing Distribution’, provides for an allocation here of at least 1600 new homes, with supporting infrastructure. It also identifies this as establishing a direction for future growth beyond the plan period (i.e. beyond 2026). From the sites put forward during the consultation, informed by the work of the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment in connection with the Neighbourhood Plan (see below) a total of 3,000 to 3,500 additional dwellings could be accommodated in the fullness of time. This is indicated diagrammatically in figure 7 of the Core Strategy.
5.2.5 This is likely to be the largest residential development opportunity in the Borough for many years. It provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to form a thriving and vibrant new community immediately south of King’s Lynn. The intention is to integrate a large number of new homes and associated facilities with an existing village community, generate a range of major improvements in a range of areas, and shape a place that promotes a sense of community among its residents, existing and new." (From the Borough Council KLWN, "Preferred Options for a Detailed Policies and Sites Plan", October 2013)
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 0 threads
The west bound ( out of town ) on-road cycle lane is extremely narrow. As are the motor vehicle lanes to accomodate eastbound bus lane. There is plenty of space on verges etc to improve this facility but may mean moving lampposts etc.
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 1 thread
Very narrow carriageway and very narrow footpath on one side only ( I have seen a woman struck on the shoulder by a bus mirror on this route).
High number of pedestrians and cyclists at peak times, poor visibility and abrupt hill make this a very dangerous route.
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 0 threads
Very narrow and winding. This section of Stone Lodge Lane should be considered for reduced access, one way, filetered permeability or complete closure to motor vehicles.
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/ipswich_child_injured_after_collision_on_stone_lodge_lane_1_3211524
This isnt the first such incident.
Created by Matthew Phillips // 2 threads
The Mount Oswald development received outline planning permission a while ago. A full application has already gone in for the first phase, at the southern end of the site. It appears connections will be provided for cyclists and pedestrians to the A167 (car access is from South Road). The greater concern is whether an opportunity is being missed to create a new off-road route parallel to South Road.
The picture is taken from the Design and Access Statement of the planning application for the first phase. The big unknown is the middle area, where the large self-build houses will be. No plot divisions are shown on the plan. Will there be public access north-south through this area?
South Road is not shown as a strategic cycle route in the County Durham Plan. The Mill Hill Lane route and the A167 are accorded the status of primary routes, but there is not even a secondary route along the South Road axis, despite it being the obvious route to the University from the south and from all the new housing on Mount Oswald.
Created by Matthew Phillips // 1 thread
The cycle path across the top of the golf course has no barriers at either end but does not seem to suffer from abuse by motorcyclists. However at two or three locations along the path there are staggered half-barriers on paths which lead to the housing estate to the north.
Barriers like this cause problems for longer cycles, such as tandems and recumbent cycles, as well as for families with child trailers or tag-alongs. Such barriers should preferably be removed and we need to seek to ensure that new developments do not introduce further barriers.
Created by Fraser // 0 threads
Travelling along Fore Street from the East where it splits with Key Street there are several traffic calming patches and speed bumps that are difficult and dangerous to negotiate on a bike.
In particular the three sections of cobbles; as the street becomes one way just before Fore Street Pools, just before you cross Star Lane, and just after crossing Star Lane.
They are so ragged that as a cyclist you have to almost come to a stop, where as other road users can travel over them at ~20mph.
This makes them extremely dangerous as just after accelerating away from the traffic lights you then need to slow almost to a stop and weave your way through the cobbles while the traffic behind you is expecting to carry on and the street is too narrow for them to safely overtake.
The section of Fore Street between Star Lane and Eagle Street has better speed humps (still not great, but a dream compared with the above mentioned cobble sections!) with flat section at the sides so that bikes may pass them safely. However the flat sections are occasionally blocked by parked vehicles forcing cyclists over the speed humps.
The less said about the time it takes to negotiate these three sets of traffic lights the better!
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
This junction has a new cycle lane over a widened pavement. This looks like very substandard infrastructure, encouraging pavement cycling, that should never have been approved by the County Council.
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.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Martin Lucas-Smith // 3 threads
Elizabeth Way is wide. Currently cycling is permitted on the pavements.
This should be changed to have dutch-style cycle tracks, achieved by narrowing the road slightly and narrowing the pavements (which are very wide and not heavily trafficked, so this would not disadvantage pedestrians).
This would give a safer cycling environment, and improve the pedestrian experience.
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
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Railway footbridge should have a ramp/trough added to make it easier for cyclists to cross the railway. This would then create a quiet north/south route to Marshgate school as an alternative to Manor Road.
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.
Created by HVS // 3 threads
The A5117 at this point has some sections of non-protected cycle lane, but they are not continuous, and they disappear at a number of pinch points. The road carries a lot of very fast moving heavy traffic, and is dangerous and unpleasant to cycle on. It would be a useful route for people travelling by bike to or from Stanlow Refinery, Cheshire Oaks, the University of Chester at Thornton Science Park, and Ince & Elton villages, but is currently only used by a tiny number of very brave and confident cyclists. This situation could be improved by making the cycle lane continuous along the whole route.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Pinch-point at zebra crossing where cyclists are forced to share space with traffic that is often speeding. Cars try to squeeze past cyclists or brake suddenly.
Created by HankChief // 0 threads
There needs to be a ramped access to the school grounds at this point to replace or bypass the 6 steps currently there.
This would not only improve access to the school but also improve connection between the East Craigs Path Network and North Gyle and the only toucan crossing on the A8 in Edinburgh on Dechmont Road.
Created by Fraser Stephens // 1 thread
RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014
The infamous missing link in the Llanfoist-Brynmawr cycle path (route 46) is a huge barrier to its safe use by children as well as those who find the steep section of the diversion route impossible to climb.
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 Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Pinch point outside Courtlands on Sheen Road. Despite resurfacing, pinch point has not been addressed. Because of the poor road layout vehicles frequently encroach into the cycle lane. At off peak times the wide road encourages speeding - vehicles often approach this pinch point at 40mph.
Created by Frenchie // 0 threads
This is one of the prime candidate for a cycle contraflow in Newcastle City Centre. Currently one way for all traffic from Percy Street to Strawberry place. Allowing cyclists down from Strawberry Place to Percy Street would improve permeability and connectivity for cyclists. Note: not a lot of traffic, space not an issue, short uphill section so speeding not an issue.
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 Ned Harrison // 1 thread
Holywells Park has a section of cycle route 51 running through it, linking South East Ipswich to the centre with a pleasant and safe route down to the waterfront.
During Winter, the park is closed at dusk, sometimes as early as 4, meaning that just when the roads are most dangerous (dark and wet) cyclists are forced onto steep and busy routes either along Cliff Lane or up Bishops Hill.
The closures are largely at the request of the Park Friends group. I've spoken to them, and their concerns seem to be largely about what might go on after dark. It's not clear that there is any evidence for this, nor that the current situation of locking the main gates but leaving others would do anything to deter misbehaviour.
Keeping it open as a cycle route would ensure a legitimate presence in the park, and help provide less confident cyclists in the area with a safe route to and from town.
I'd propose either locking later, or for a trial period leaving the park unlocked.
Created by Rosalind Lund // 1 thread
further to the piece in newsletter 128, I wonder if any thought has been given to the difficulty of turning right into Emmanuel Street if you are coming towards the town centre from St Andrew's Street? We go fairly often to the Arts Cinema and this is the obvious way for us to go home, but it is impossible to turn right on the correct side of the bollard at present as it is designed only for left turning cycles coming out of town. There is, however, nothing to suggest that such a right turn is illegal.
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 chdot // 1 thread
Longstanding issue about 'optimum' design, particularly to reduce conflict caused by vehicles turning from Teviot Pl due to signal phases.
Over the past couple of years of regularly cycling between Waterbeach and Cambridge on NCN11 I have noticed that the path between Waterbeach and Baits Bite Lock is in really bad repair and is getting gradually worse. I have been in touch with the council to ask them to repair it, and they told me that as far as they are concerned the path is only a footpath, and they have no obligation to maintain it to a standard suitable for bikes. Sustrans tells me they have no responsibility for maintaining that section of the route, and that the council should be responsible for it.
It seems absurd to allow the path to fall into total disrepair, but at the moment it doesn't seem like anyone recognises any obligation for its upkeep.
I am happy to go out occasionally with some secateurs and chop off the more annoying bits of greenery, but the path needs resurfacing and that feels a bit beyond me!
Does anyone have any experience with this sort of problem? Have they come across it on other sections of the NCN?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
There's a very poor dogleg right-angle with barriers at the entrance/exit from the West Cambridge site to Clerk Maxwell Road.
This should be turned into a wide splay with good visibility.
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 Katja Leyendecker // 1 thread
The (draft / emerging) 1Core Strategy seems to hint at a bus loop (Policy UC7) and a motor vehicle "ring road" (Policy UC9) too. It mentions pedestrian routes but there's no mention of cycle routes. See attached photo. (I didn't mark up the map, as it might become a tad too messy)
The "ring road" is just like Scott / esde84 described before http://newcycling.org/space4cycling/part2 (in comments)
The photo in the attachment is from "Newcastle Proposals Map" listed here http://onecorestrategyng-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/examination_library (not sure how long thi link will stay live, link rot may happen)
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Providing a cycle-friendly surface on the path from Meadlands Drive to the road serving the German School and the Polo Club would improve cycling access to Strathmore and Russell Schools and help provide a better quiet route from Meadlands Drive area towards Richmond - providing more/better options for avoiding the busy Petersham Road.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
London Cycling Campaign has reorientated its policy towards a 'Go Dutch' approach.
This aims to learn from best practice abroad rather than continuing with the 'hierarchy of provision' that, in 20 years in the UK, has arguably failed to deliver meaningful change.
This is an overarching issue for conceptual discussion of this issue.
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.
Meeting with Leeds City Council to discuss possible remedial works due to high casualty rates.
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.