Delivery vehicles obstructing cycle routes
Delivery vehicles in Cambridge frequently obstruct cycle routes. I suggest we use this issue to keep track of the offenders (companies and locations) with separate threads for each location.
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 Monica Frisch // 4 threads
Delivery vehicles in Cambridge frequently obstruct cycle routes. I suggest we use this issue to keep track of the offenders (companies and locations) with separate threads for each location.
Created by JonathanF // 1 thread
Place-holder for Corridor Cycleway Section 7 discussions
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Planning application in this week's list for rebuilding the derelict shops on the south-west corner of the Perne Road roundabout (these have their own layby off the roundabout.
Created by Eric Booth // 0 threads
Cycle path is broken up by cars coming off the dual carriageway into the hotel (before a barrier). So a cyclist not only has to stop, but then turn around and look behind them for cars careening off the dual carriageway into the hotel.
Raised on CTC Infrastructure map http://www.ctc.org.uk/campaign/space-for-cycling/cycling-infrastructure/filton-holiday-express-inn
Approaching from the South, there is cycle only access across Handford Road to continue North along Portman Road (shown in the photo) which allows access, amongst other things, to the new crossing of Norwich Road at Barrack Corner.
However, the lights allow motor traffic to turn left or right (not straight on) on a green signal which creates significant risk of conflict and left-hooks for cycles going straight on.
Unless cyclists take a strong position at the junction in the centre of the lane there is a risk of left-hooks from cars turning left.
This is made worse by the fact that there is a marked cycle lane and ASL which tends to encourage cyclists into a dangerous position at the left hand side of the road.
It is possible to avoid this by leaving Portman Road and using the Toucan crossing to cross Handford Road, but this isn't mandatory for cycles and the "No Entry except Cycles" signage suggests that using the on-road route is the most obvious option.
This issue could be partially resolved by an advance "cycle only" filter phase on the traffic lights, but other than that I can't see any more effective solution than a sign which makes it clear how the road layout works (i.e. that cars may turn left or right, but that cycles may be proceeding straight on).
Created by charlie_lcc // 10 threads
A section by section discussion list for recording comments on the current 2014 consultation draft of the London Cycle Design Standards - LCDS
Created by charlie_lcc // 5 threads
The London Cycle Safety Action Plan 2 (CSAP2) draft is out for consultation. Deadline 25th July 2014
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/draft-safety-action-plan
Since the changes to Mare St at Westgate St some vehicles travel past the children's centre in Triangle Road, at excessive speeds, to avoid the traffic light at Mare St . Can Hackney Council add a restriction in Triangle Road.
Created by Richard Moss // 1 thread
The Over to Longstanton road is to be closed from 30 June 2014 for 9 weeks for reconstruction of Gravel Bridge.
Created by Paul L // 3 threads
Richmond Council say
"a signalised PUFFIN crossing with pedestrian countdown outside number 182 Kew Road (previously outside 180) Footway widening both sides of Kew Road. We have attempted to minimise the impact on the cycle lanes by introducing long tapers and following existing extended footways where possible. The kerb widening is essential to ensure sightlines to the signal heads past the many street trees."
We suggested cranked supports for the signals to avoid the loss of cycle lanes but they claim TFL disapproval.
Created by timlennon // 1 thread
Text of message from TfL:
All,
We are proposing to convert the current dual PUFFIN crossing at the above location to a dual TOUCAN crossing, formalising the facility for cyclists.
The initial design is attached, which includes localised resurfacing of footways and some carriageway works. A lighting assessment has also been undertaken which recommends a full lantern replacement of the columns retaining all lighting columns once structural testing has been completed and passed.
We also propose to extend the shared use footway further north on Marksbury Avenue and further south on Manor Grove to enable safer entry/exits for cyclists to the TOUCAN crossing.
The impact (if any) is currently being determined by Traffic Signals.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me have these by cop Friday 27th June.
Created by londoncycler // 1 thread
On the south (Southwark) side of the bridge just before the central section there is a very prominent ridge approximately one metre away from the kerb and running parallel to the bridge for some 30 metres. It is located exactly in the path of cyclists crossing the bridge who can be knocked off as they cross the ridge in either direction. In the dark and in the wet the ridge is very hard to see and cyclists may not see the ridge. The fault has been reported repeatedly in the course of more than 2 years to the local highway authority but no action has been taken. Can the highway authority explain why the ridge has not been removed?
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
The DfT have written to us with a proposed TRO to replace the sliproad from westbound A14 at Girton to southbound M11. This is also part of the widening scheme between Histon and Girton, but this aspect requires an order to give the lane motorway status. The main effect seems to be to lengthen the A14 part of the slip road to reduce queues on the main A14.
I don't think anything particular needs doing with this, so I don't plan to scan the correspondence, but if anyone wants if, please ask.
Preferred route to be signed as an alternative to Chilwell High Road agreed between City, Broxtowe and County Councils.
Created by MJR // 2 threads
Some of (the last of?) the s106 money from two out-of-town big box supermarkets is being used to remodel the connections between the bus and rail stations. National Route 1 runs through this area and the bus station may also be Lynn's biggest cycle park, so there's quite a lot of potential for this to do good - or to do harm.
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Notices have recently been put up by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on the section of the Blackwater Valley Path which passes through Hollybush Lakes near North Camp station.
Although there is a legal agreement to use this stretch as a footpath, there has never been one to permit cycling there and the owner is quite within his rights.
This is not a historic route, there is no sign of it on my 1956 OS map.
The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership is trying to resolve this but the cycling route may have to be diverted.
Area Committees are a joint meeting attended by both city and county councillors. They decide on planning issues in the area, but also have a role in the allocation of community development money from S106 contributions. They offer an opportunity to engage with multiple councillors at once, through the Open Forum section and speaking on specific Agenda items. The East Area's website is here: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/west-central-area-committee
Speaking at these meetings is a good way of making your feelings on matters the councils control public
As discussed between local cycling organisations there is a desperate need for a signed route which avoids Chilwell High Road where there have been a number of accidents now tram tracks are laid in places. This route also avoids Beeston High St which is a lengthy dismount section from 9-5. This route supersedes the previous northerly route. A southern avoiding route has also been plotted on cyclescape
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
The proposals seek to improve road safety on the streets surrounding Regents High school in Somers Town which is being rebuilt. This school is labelled "South Camden Community School" on the map.
The consultation is on Camden's website at:
Currently the school is accessed from Charrington Street but the new building is going to face the other way and will be accessed via Chalton Street. Therefore most of the proposal are related to making a new school entrance and building out the footways in Chalton Street while taking them away in Charrington Street. All of this is clearly necessary, but doesn't appear to add to road safety.
The council also proposes a new speed table at the junction of Chalton Street and Aldenham Street. This would help with road safety.
Cyclists are already concerned with the rat-running on Ossulston Street; this quite likely accesses Eversholt Street via Chalton Street. Surely we should ask for this rat running to be prevented both for the safety of the cycle route and for children going to Regents High School?
Created by Peter Loader // 0 threads
The Maple Cross to Rickmansworth cycle route is one-way along Berry Lane (between Church Lane and Field Way, Mill End).
Anon // 0 threads
There is currently no secure locks provided at Port Rodie bus stop, the main departure stop for buses eastwards towards Dumfries and Carlisle.
There is a very poor road surface on the left hand northbound lane of Stockport Road (A6) after the Plymouth Grove junction.
This is dangerous as if you bear left it encourages traffic behind you to sneak past you, if you go through it can damage your bicycle or even cause you to come off, if you bear right brings you into direct conflict with traffic which often wants to merge into the right hand lane.
The solution is very simple, resurface this small section of road.
Created by Peter Loader // 0 threads
Transport Initiatives LLP is an independent transport planning consultancy. They have carried out an audit for Three Rivers District Council classifying roads, paths and crossings in terms of the UK National Cycle Training Standard (Bikeability) Level needed to be able to ride in comparative safety. The results can be seen on Three Rivers District Council's web site.
Transport Initiatives have classified the roundabout at M25 Junction 17, the adjacent Maple Cross Roundabout, and the dual carriageway between them as Level 3.5, i.e. "Roads & crossings with a very high level of risk, unsuitable for even highly experienced cyclists".
For detailed documentation, please see
http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/Default.aspx/Web/CyclingInformation
and download
Maps by area|Maple Cross
plus
Cycling safety audit|CSNA Leaflet
Following closely the route of an old railway line between Colchester and Brightlingsea this proposed route would link Colchester to Walton-on-the-Naze. It provides a much needed commuter route out of Brightlingsea linking it safely to Wivenhoe, the University of Essex and Colchester and creates a new leisure route in a holiday district. It builds on the existing four mile NCN51 route from Colchester to Wivenhoe by adding 5 miles off-road to Brightlingsea via a new river crossing at Alresford Creek. From there it utilises an existing pleasant frequent summer ferry crossing to Point Clear and creates a 25 mile coastal route much of it off-road.
Created by Gary // 0 threads
To improve safety after numerous fatal car accidents the Highways Agency are currently implementing speed restrictions but are also designing a new roundabout for the A120 near Pellens Corner/Horsley Cross. NCN51 passes nearby. Cyclists don't generally want to cycle the A120 but we do have to cross it to get across Tendring District. Roundabouts are particular hard for cyclists to use on A roads. So will the Highways Agency proposal include the needs of cyclists? http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/A120-Pellens-Corner-Average-Speed-CamerasSafety-Improvements
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Created by Caroline Page // 1 thread
Eastbound cyclists wishing to avoid the double roundabout at this point are routed onto the pavement, across the exit for the Shell garage (often to the surprise of exiting drivers), and then (still across pavement) onto a piece of decommissioned road used as access and double-sided parking for a parade of shops. This road has a separate car entrance from the roundabout.
Its a lethal combination -I have personally once been hit by a car turning fast from the roundabout on the road entrance as I entered it from the bike route. The driver was very angry because it was my fault that she didn't look out for me. You then have to cycle between two sets of parked cars/vans: there are frequent hazards: suddenly opened doors, people reversing/leaving the parking place without looking behind.
At the end, the cyclist is signed again onto pavement heavily used by schoolchildren/old people at the eastbound Heath Road Roundabout bus stop, before being routed back onto the road along the pull-off for the bus itself.
My personal view is that this scheme has been created and signed by a maniac
Henry Lancashire // 1 thread
Info from survey:
"The London Borough of Brent and Sustrans are working together to explore ways in which the Kilburn High Road and surrounding area shown could be improved. Together we want to better meet the needs of the community to make it a more desireable place to walk, cycle and enjoy being in.
...
London Borough of Brent and London Borough of Camden will submit a joint application to Transport for London's Liveable Neighbourhood programme in November 2018, which will incorporate suggestions made by the community."
Brent Cyclists are forming our own response, to be sent by end of October 2018.
Created by jpennycook // 0 threads
The diversion route for Cufaude Lane, installed by Croudace, has a big fence and concrete blocks at the northern end, preventing access to Cufaude Lane.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Create a shared use path (or even better a dedicated cycle track) from the junction of Woodlands Road / Vine Road to Barnes Railway station - this would join LCN37 and providing a quiet route to Barnes Railway station for many residents of Sheen / Mortlake, avoiding the busy A205. This route is currently a footpath.
Pedestrians and cyclists at the toucan crossing where the busway meets Station Road, Histon have to wait a long time for the lights to change even if there is zero bus or road traffic.
This seems inconsistent with Highway Code rule H1 about the hierarchy of road users. Pedestrians should have priority over non-existent buses!
Created by Robin Heydon // 3 threads
There is a need for a link between the A14 Histon interchange with Ring Fort Path in Orchard Park.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
Cyclists travelling south west along Woodland Road and intending to turn left into Park Row are offered a continuous (advisory) cycle lane that is less then 1.2 metres wide and paved with cobbles for half of its width. It should be removed or else widened and considerable resurfaced.
Created by Phil Lee // 0 threads
What to do about disgraceful decisions like this:
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Driver-ran-Cambridge-cyclist-mistakenly-thinking/story-24555273-detail/story.html ?
Clearly, the magistrate erred seriously in matters of both fact and law - all the prosecution had to prove was that the way he drives falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.
Equally clearly, it did - nobody who could possibly be described as "competent and careful" would run over something the size of a cyclist without even being aware of it. He even admitted that he was talking on the phone at the time.
It staggers the mind to think what on earth the magistrates were thinking - or what with. Maybe they slept through the case, so didn't hear the prosecution, but were woken up for the defence (how there can be any defence for that is beyond me). Maybe they are dangerous drivers themselves, so sympathise with others of the same ilk instead of adequately discharging the responsibilities they are charged with? Mark Tyler also deserves complete contempt for not pleading guilty, and so preventing this gross miscarriage of justice. He should have been thanking his lucky stars that the police and CPS are so incompetent as not to pursue Dangerous driving, which it equally clearly was.
How can we get rid of incompetent idiots like Phil King (the lead magistrate in this case) who asserted that "there were “significant gaps” in the evidence". It is obvious to me that this dangerous idiot is perverting the course of justice by remaining in his position.
Presumably his colleagues on the bench conspired with him in this perversion - they could (and should) have over-ruled him unless they were parties to the conspiracy, surely?
The evidence was all there - there was a cyclist in front of him - whether the cyclist was upright or on the ground is irrelevant. Mark Tyler drove over him. Neither of those facts were in dispute. That is not the action of a competent and careful driver, and it should be beyond question that a person being in front of the vehicle is something which the driver should be expected to be aware of, which means the test in s3ZA of the Road Traffic Act is satisfied, and the accused is guilty.
The evidence also meets the test in s2A (Meaning of dangerous driving) so there is no excuse whatsoever for clearing him of even the lesser offence of careless driving. With driving like that, it is clear, beyond reasonable doubt, that he should not be in possession of a driving license, and the magistrates failed in their duty to relieve him of it.
As long as dangerous criminals like Phil King are allowed on the bench, the roads will never be safe for anyone.
As a footnote, from the report is appears that this dangerous character commutes from Whitchurch, Hampshire to Clifton Way, Cambridge. What length does that make his effective working day?
It's about 120 miles each way, so at least 4 hours driving (considerably more if in the "rush hour") on top of a full workday. It's utterly moronic to make a commute like that - when I worked anywhere near that far away, I commuted weekly. But this happened on a Wednesday.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
Huawei plans to develop R & D superhub at the 550-acre Spicer's Site in Sawston.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Queen's Road is currently one-way for cycling - it would be good to remove this barrier.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling and road safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at major junctions across London. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information.
Why We Are Consulting
As part of this work we have developed proposals to improve safety at the Waterloo (IMAX) roundabout at the junctions of Waterloo Road, Stamford Street, York Road and Concert Hall Approach.
What we’re proposing and why
Waterloo roundabout is a key junction for cyclists travelling between central and south London. Counts show that more than 5,500 cyclists use Waterloo roundabout each weekday, representing nearly a quarter of all traffic here.
Our review of the current road layout identified that early improvements can be made to allow cyclists better access to Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) on the roundabout, reducing the need for them to position themselves amongst fast-moving traffic. We’re proposing the following improvements:
New cycle feeder lanes leading into new longer ASLs will reduce the risk of collisions by helping cyclists to get ahead of other traffic. The new feeder lanes will mean that some sections of the roundabout will have three lanes for all traffic instead of four
Extending footways and traffic islands to reduce traffic speeds and provide more space for pedestrians.
Traffic modelling suggests that these changes would cause some increase in queuing on the roundabout and approaches at busy times, particularly on the approach from Stamford Street.
Proposed 20mph speed limit to follow in 2013
We are also proposing a 20mph speed limit at the roundabout. This would be introduced early in 2013. We will provide more information once these proposals have been developed further.
Please click here to see the map for further information on the proposals.
We are continuing to explore further improvements for cyclists and pedestrians as part of planned longer-term regeneration of the Waterloo area.
We intend to begin work at the roundabout on 21 November 2012. We will write to residents and businesses nearer the time to advise on the timing and impact of construction work.
Have your say
Please give us your views by completing the online consultation form by 14 November 2012.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/waterloo-roundabout
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Proposal by Hampshire County Council to increase the capacity of the roundabout.
Concerns that the carriageway would be even less appealing for cyclists and the shared used paths not an adequate alternative.
Decision to be made on 5 November 2013
Created by carlystevens1989 // 1 thread
There are a number of varying sized pot holes along the Cumberland Road leading up the traffic lights near the Mud Dock Deli, the side of the road with no cycle markings. They are mainly on the edge of the road, the largest being around 12 inches in diameter and are also in succession of each other. I would estimate around 10-15 pot holes in total.
Cars are often less than forthcoming when you have to move into the middle of the road to avoid them and therefore cyclists often cycle on the path in order to avoid them - although this path is wide enough to accommodate a cyclist it is not a shared path.
It would also be useful if this side of the road had cycle markings like the other side.
Created by Jon Warbrick // 1 thread
The County Council have a consultation running on "improvements along Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, to make it safer and more attractive for walking and cycling" between Hills road and Perne Road.
The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 June. There are two consultation events at Rock Road Library, 69 Rock Road, Cambridge on Tuesday 21 May and Tuesday 21 May.
Created by Andy Allan // 1 thread
There used to be around 6 covered sheffield stands outside Tulse Hill station, tucked away around the corner from the Station Rise. But they've disappeared recently.
Are they coming back? Are there going to be replacements?
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Comment from Cycle Ipswich meeting 10-2014:
"Need dedicated cycle tracks for cycle traffic from new NW Ipswich development".
Anon // 1 thread
Our Healthy Streets: Dulwich
Recent projects and engagement with residents in the Dulwich area have shown a common theme that there is too much traffic in the area, and this is having an adverse effect on local life.
We want to work with residents to address these concerns about traffic volume and its impact on the community.
Phase 1 of 429 April to 7 June
In this first phase we want to hear from you about the issues in this area. We are completely open to your ideas, later phases will look in more detail at possible solutions.
Get involved
Created by Thomas Lancaster // 0 threads
Coming off the Scholars Greenway out of Farnham Park, cyclists currently have to detour along Park Row and the heavily trafficked Castle Street and The Borough to get to The Woolmead, East Street development and South Street to the Station. Bear Lane is wide enough to accept a contraflow to The Woolmead. The Woolmead is currently one way but designated for 2-way traffic as part of the East Street (Brightwells) development.
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 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 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 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 Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
This path is supposed to be a shared use path, part of the Merritts Brook Greenway. Unfortunately it is the same width as a bicycle and completely unlit. It emerges at an informal crossing upon which cyclists are instructed to dismount. Cyclists are then expected to pedal along the pavement. It's completely useless and unnecessary, as there is a better route via Charfield Close.
Created by Simon Still // 1 thread
In response to resident requests to reduce vehicle speeds and to provide a continuous low-traffic cycling “Quietway” route between Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington High Street, the Council is proposing some changes on Russell Road and other local streets.
Possible changes and implications
On Russell Road, where our surveys confirm that traffic speeds are high, we propose removing the existing chicanes, as these do not work well. This will mean we can create a small amount of additional resident parking. Instead, to reduce traffic speeds, we propose seven sinusoidal humps along the length of Russell Road. They would be spaced in line with national guidance on the optimum spacing to encourage drivers to keep to a consistent speed, thereby minimising accelerating, braking and associated noise and emissions. Sinusoidal humps are designed so that, when driven over at lower speeds, they are noticeably more comfortable to drive over than traditional humps. We have recently introduced sinusoidal humps in St James’s Gardens and we also use them when we resurface roads that have traditional humps - for example, in Abbotsbury Road near Holland Park.
We also propose to remove the centre line to encourage drivers to slow down and take more care whilst driving. In addition, in response to reports of vehicles cutting the corner at the sharp turn onto Russell Gardens, we propose hatching markings, to encourage drivers to position themselves correctly when making the turn.
Other proposed measures
At Russell Road’s junction with Kensington High Street, a new pavement build-out on the west side and introduction of a raised table across Russell Road to slow turning traffic and provide a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians.
Removal of the island at the north end of Elsham Road to provide more space to exit from the cycling contra-flow lane.
Removal of the cycling feeder lane and introduction of an advanced stop line at the junction of Lower Addison Gardens with Holland Road to improve cycle safety.
Removal of approximately three metres of parking to improve entry into the existing segregated cycling facility on Addison Gardens bridge and to provide a safe waiting space for cyclists wishing to turn into Hansard Mews.
Permit contra-flow cycling through Hansard Mews, providing access to Shepherd’s Bush and Holland Park Avenue.
Alterations to the surface of the inclined section of Hansard Mews (approximately 30 metres) to reduce the slip hazard, especially in wet conditions, while minimising the change in appearance.
Introduction of wayfinding signs and road markings along Russell Road, Russell Gardens, Elsham Road, Lower Addison Gardens and Hansard Mews at points where a change of direction is required. We estimate there would need to be around 15-20 signs and symbols across the area.