Cycling and health in Cambridgeshire - getting good policy
Formal policies on health, with mention of cycling, need to be improved as a way of providing an additional tool to be used in transport and planning.
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 // 13 threads
Formal policies on health, with mention of cycling, need to be improved as a way of providing an additional tool to be used in transport and planning.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 33 threads
Collisions, 'accidents' and even occasional deaths involving cyclists remain an issue in Cambridge.
This Cyclescape issue is so we can collect the reports and debate approaches to tackling this issue through the media and through policy objectives.
There are a range of issues regarding cyclists breaking the law in Cambridge. This issue is intended as a container for strategic discussion of how this can be resolved.
There are of course many problems with drivers breaking the law, and discussions need to be in that context also, but this is issue is primarily for addressing the cycling side.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 5 threads
Cycle parking has long been a problem in the Romsey and Petersfield areas, mainly because of lack of proper provision.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The proposal is for demolition of the existing non residential language
school and replacement with new with on site accommodation for students. Cycle parking needs to be checked.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Regent Street crossing has been upgraded. How are people finding it?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
80-cycle prefab shed using sheffield stands, replaces 7 car spaces. Need to check the application and welcome it if this is as positive as it sounds.
Created by Heather Coleman // 2 threads
This is a planning application variation for 42 Fen Road, Milton. Application no (south cambs) is S/0756/12/VC
Permission had been given, but I noted as I passed the other day, that there was an application for a variation. Looking at this, one item seems to be to vary the "cycle storage".
From the description in Addendum to Design, Access & Herigage Statement in plans and docs:
I quote
"The bin / cycle store has been relocated and enlarged to allow for a tool shed. It was felt that
the proximity of the previous store to the proposed dwelling had an adverse impact on the
street scene and cluttered up the entrance area. By setting it back within the garden space it
was felt this would positively enhance the character of the area. Additionally, as a temporary
structure it is felt this would not have any more of an impact on the surrounding trees than
the current position of the bin store."
Or if you look at the map, the cycle "storage" (should that be parking?) now appears to be round the back end of the garden, and as a hedge is shown surrounding the car parked at the front of the property, I am at a loss as to how it would be at all convenient to ever get a bike out of this shed, rather than just getting into the car.
Of note is the fact that this proposed house is about 15 yards off NCN 11. In one direction*; this gives a virtually traffic-free route almost into Cambridge city centre or to Waterbeach railway station. In the other direction, NCN 11 heads through Milton Country Park, leading almost directly to the local Tesco superstore as well as to the Coston bridge, Science Park, Guided Busway. Thus, it could be possible to live an almost entirely car-free existence at this location.
*Fen Road is erroneously described as a cul-de-sac in the application. It is to motor vehicles, but is in fact a through route to the city centre for cycles and pedestrians.
From the 2004 South Cambs local plan
"To promote the use of more sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport,
walking and cycling by making such modes more accessible, safer and more attractive
to use.," and "To promote sustainable travel by ensuring new development takes place in highly
accessible locations."
" To limit the amount of car parking provided in new developments, where appropriate,
to reduce over-reliance on the car." "adopting on-site and/or off-site design features that promote
access by non-car modes as far as practicable (including
walking and cycling) and facilitate and encourage their use"
Of course there appears to be nothing about accessibility of cycle parking cf car parking, unlike the City Council local plan.
Is it worth putting in an objection? The publicity end date is 5th June.
Created by Gerhard Weiss // 1 thread
Walthamstow High Street has a busy market, which makes it near impossible to cycle. Outside market times it has 'no vehicles allowed' signs. Even in the middle of the night it is illegal to cycle trough he spooky quiet High Street.
There is virtually no cycle parking along the High street, only at the nodes. Provision is particularly poor in the middle by the Sainsbury supermarket.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 2 threads
Access to and return journey from the Crematorium is a real challenge for the cyclist. Indeed, chances are you may end up in it if you try to ride your bike there.
Here we have a essential public service which is accessible by car only. Is this acceptable ?
These issues arise also if a convoy of bicycles was to accompany a coffin.
What is to be done?
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/contact-us/council-buildings/crematorium.en
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Application to build a bridge over the brook to provide rear foot/cycle access to the school.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Speeding can be a problem on Granchester Road.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Existing building to be rearranged internally for surgery and medical admin. There is locked-away cycle parking for staff (quantity not spec), but none proposed for patients/ visitors. See thread for Sustrans' objection.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 10 threads
Turnstone, a consortium, is hoping to build a new town, to be named Denny St Francis, adjacent to Waterbeach (the barracks site, plus). Like any large development, cycling conditions need to be good.
Converting one-way streets to two-way cycling has long been a Cambridge Cycling Campaign priority.
Progress has been made, with Hope Street being made into a two-way street with a no motor vehicles exemption at one end.
Now that Except Cycles signs under No Entry signs are permitted there is scope for extending this to Romsey Streets.
Created by Klaas Brümann // 1 thread
South Cam is working on a cycling project between Haslingfield and Grantchester, proposed by the Haslingfield Parish.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Cambridge East development is in the 2006 Cambridge Local Plan and would have a big effect on cycling and traffic more generally in the area.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The City Council will be designating Sheep's Green & Coe Fen as a local nature reserve in 2012, in recognition of the site’s value for both wildlife and recreation.
As part of the process, a management plan has been prepared to establish a long-term vision for the site and to guide ongoing maintenance and habitat-restoration works.
They are seeking public comments on the draft plan, prior to formal adoption and designation of the site.
It is important that the proposals are scrutinised to check whether this will have any effects in the longer term on cycling and path improvements.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Now that the East Road gas works have finished, the road has been patched up, but in a very bumpy way. Although the tarmac is smooth, it is not at the same height as the original road so riding along is continually bumpy.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
A further application following several rejections.
Planning application to demolish 32-38 Station Road and build two office blocks. This is a revised application.
Application is called 'Fifty & Sixty Station Road'.
Documents are completely inadequate for this listed building. I submitted this objection:
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
The application form indicates that there is currently no cycle parking and that none is intended. This is unacceptable - the development must conform to the Council's standards in quantity, location and type.
There are insufficient graphic details on which to assess the application.
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
Created by Rohan Wilson // 0 threads
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
We note that 3 Sheffield stands are shown within the cycle shelter - good provision for a site which is on the city's Signed Primary Cycle Network. It is important that they should not be installed too close to the rear wall, and that the spacing between each and between stands and side wall should meet the City Council's standards - see Cycle Parking Guide.
Only 3 bins are shown - is this acceptable, for recycling etc?
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
Objected.
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
We are concerned that there may not be sufficient space in the rear "bikes and bins" (unattractive combination!) room. It is important that the Sheffield stands indicated should be installed as shown, and to park or remove a bike, rearward space is essential (See the City Council Cycle Parking Guide), adequate as drawn. But only five refuse bins are shown, one for each apartment. Normally each would need 3 bins (black, blue, green), for which there would clearly be insufficient space.
RW for Sustrans 3 May 2012
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden proposes the following measures:
Sam // 1 thread
The site for the new building between in the triangle between the cycle path the busway, and non-busway road has a solid hoarding around it. To help visibility, the solid hoardings have been removed for 3 panels on the cycle path side, and only 2 on the road side, so traffic has greater visibility of cyclists that cyclists have of motor vehicles - so vehicles assume there is nothing coming and slow down less than they should.
To increase visibility on the corner, the third solid panel should be replaced with the mesh fencing, as has already been done for the first two on the other side.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 1 thread
Rather than providing adequate cycle parking for their pupils this Sixth Form college is discouraging cycling and increasing the likelihood of cycle theft. The bikes that were previously attached to these railings are now left on the opposite side of the road where they are not so securely parked. See http://cambridge.cyclestreets.net/location/27865/ #27865 or #27866
Although some cycle parking does seem to have been provided: http://cambridge.cyclestreets.net/location/28093/ #28093, #28092 it is clearly not enough
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Since the horrific attacks that took place on Westminster Bridge, and most recently London Bridge, the Metropolitan Police have installed temporary barriers on many central London bridges.
LCC is fully supportive of the need to take urgent steps to provide extra protection for Londoners and visitors to our city. But we also believe it's right that we look at these measures, that have had to go in very rapidly, to see both what lessons need to be learned for future Highways schemes in the capital, and to see what, if any, tweaks can be undertaken to ensure these barriers can provide the extra security needed as well as allow people, especially London's large number of cycling commuters, to continue to cycle safely with minimal disruption - ideally even with enhanced safety and/or provision.
Now we want your ideas of any tweaks, modifications or other measures that can be brought forward on the bridges affected so far, and given the measures in so far, to provide vital measures to protect against terrorist attacks, but also to enhance safety and provision for those walking and cycling, and to mitigate the negative effects of the measures so far.
Created by Jack Thurston // 0 threads
We want widen and redesignate this footpath as a safe, dual use, route, especially to enable children to ride to school safely. This would allow cyclists to avoid a stretch of the Brecon Road and Pen-y-Pound, which are both fast and hostile roads.
Created by timlennon // 1 thread
No entrance to the school is accessible by bicycle for children, unless they cycle on the pavement. Even when they do, there are busy roads to be crossed with poor sightlines, or simply conflict with pedestrians.
Created by Clare Rogers // 17 threads
Enfield Council through Cycle Enfield are seeking views from the public on a number of ideas for the area shown in the map. In their words:
"We have a number of ideas that will not only help more people to walk and cycle but will also enhance community spaces, making Haselbury Neighbourhood a better place to live. Help shape our designs before we carry out a consultation later in the year. You have until Sunday 1 July to share your views."
***Note that there are separate threads below for each of the 13 drawings***
THESE DESIGNS ARE NOW REVISED FOR THE STATUTORY CONSULTATION
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 Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Serious safety concerns on this stretch cyclepath crosses side-roads. See the main thread at
http://richmondlcc.cyclescape.org/issues/590-a316-cycle-lane-priority-over-side-roads
Created by Fraser Stephens // 0 threads
RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014
1) More clear directions from Waitrose to the cyclepaths.
2) Many missed opportunities at Waitrose to encourage cycling:
a) Cycle stands often blocked with trolleys and equipment from the "garden" section.
b) No easy pedestrian/cycle access direct to Route 46 (west) when it would be easy to provide one.
c) anti-trolley bumps on main road in do have a flat path for cyclists, but they are not exactly friendly. How about actually having a cycle lane in and around the site?
Created by Stephen Lawrence // 1 thread
Some people are especially sensitive to lights, including flashing lights, and lights which point directly into their eyes. Both these two situations can result in migraines for the unfortunate observer.I am glad to read that German law mandates downward-focussed lights. We should do the same.
Flashing lights used to be illegal (i.e. when incandescant lights were the norm) but the law was changed to specifically allow them. However, for the reason above, and also because judging the speed (and to some extent the position) of a bicycle is impossible when the light is flashing could actually make flashing lights less safe. Batteries have improved and LEDs are more efficient, and the battery life even on 'steady' mode is way more than in the 'days of yore' hat some of us knew.
Created by Dexter Johnstone // 1 thread
There have been a number of accidents here where the tram lines curve across Sheffield Road to the Birley Moor tram stop. The rails cannot be crossed at right angles.
There is loads of open space around here where off road cycle paths could be installed.
Created by Simon here // 2 threads
Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
The carpark entrance cuts across the cycleway and has shallow corner radii encouraging fast entrance and exit speeds which are a danger to cyclists using the cycleway.
The cycleway should be curved away from the roadway at the junction and a marked crossing put in place a cars length from the roadway allowing space for entering and exiting cars to giveway to cyclists moving along the cycleway.
Created by Simon Still // 3 threads
Brixton Liveable Neighbourhood
Healthier and safer streets for Brixton. Join the conversation to develop ideas for your neighbourhood.
Engagement for
Railton Neighbourhood
Loughborough Neighbourhood
Ferndale Neighbourhood
Created by JonC // 2 threads
Blake Hall Road is an important and pleasant north-south route for cyclists and is often used by groups avoiding the busy roads in North Weald and in Ongar. However, crossing the A414 can be very difficult due to fast moving traffic from both directions.
The A1 route requires improvement for safer cycling to provide continuity from the A1000 cycle route in Barnet.
Southbound:
The A1 red route has an unprotected bike lane for the first half of the ascent, although traffic is single file until just before the lights and tends to leave room on the left for most of the climb. However, between the lights at Muswell Hill Road and Shepherds Hill the road has two congested traffic lanes leaving no space for cyclists (see photo). South of this it’s single lane with parking, then a bus lane and then cycle tracks appear at Archway gyratory. The issues south of Muswell Hill Road also affect Haringey cyclists using that road from Muswell Hill.
Northbound:
The A1 route has segregated bike or bus lanes up to Shepherds Hill lights, where it becomes two congested traffic lanes between there and the Muswell Hill Road lights, leaving no space for cyclists. Emergency social distancing provision has led to the left lane being fully cordoned off to provide extra pedestrian space for the shops, which squeezes cyclists into the remaining traffic lane. North of Muswell Hill Road is a fast, single lane descent with parking on the left for the first half. The Bakers Lane gyratory can be navigated to the A1000 without changing lanes, although other traffic is crossing lanes making this hazardous for cycling.
Haringey cyclists heading for Muswell Hill have the added problem of a difficult right turn off the A1 into Muswell Hill Road.
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 Ms Andrea Vinicombe // 1 thread
Residents of Kemptown are unable to join the Madeira Drive cyclepath approaching it from the north unless they cycle along Marine Parade to the Pier or to the Duke's Mound sliproad. This means they have two options:
1) cycle on Marine Parade which is a busy A road.
2) cycle on the promenade which is unofficially shared with pedestrians.
Neither of these options are safe.
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 jpennycook // 1 thread
Area Estates are proposing to build a retail park on the former Smiths Industries site between Winchester Road and Harrow Way, in Basingstoke. This was formerly owned by Tesco, who failed to build a supermarket there.
No cycling access has been proposed, and the provision for cycle parking is inadequate - insufficient for customers, and none for staff.
Please submit feedback to the developer.
No planning application yet, but previous applications for the site are here: https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=H44MKACRLI568
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Despite the cycle lanes being mandatory along this stretch the road layout is such that vehicles frequently intrude into the cyclelane - as this bus did.
White paint does not work on this stretch and some other segregation method is needed -eg a kerb; vertical posts or similar.
Created by Andrew France // 1 thread
It has an uneven degraded surface in the cycle lanes from the Elizabeth Way roundabout until the bridge.
Created by Eric Booth // 1 thread
Friend of mine uses a wheelchair & hand cycle and is blocked this gate on his way home. Would be great if we could get it opened for him. [Jack Small]
Created by Paul Bearpark // 1 thread
Objections to U&Cs outline planning application need to be submitted by 10 April. There seem to be some interesting ideas for improving cycling infrastructure but a lot that could be improved upon.