Mount Pleasant House development
Mount Pleasant Halls - the redevelopment of Mount Pleasant House as accommodation for St Edmund’s and Darwin Colleges.
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Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 2 threads
Mount Pleasant Halls - the redevelopment of Mount Pleasant House as accommodation for St Edmund’s and Darwin Colleges.
Anon // 2 threads
Early in February I came across some changes to the layout of the road.
There were notices up explaining that it was an experimental scheme, intended to stop lorries parking. 500 metres of the road had been made one way southbound and one lane plus the parking bays bollarded off.
The cycle route between Maidstone and the Medway Towns via Bluebell Hill used that 500 metre stretch northbound. I saw that as a problem.
Don’t worry I was told, the scheme isn’t complete yet.
Returning in March I discovered that the adjacent footway has been marked for shared use by equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists. Some blue signs have been added but the path remains cracked, potholed and broken and it is around one metre wide. It's also rapidly becoming overgrown.
There are design manuals for cycle facilities. They recommend a width of three metres for two way traffic. They also recommend that, where space is available, cycle facilities should be on the carriageway.
KCC say they considered cyclists and equestrians at the earliest stages of the design and that a minimum level of provision was made as the scheme is temporary.
I don’t know why KCC haven’t done the job right but I do know the situation may become permanent unless cyclists campaign against it.
The consultation period ends on 15 July, please take some time to object to the scheme in its present form.
http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/ChathamRoad/consultationHome
Related FOI here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/the_kent_county_council_chatham
Created by Tim Steele // 1 thread
Not sure why these signs are here. This isn't Route 51 or Route 11 and you can't turn here in any case.
Created by Tim Steele // 1 thread
Some route 51 signs have appeared here, although it's not on route 51
Created by TonyNorwich // 1 thread
The Norwich Northern Distributor Road has been given the go-ahead by Secretary of State for Transport.
The decision letter (see below) contains an extra-ordinary statement about “cycle proofing”.
I understood we are waiting for the UK Cycle Proofing Working Group to publish details of what the term will mean and how it will be applied.
However, we have the Government’s “Reponse …” of March 2015
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/417706/consultation-response.pdf
1.17 page 10
The Group has already devised a clear definition of cycle proofing for stakeholders and interested bodies to note, as follows;
Cycle proofing is a process which over time ensures that the built environment generally, and roads specifically, are seen to be safe, convenient and pleasant for cycle use by people of all ages and abilities.
Cycling proofing involves:
consideration of the extent and quality of existing cycling conditions on urban and rural networks of roads, streets, junctions, crossings, off-highway cycle-routes and public transport networks; and
identification and prioritisation of measures to improve cycling conditions in the context of all transport and other infrastructure schemes and programmes, including planned road maintenance works, new developments and the creation or management of rights of way and other off highway
routes; its aim is to progressively create comprehensive and coherent transport networks for cycle
use
I have set out the document trail below:
Planning portal site
Secretary of State’s Decision Letter
para 36
36. The Secretary of State has considered the Examining Authority’s assessment of the effects of the NDR project on non-motorised users at ER 4.473-485. With regard to the
suitability of the provision that would be made for cyclists, the Secretary of State agrees with the Examining Authority that the applicant has taken a reasonable approach to cycleproofing the project (ER 4.480).
Examining Authorities report
Effects on non-motorised users (NMUs) 4.473
Norfolk County Council response:
“However, the extensive provision of new facilities for NMUs as part of the scheme, together with mitigation for any adverse effects, is sufficient evidence that the applicant has taken a reasonable approach to cycle-proofing the scheme.”
In evidence to the Inquiry NNC submitted the following:
The Norfolk County Council (Norwich Northern Distributor Road (A1067 to A47(T))) Order
6.1 Environmental Statement: Volume I
Page 788 Non-Motorised Users
And then page 790 Table 1.17 Permanent impact of the NDR for the NMU network
Note only one of the works is “Beneficial”, while some are even “adverse” – is this what “Cycle-Proofing” will mean?. These assessments are subjective judgements by the developer - no objective evidence is provided.
The NCC further state:
12.6.12 Traffic increases for some rural and radial routes within the Norwich area would result in some localised adverse impacts for NMUs due to potential increases in community severance. This is because some NMUs may be deterred from making their existing journeys where roads with traffic increases would need to be crossed or where existing footways, cycleways and bridleways run adjacent to roads with traffic increases. Locations include:
# Traffic increases on Holt Road as it passes through Horsford;
# Traffic increases on North Walsham Road as it passes through Crostwick;
# Traffic increases on the Buxton Road where it passes through Old Catton (affecting the Spixworth cycleway); and,
# Traffic increases on Wroxham Road.
and at 12.6.13
In addition, some slight increases in journey times for NMUs would be experienced as a result of the proposed junctions included within the NDR,
such as at Cromer Road. This would be particularly relevant for cyclists, where navigating junctions may deter some users from making their journeys.
Does this meet the requirements of Government policy to increase cycling? It seems to me that those cynics who saw the Governments announcements on cycle proofing and cycling policy as hot air and headline grabing were right.
Is there is anything that can be done ?
Created by Sarah Wood // 0 threads
At certain times of day it is difficult to cross the road and connect the cycle and pedestrian routes between Southwood and the Cove Brook Greenway
The Greater Anglia franchise is due for renewal in October 2016 and the process has already started. It is quite unsusal to have a station serving such a large number of passengers with access on only one side o the tracks. This situation leads to many more and longer car journeys along Mill Road, Cherry Hinton Road and Hills Road.
There is an existing access via (non-residential) Clifton Road to the east side of the station and there is vacant land. We need to argue the case for an eastern entrance to the station, along with cycle parking and pedestrian access. There is a mainly empty car park on the other side of the tracks. We should also try to include a link from the Carter bridge to the new cycle park.
Interested parties
3 shortlisted franchises
local MPs
Minister responsible (Clare Perry MP)
Created by Jon G // 1 thread
The road outside the Barmy Arms pub, Twickenham Embankment, used to be closed to motor traffic by a single line of posts with cycle logos painted on the road between two of these, clearly showing there is a cycle route there.
Recently this has been replaced with two lines of posts about 3m apart and there are no cycle route markers. This is leading pedestrians to reasonably assume that the area between the posts is for pedestrians only and to stand there in groups with drinks from the pub, creating conflicts with cyclists trying to ride through the area. The existence of the cycle route should once again be indicated by signs or painted cycle symbols.
Created by Jon G // 1 thread
The Embankment, Twickenham is a two-way street. Many driver sseem to think it is one-way Westbound. Even the Cyclescape map wrongly marks it as one-way! It needs signage clarifying it is two-way, to avoid motorists being obstructive or abusive to cyclists lawfully riding Eastward along it.
Created by Jon G // 1 thread
Bell Lane is two-way. Most drivers using it go Northward and many seem to think it is one-way that way. It needs signage clarifying it is two-way, to avoid motorists being obstructive or abusive to cyclists lawfully riding South along it.
Created by Jon G // 1 thread
Cricket Lane is a dead end and therefore two-way. Since an exit from a car park was built leading into it, many drivers seem to think it is a one-way street from the car park. In fact it is used by cyclists going in both directions between High St and Bushy Park.
It needs signs clarifying that it is two-way, as drivers are being obstructive or abusive to cyclists legitimately using it.
Created by David K // 1 thread
At present this is a footpath but it could be widened onto the land owned by Network Rail in order to allow a shared use path.
Created by Richard Taylor // 1 thread
Proposal for three new pedestrian and cycle access points to Cambridge Business Park. The proposals are being made in light of the plans for an new station nearby.
Representations from companies with premises on the business park - Redgate and Autonomy - have expressed concerns about security and the potential for people to try and park on the business park and then get on a train.
The proposals are for the new accesses to be gated to restrict general public access.
The proposals include a connection to the potential cycleway along the line of the disused railway.
Cambridge Business Park Cowley Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 0WZ
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0919/FUL
Created by Violinist John // 1 thread
Noticed this a couple of weeks ago. As you will see the sign is incomplete and misleading given that the place to see all the details is the end of Ferry Lane waiting to join High Street. High Street at this point is both Route 51 and Route 11.
Major points:
Left turn to go to Impington on Route 51 - I think not.
Abbey and Fen Ditton to the left when you could just go back across Green Dragon bridge.
No directions to Histon, Milton, Waterbeach probably others.
Also the lack of any idea where route 11 goes to the right.
This appears to be one of a number of new signs that have recently appeared. If anyone has seen any more let's get the info out there and try to get them fixed.
Created by Iain Lane // 1 thread
Some new lamp posts have been installed on the pedestrian side of this split ped/cycle path. This reduces the effective width of the path and creates conflict.
Created by Katja Leyendecker // 0 threads
Council is planning changes on parts of Heaton Road
http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/cycling/strategic-cycle-routes/improvements-heaton-road
Discuss your thoughts and ideas here!
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 3 threads
Relocation of the existing liquid nitrogen (LN2) tank, Denios unit and cycle parking facilities.
Department Of Chemistry Lensfield Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1EW
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0988/FUL
NOTE:
Introduction of two tiered cycle parking to maintain the same number of parking spaces.
Richard G // 1 thread
A new research institute is planned for the Addenbrookes campus, plans are due to be submitted within a few weeks
There has been a exhibition of the overall plan & I have concerns about the cycle parking provision
Just wanted to report a collision on 1/6/15 at about 1700 between myself and a car in Cambridge.
Travelling South on Trumpington Road, turning into Fens Causeway I was hit by a car travelling North at the roundabout. There are three lanes of traffic heading north, the outmost car gave way correctly but the car in the second lane for whatever reason chose to accelerate onto the roundabout and hit me square on. I heard the noise of a revving engine, turned and watched the car drive straight into me. I felt the bonnet of the car as it hit and heard the sound of the impact, have a vague recollection about spinning through the air then hitting the tarmac. Although I was wearing a helmet it didn't help as I landed on my right buttock, back and leg.
Fortunately there were several witnesses including medically trained people who left their cars to help; the driver of the car involved remained in his car.
The police took about 25 minutes to arrive and the ambulance about 10 minutes after that.
I have nothing but praise for everyone who stopped and helped, the police, the paramedics and the A&E staff at Addenbrookes. The driver of the car knows what I think of him as I was quite vocal when he tried to get involved. He apparently told the police that I had 'cut the corner' of the roundabout. I'm not sure what he meant by this, nor was the police officer.
I count myself very lucky. Although I've been off work since the collision, I have no broken bones - just serious bruising, a lot of pain in my back and hip which I'm assuming will go away eventually. The ironic thing is that I'd been cycling from Melbourn to Hills Road since the previous week up and down the A10, and had decided to try a different route over Chapel Hill as I thought it might be safer.
I'm curious though, does this junction not have a history of collisions? I can recall seeing at least one there myself in the past. What is the recommended route for cyclists travelling this route?
I took the advice of the Campaign website and contacted Cycleaid for legal advice. I'll report back the outcome as things progress if anyone is interested.
BTW not sure how to draw a route on the map AND mark the collision point, so I've just done the latter.
By-election for the Romsey Division in June 2015
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The University has published initial plans for a Masterplan for the West Cambridge site, which will see further extension towards the M11.
https://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter/2014-15/weekly/6387/section6.shtml#heading2-11
Created by Robin Heydon // 1 thread
Extension to foodstore
ALDI Unit 1 157 Histon Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 3JD
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0914/FUL
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
There is a footpath linking London Road to Columbine Gardens and Lupin Road, which has a series of barriers. Removing the barriers, ensuring there are dropped kerbs are on Columbine Gardens and Cowslip Close. Signs need to be added to sign post the route to the town centre, London Road, and appropriate other places.
This would mean that there would be direct link from Chantry on to London Road and into town along a potentially safer route than Gippeswk Avenue/Birkfield Drive.
Created by Rosie Downes // 1 thread
First consultation on the main scheme: 26 May to 31 July 2015
Second consultation on amendments to the scheme: 22 February to 20 March 2016
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The A92 here has some very fast traffic. Considering this is the flagship National Cycle Route 1, and there is already a cycle path of part of the way between these 2 junctions. It would be much better if this cycle path was continued to the next junction, with some crossing aid in the form of traffic lights, bridge or tunnel. This would open this part of the route to a wider range of participants, as it would be significantly safer.
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Created by David Earl // 1 thread
"14/0447/FUL | Change of use from motor bike show room to supermarket with cafe [without cooking facilities] and installation of air compressor unit. | 192 Green End Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 1RN"
The Dalmeny Park house builders have installed new chicanes on NCN route 1. Unfortunately none of these meet the guidlines for chicanes on cycling facilities.
Created by Rogerdodge // 1 thread
Kingston Council have opened the consultation on this route, open until 17th November
Created by Martin A // 1 thread
This attractive former railway line would provide a useful off-road link between Ripley Greenway and Derby for commuters and leisure users.
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
As described in the winter 2019 Camcycle magazine there is a group working on getting some improvements to the Trumpington busway. The magazine concentrates on the northern end of the busway but we are also seeking upgrades to the Addenbrookes spur junction and the crossing at Hobson Avenue/Lime Avenue as well as adding pedestrian footpath from the Hills Road Bridge all the way to Drury Avenue.
The group would like to start getting this out to users of the path for input, discussion and help with campaigning. Many Biomedical Campus commuters presumably use this path frequently, even daily. It would be great to get some input.
Created by Andrew Clegg // 2 threads
The garage at the end of radcliffe road uses the end of this road as a car storage area, which often results in the access onto the cyclepath being obstructed.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Proposal
To provide a shared use facility on St Phillips Road that links the Toucan Crossing on Midland Road with the Bristol Bath Railway Path. The route will then continue on a traffic calmed Horton Street
Rationale
The Railway Path is one of the City's busiest parks, with an estimated 5,000 sustainable transport journeys made along the St. Philips end of the path each day either by foot or by bike. With this volume of traffic using the path, it is unsatisfactory that users are channelled into St Philips Road into a busy industrial estate. Since the bus priority measures on West Street and Old Market on the A420 corridor, there has been an increase in private motor vehicles using St Philips Road as a rat-run causing conflict with the volume of cycle traffic. The end journey for users of the Railway Path acts as a barrier to new cyclists.
An improved link form the railway path to Temple Meads would help achieve the Local Enterprise Site aims for sustainable transport and will help to provide for the 17,000 employees at the site.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF proposals.
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 1 thread
Having grown up in this area I know it well. Bolton Lane and Christchurch Street could benefit from 20 mph, Cobbold Street and Withipoll Street would be more pedestrian and cyclist friendly if they had filtered permeability. Cobbold Street is extremely busy at school times as parents drop off or collect, make it closed half way to motors and this would cut out through traffic . Likely to be very contentious.
Created by Ian Seeley // 0 threads
There is a tree stump about 3 feet high on the cycle track. It's particularly difficult to see at night when travelling east bound and should be completely removed and the cycle track resurfaced.
I cycle past this junction a lot, and sometimes the lights are red so I wait and look at the lanes and wonder why they're like this.
Created by Tim P // 1 thread
Portsdown Hill Road & James Callaghan drive are a set of roads along the top of Portsdown Hill that is currently used by a lot of cyclists for commuting, touring and leisure facilties due to the forts, views and open areas around it.
As such, it's a well known tourist spot to stop for a burger or take a picnic and fly a kite.
However, being on top of an exposed hill results in significant side winds which results in cyclists being blown about by gusts, and therefore all cyclists need to take primary position on this road to give them space. As a 40mph road, many drivers have significant issues with cyclists taking primary, and therefore perform many punishment/close passes.
The affect of this on cycling in the area is many
1) More people would cycle from the surrounding areas ( Waterlooville, Havant, Fareham/Lee on Solent ) to work at QA Hospital or the businesses on the hill if there were better cycle infrastructure.
2) More people would cycle from the surrounding area & to enjoy the space & views if it felt safer to get there.
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 0 threads
Contraflow bike lane in Salisbury Rd for easier access from Southside to Commonwealth Pool, Pollock Halls and Holyrood Park.
Created by FrenchyF // 0 threads
There should be a dropped kerb at the foot of Braidwood Gate, leading to Dumbiedykes
Created by mike1727 // 1 thread
Traffic on the redbourn road is often fast and uncomfortable for novice/nervouse riders. The footpath running along Redbourn road sees few walkers and appears suitable for a conversion to a bike route. This is being progresses through the Herts Cycle Forum
Created by Adam Edwards // 2 threads
Shared use cycle path under construction but delayed completion now set for the end of February 2016. The path with extend the route from Hatfield station up to the town centre and then via the not so good on road lanes to the University and Business Park.
Created by Dominic Fee // 1 thread
This issue covers Westminster City Council's proposals for a Quietway route from Green Park to Marylebone
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
This is the approach to Kew Gardens station and is an area with many shops and cafe’s. Enabling this street to become 2-way for cycling will make access to the station and shops more convenient for cyclists and should therefore bring economic benefits to the area. Streetview: http://goo.gl/maps/P4spf
Created by Simon Still // 2 threads
Our proposals at a glance
Transport for London (TfL), together with Lambeth Council would like to know your views on proposals for improvements which will include:
To complement this scheme we have been working with Lambeth Council to develop a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in the nearby residential areas to the east of the A23. This will complement the A23 scheme by protecting local streets from through traffic and will help deliver wider objectives such as creating Healthy Routes on local roads. Visit the consultation page of Lambeth’s website from the 22 February 2020 to find out more.
Created by Richard Jennings // 1 thread
The Avenues Shambles
Few people who live in the area will be happy with the situation on The Avenues. A couple of years ago the city won a grant to improve cycle routes around the city, called a “Cycle City Ambition Grant”. The first route to be improved was the one that came along the Avenues, known as the “Pink” route. After two years of planning, public meetings and proposals we are left with the dangerous inadequate mess we see today.
Why is The Avenues Special?
Far more bikes use The Avenues than any other road in the city, "nearly 700,000 in 2016 according to the Air Quality Status Report for 2018. Most are students at UEA or workers at the Hospital and Research Parks. It’s also the route hundreds of children should be using to cycle to the City Academy School, so the potential number of cyclists could be even higher if the road were not so dangerous. Logically it should have been the highest priority for providing proper cycle tracks, but it didn’t turn out like that.
Why is it bad?
The road markings only allow enough space for one direction of flow on a two way street, so if it needs to pass traffic has to drive in the cycle lanes and when it gets busy the cycle lane simply disappear. There is basically far too much traffic for this type of design.
Why did we end up with this mess?
That’s a good question but there are clues, take a look on Tombland and the expensive paving around the cathedral gate. All this meant there just wasn’t enough money left to build the proposed cycle tracks and the present botch is the result. The council decided that the cost of doing The Avenues didn’t represent good value for money, yet doing Tombland did. This is a very suspect situation which has left us with an unacceptable, dangerous mess that simply can’t be left as it is.
What can be done?
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
College Walk is in a terrible state and the ancient and totally obsolete street lamps no longer turn on at night and off during the day.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
There is scope here for creating a short cycle path to complete this proposed route segment: http://www.pushbikes.org.uk/location/bournville-3
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.
Created by Rob Archer // 1 thread
This is one of the most difficult and dangerous sections of the local cycle network. A point where cycle traffic to 2 local schools, a college and a local park all meet.
Fast heavy traffic
Very poor sight-lines
Cars parking over dropped kerbs
Any suggestions as to how it can be improved?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This junction is currently very poor. Cyclists end up doing awkward manoeuvres and visibility is not good.
It is possible this could be improved as part of the Chisholm Trail.
How could this junction be redesigned to make it best practice?