Mount Pleasant House development
Mount Pleasant Halls - the redevelopment of Mount Pleasant House as accommodation for St Edmund’s and Darwin Colleges.
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.
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Listed issues, most recent first:
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 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."