Thameslink Great Northern rail franchise
The new franchise for the Kings Cross rail line started recently. We have been sent a letter of introduction.
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 David Earl // 2 threads
The new franchise for the Kings Cross rail line started recently. We have been sent a letter of introduction.
Created by MJR // 1 thread
Basil Drive, Coriander Road and Bay Walk are residential streets that probably should be a 20mph zone, at least to avoid sat-nav routing cars that way in preference to Rosemary Way.
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
"Following a request for a vehicular access outside of 27 Tenison Avenue it is
proposed to revoke a 5 metre length of Residents Parking Bay and replace it with
double yellow lines.
If you wish to object to any of these proposals you should send the grounds for
objection in writing to policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk to reach us by no
later than 19th September 2014 quoting reference PR0147."
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Extensive package of measures which "aims to transform the accessibility and connectivity to and around Stockport town centre.
The plan considers access by all modes of travel and specifically aims to ease congestion for buses and general road traffic, as part of an ambitious vision and development framework for investment in the town centre"
Created by John Chamberlain // 3 threads
Camden are consulting residents, cyclists and others on their plans to extend the Royal College Street cycle facilities to the north, across Camden Road and up to Kentish Town Road. If it is approved, we think this will be a great improvement as it will provide protected two-way cycling all the way. Later there are plans to extend it south to Kings Cross.
We hope you will respond to Camden in support as there may be objections from residents, especially as it results in some loss/relocation of parking.
Details of the proposals can be found on Camden’s website at:
https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/royal-college-street-walking-and-cycling-improveme
For cyclists, the main proposals are as follows:
- Two way cycling all the way up and down Royal College Street with no need to use St Pancras Way or Camden Street.
- Protected northbound and southbound cycle lanes with no loading or parking within the cycle lanes.
- A separate green phase for N-S and S-N bound cyclists at Camden Road.
The difficult areas are the Camden Road crossing, which we think Camden have handled in an effective and innovative way, and the southbound split at College Gardens, where motor traffic has to bear left but cyclists go straight. This is not easy to handle without the danger of left hooks, but we think that the suggested solution, which involves road narrowing and a raised junction to slow motor vehicles, is the best option.
Please feed your comments to us via the threads on this issue, or by email to john@camdencyclists.org.uk
Our response needs to be in by 3rd October so we'll take comments on board until the 28th.
Created by Tom B // 2 threads
Previously, there was an Advanced Stop Line on Kew Gardens Road (B353) where it joins Kew Road (A307). The junction was recently resurfaced, which removed the ASL markings, and they have not been replaced. I have attached a Google Streetview photo showing the ASL that was previously present.
The ASL marking was very useful, as the junction can become gridlocked in rush hour, so that only cycles can take advantage of the green signal from Kew Gardens Road without blocking the junction. Cyclists therefore need the space to be able to safely wait at the front of the queue.
It would be great if the ASL markings could be restored as soon as possible. If they have been removed for a reason, then I would like to understand what the justification is.
Created by George Coulouris // 4 threads
Full details of the consultation are at:
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/northsouth
closing date for comments is 19 October 2014.
Camden Cyclists we propose to send a response to this consultation on behalf of our members. This will focus only on the part within Camden (the section between Charterhouse Street and Euston Road - as detailed on the map attached). But note that the alignment of the route north of Greville Street is not agreed between Camden and TfL and is not formally considered a part of the consultation.
So it makes sense to have two discussion threads for the sections in Camden south and north of Greville Street.
Created by James Gilbert // 1 thread
The Astra Zeneca developers (I assume) have installed a chicane made from two plastic roadwork blocks, plus a little "Chicane Ahead" warning sign on the down slope of the guided busway path as it approaches Francis Crick Avenue.
I assume that the idea is to slow down cyclists, but I don't see why this is any more necessary than it was before their building site was created. I think it will make collisions between cyclists, or between cyclists and pedestrians, more likely.
Created by Clive // 1 thread
Herts County Council proposal to make currently two-way Vicarage Road a one-way street between j/w Scammell Way and Hagden Lane and provide a ''kiss and drop'' lay-by in Scammell Way. The one-way section will be for northbound traffic only (ie travelling towards the town centre).
For further details see:
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/11422333.Plans_to_make_part_of_Vicarage_Road_one_way_and_bring_in_parking_scheme_branded__ill_conceived__and_a_safety_risk/
Herts County Council will have a display at Watford Cycle Hub
====date and time to be confirmed====
Place: Watford Cycle Hub
The Pavilion
Chaffinch Lane
Watford
WD18 9QD
Map: http://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=51.6428&mlon=-0.4165#map=14/51.6428/-0.4165&layers=C
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Salford Council/Urban Vision consultation on CCAG scheme. "The proposed cycle improvement between Station Road in Irlam and Astley Road in Cadishead will enable better sharing of the road space by all users and improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. Cycle parking facilities will be provided and cycle symbols on the road will be marked to highlight the presence of cyclists. Line markings and the construction of build outs and central reserves are proposed to narrow the road and reduce the overall speed of vehicles"
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Salford Council/Urban Vision consultation on this CCAG scheme. "A new cycle lane will be implemented along Liverpool Street between Langworthy Road and Cross Lane, linking the neighbouring residential areas to employment and educational opportunities at Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, the University of Salford and Manchester City Centre"
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Salford Council/Urban Vision consultation on CCAG funded scheme. "This route will provide new cycling facilities on Silk Street and North George Street, linking route one to the University of Salford and improving onward cycling links to Salford Quays and the regional centre, through the existing wider cycle network."
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Consultation by Salford Council/Urban Vision on CCAG funded scheme. "This will provide a new cycle lane along the length of Great Clowes Street and Blackfriars Road, which will link the residential area of Broughton to Manchester city centre. Where possible the route will be segregated from traffic"
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Consultation about cycling in Lyme Park, carried out by the National Turst
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
New cinema and car park next to Debenhams in Stockport centre. New open space on Bridgefield Street and Prince's Street. One of the objectives is "to provide enhanced public transport routes,cycle facilities and pedestrian access". Issues: cycle parking, shared space, link to wider cycle network.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
This bus gate is a continuing problem. We first raised this when it was first installed in 2007. The problem hasn't gone away.
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/70/article6.html
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
You probably remember that we began a new 'Quick Wins' campaign in November 2013.
http://camdencyclists.org.uk/camden/campaigns/quick-wins
I asked members for their suggestions for (very) minor improvements throughout the borough that will make cyclists feel better catered for. These are examples of the type of changes that Camden felt could be implemented without consultation of local residents/businesses:
⁃ dropped kerbs
⁃ obstructive barriers (i.e. anti-motor cycle barriers)
⁃ stretches of poor road surface
⁃ Feeders into ASLs that are too short or non-mandatory
The response from members was very good and we were able to assemble a list of suggestions and submit it to Camden in November 2013. Camden responded by assigning an officer to work on the entire list and he has worked hard to progress them.
The web page linked above includes a table showing the list of 17 suggestions that were submitted to Camden, updated to show the five suggestions that we know for sure to have been completed (those table entries are in italic with completion date and a photo). There may be one or two other items in the list that have been completed - I haven't been to check all of them recently ;-) I would be very grateful to anyone who can give me up-to-date information on the status of the other items.
Several other minor changes that we have suggested, outside the 'Quick Wins' list have also been completed this year.
As far as I know Camden still intend to progress most of the remaining items. It is worth noting that some of these relatively minor changes received significant 'push-back' from locals, making the process slower and more expensive than it might have been.
We and Camden are still very positive about this campaign. Camden are now asking us for a set of 'Phase 2' suggestions. The criteria for this are likely to include the types of changes suggested in the first phase but also include some new ones.
We are still clarifying with Camden the new categories that can be classified as 'quick wins' (i.e. can be implemented without consultation). They may include:
⁃ widening cycle lanes or converting them to mandatory (i.e. replacing a dashed with a solid white line). In some cases this might be a first step towards installing lightweight segregation.
⁃ widening existing cycle lanes where there is limited traffic impact.
⁃ widening bus lanes to 4.5m to allow safer overtaking of buses by cycles and vice-versa.
⁃ adding cycle lanes that link up sections of bus lane.
⁃ trial lane closures to provide better space for cycling.
⁃ more 2-way cycling on side roads.
I would be grateful for your feedback, commenting on the categories of changes or preliminary suggestions for actual changes.
I plan to construct a new list for submission to Camden in October, but I would be grateful for concrete suggestions by mid-September.
It helps if you can provide a link to the relevant location on Google maps. A photo is even more helpful.
George C.
Between the A10 cycleway and the Hardwick Road cycleway is a complex of sluggish crossings, narrow tracks and dangerous junctions which currently (early 2014) take 7 minutes if you wait for all the crossings. Of course, the red bike lights are only advisory, but then riders and drivers are hindered by the poor visibility at many of the crossings, plus some drivers mistakenly believe that riders should dismount and walk across, to the point of harassing riders who ride across.
Unsurprisingly, some commuters riding through this junction have developed a number of innovative and, eh, "interesting" approaches to it. This shouldn't be necessary. This junction between the Highways Agency's A47 and Norfolk County Council's A10 and A149 should be cycle-proofed as a high priority, before the planned housing at West Winch and North Runcton.
Created by MJR // 2 threads
The Parish Council have prepared the plan with the help of local residents, businesses and interest groups. A draft was prepared in February 2014 for consultation locally and with statutory bodies. When fully approved, it will take the place of many North Somerset Council planning policies which cover Long Ashton Parish. It will contain policies to:-
· protect areas of Local Green Space from development
· protect the open countryside between Long Ashton and Bristol
· protect and improve recreation and community facilities
· support the shops, services and businesses within the village
· reduce traffic speeds through the village and make it a more pedestrian friendly environment.
North Somerset Council http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk is currently preparing an Employment-Led Delivery at Weston-super-Mare Supplementary Planning Document(SPD). The SPD provides guidance on how the Council applies Core Strategy policy CS20 Supporting a Successful Economy.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Bike Bus Explorer tows a 30-bike(?) trailer. Picks/drops bikes at Cambridge Station, Brooklands Avenue, Barton Rd then a linear route to Wimpole, and a ring from Arrington via Hatley, Gamlingay, Gransdens, Longstowe.
It leaves the station Sunday and Bank Holidays at 09:00, 11:30, 14:30, 17:00. Last return to Cambridge arrives 19:12.
A leaflet gives info about the rural destinations including Wildlife Trust sites, and a map showing the bus route, stops and suggested rural cycle rides. Operations exclude Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, suggesting it operates all year.
Created by Stefan Kaye // 1 thread
For several weeks now, ever since part of the surface of the path was repaired, the cycle detector loops at the crossing of Maids Causeway from Midusummer Common to Fair Street have not been working. This means that cyclists using the crossing have stop and press the button unless the road is already completely clear. Does anyone know any more about this problem, and to whom should a complaint be addressed?
Created by Hester Wells // 3 threads
The Papworth Hospital is moving to Addenbrooke's.
There is a public consultation until 26th August 2014, ahead of a planning application in September.
http://www.papworthhospital.nhs.uk/content.php?/about/new_papworth_hospital/public_consultation
Created by Rohan Wilson // 0 threads
3-floors block 15 flats hidden rear of industrial building behind Aldi.
Nominally car-free (ie provides no on-site car parking beyond one space for disabled) but the flimsy Transport Assessment (Conclusions 5.5) says "....surveys on existing on-street parking on local routes have identified some capacity for additional parking demand generated by the development, should residents at the development choose to own a vehicle." This acts against the (so far undelivered) scheme to eliminate car parking on Histon Road and instal cycle lanes. There is space in front of the industrial shed, and "parking" appears there on the site plan.
This seems to be a re-application, developer suggests the only issue left to be resolved is (personal) security on the remote access route. However the police ALO doesn't like it.
Car-free: interesting, but this instance looks very dodgy.
The TA instances other Cambridge "car-free" flat developments - do they really work?
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Quote: para 2.77 "The Government supports the motorist and wants to see adequate parking provision for them...."
Question 2.16: Do you agree that parking policy should be strengthened to tackle on-street parking problems by restricting powers to set maximum parking standards?
Not a simple issue, but probably worth CCyC's commenting.
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The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Chris Peck // 1 thread
Route betweeen NCN 22 and Waverley Abbey - alternative to major road.
Created by Chris Peck // 0 threads
The railway bridge over Ockford Ridge results in a narrowing, just as the road bends. The footway here is left narrow, sightlines are poor and the surface is in a poor state.
this old fashioned barrier on a major cycleway needs a rethink
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 0 threads
This sign in "Newport Life and Cycle" area has been wrong aligned for several months; encourages vandalism and feeling of neglect in area
Created by Simon Still // 2 threads
For pedestrians
Relocate the crossing at the junction. At the moment pedestrians on the eastern side of Streatham High Road cannot see oncoming traffic around the bend and vehicles cannot see people crossing. By relocating the crossing that is currently north of the junction on Streatham High Road to where demand is higher and making it a straight-across signal-controlled crossing we can make it safer for all road users. This relocated crossing would replace the existing unsignalised crossing on the southern arm of the junction where there is significantly lower demand
Create a raised imprint block-paved effect crossing on Gleneldon Road indicating to drivers that pedestrians are likely to be crossing making it easier and safer for people approaching the relocated crossing.
For cyclists
Cycling would be permitted in the proposed bus lane on Tooting Bec Gardens (see below).
For bus passengers
Introduce a bus lane on Tooting Bec Gardens approaching the junction by removing some parking. 15 high-frequency bus routes pass through the junction. Delays resulting from the new crossing would be mitigated by a new 170 metre bus lane on Tooting Bec Gardens approaching the junction. There are often gaps in the parking so the proposal minimises the overall loss of parking spaces and makes more efficient use of the space (see the drawing for the location)
Ban the right-turn into and out of Shrubbery Road on Streatham High Road. Northbound buses are currently delayed by vehicles turning right into Shrubbery Road, approximately 150 metres north of the junction, because of a short right-turn pocket in the road. We therefore propose to ban the right-turn from Streatham High Road into Shrubbery Road for all traffic. There would also be a longer right-turn pocket to allow vehicles to queue without blocking traffic when turning into Sunnyhill Road. Vehicles turning right out of Shrubbery Road can also delay southbound traffic including buses so it is proposed that is banned too. Before we make the banned turns permanent we would monitor congestion and bus delays to confirm if it is necessary to mitigate the impact of the relocated crossing and making it controlled and will publish our findings
We would need to extend the right-turn ban from Mitcham Lane into Streatham High Road southbound to include buses. This wont have an impact on bus passengers as this turn is only used by buses 'not in service'. By fully banning the turn we reduce the traffic impact of the relocated crossing and making it controlled.
Created by Eric Booth // 2 threads
Tighter corners to favour pedestrians and manage speed.
https://www.citizenspace.com/bristol/city-development/coronationroad/consult_view
Suggested points:
1. This is a 'gateway' to the 20mph area and the opportunity to mark this and make it work should not be missed. It's not enough to just narrow and reshape the carriageway. It should feel different.
2. Central islands and build-outs introduce pinch points that make cycling feel less safe. There should be a cycle lane through the pinch point in line with guidance.
http://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/sites/cycling-embassy.org.uk/files/documents/cyclingengland/2011/01/a03_traffic_calming.pdf
3. A better option to emphasise pedestrian priority would be a zebra crossing
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 Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The cycle parking at Canterbury's Asda is conveniently located for the shop entrance, but doesn't properly secure or support bicycles. Hence parts of bicycles go missing and cyclists choose to secure to other street furniture.
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.