South Cambridgeshire Local Plan review
South Cambridgeshire District Council are reviewing their Local Plan. It is important that cycling issues are dealt with and brought to their attention during this process.
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.
You can create a new issue using the button on the right.
Listed issues, most recent first:
Martin Lucas-Smith // 6 threads
South Cambridgeshire District Council are reviewing their Local Plan. It is important that cycling issues are dealt with and brought to their attention during this process.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 9 threads
The Great Kneighton (Clay Farm) development will have effects on cycling. A series of planning applications have been passed and more will come.
Nigel // 0 threads
Department for Transport press release 23 March 2012:
http://assets.dft.gov.uk/press-releases/20120323a/east-england-fact-sheet.pdf
Cambridgeshire "Better Bus Area Fund"
Cambridgeshire will receive £1,724.000 to improve accessibility, bus journey times on key bus routes in Cambridgeshire. The changes will include new traffic management on four corridors into the city, bus priority, upgraded buses, improved interchanges (including with Guided Busway), smart ticketing top-up on street and real time passenger information. For further information, go to http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/1BA212D3-E038-47C5-9E0A-50E2BDBE3AB7/0/CambridgeshireBBAFproposalFINAL.pdf.
The proposals include much of relevance for cyclists, including bus priority at junctions, a "bus gate" through the middle of Mitcham's Corner and more.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
A campaign member and resident of the area has sent this:
I've just received a consultation paper from the City Council for residents of Stanley Road, Garlic Row and Oyster Row. I've summarised the proposals below.Scheme 2 Option B seemed the most significant.
Scheme 1. Extension of parking and loading restrictions on Stanley Road
Scheme 2, Option A. "No entry except cycles" on Garlic Row adjacent to the junction with Mercers Row
Scheme 2, Option B. Oyster Row becomes one-way in the northeasterly direction. No exemption for cycles.
Comments to Gavin Card at the City Council by the 30th March (gavin.card@cambridge.gov.uk or PO Box 700, CB1 0JH)
Created by Rohan Wilson // 0 threads
The Grove Pub. Transport Statement recognises that 19 cy spaces should be provided (1 per 15sqm public space), states they are in "garage" but details not given, just assumed space available. Needs closer look. TRICS database for a Leeds Sikh Temple shows no cycling, 16.4% walking, 3.6% public tpt.
Created by George Coulouris // 0 threads
The Foot tunnel should be more accessible
Martin Lucas-Smith // 0 threads
Blackfriar's Bridge is a major collision blackspot that actively discourages people from cycling.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
The cycle parking standards for Medway can be found here:
http://www.medway.gov.uk/pdf/Medway%20Council%20Residential%20Parking%20Standards%20Jan%202010.pdf
The standards have low minimum quantities and are very basic in their detail. There is no mention, for example, of the minimum space needed to be left around cycle parking, or the spacing of the cycle parking for it to be effective. Nor is there any mention of what constitutes an acceptable type of cycle parking (e.g. Sheffield stands) and what is unacceptable (e.g. wheelbenders). No mention is made about provision of covered cycle parking. No mention is made of the proximity of cycle parking to building entrances. No mention is made of the need for cycle parking to be highly visible and for lighting and CCTV coverage.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
The cycleway between Fen Ditton and Horningsea
Created by Rohan Wilson // 0 threads
The adjacent, approved plot, 11/05530/FUL designed by the same architectural practice, places the cycle cupboard next to the front door and closer to it than is the car.
THIS proposal, however, offers the standard back-of-garden shed for bins and bikes, with the bikes beyond the bins, while the car driver door is adjacent to the house front door...
Note Manual for Streets 8.2.1, quoted in a prominent panel on p5 of the Cambridge Cycle Parking Guide:
"In residential developments, designers should aim to make access to cycle storage at least as convenient as access to car parking."
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
The site is proposed as study rooms for students aiming to enter university. Thus they would be old enough to cycle independently within Cambridge, for example between their places of residence and the various study buildings.
Remarkably, it is suggested (Planning Statement) that the students might park their bikes on Station Road where cycle parking is available, and might be augmented, and walk to the proposed site. This is a distance of 700m, taking 10 minutes at a normal walking pace plus any waiting time to cross the East Road/ Regent Street junction. Any student with a cycle at Station Road would be likely to wish to use it to continue to the proposed site, if parking arrangements provided there were reasonably convenient and secure.
We are told that the Regent Street site is closer to the student residences than Free School Lane, but no more definite information is given as to how far the residences are from the proposed site or from Station Road.
The city's cycle parking standards are presumably set to reflect normal levels of demand from staff and students, and no explanation is given as to why "very few students have bicycles".
The access to the suggested cycle parking in a narrow yard at the rear of the building is presumably the gated passageway to its north. This is not made clear, nor is it clear whether there are steps to be negotiated. It seems impossible that more than perhaps a dozen bicycles could be parked in the yard most of whose width appears to be less than a bike's length, leaving no room for daily or emergency access with the parking arrangement indicated.
The transport aspects of this proposal have not been examined in sufficient detail for their impact to be properly assessed, but it is certain that there is insufficient space for the level of cycle parking required. There appears to be no disabled access. We therefore object.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
12/0342/FUL 12 cycle spaces indicated but space looks inadequate (no dimensions or layout shown)
This comment is on behalf of Sustrans, the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day.
The site is on a local cycle link and thus it is reasonable, in the context of Cambridge, to anticipate a high proportion of parents and children arriving by bicycle. Indeed, bearing in mind the limited car parking available we would recommend that a travel plan strongly promoting cycle access for staff and users be required.
We object because we do not believe that the cycle parking space(s) allocated are consistent with the stated aim and the need to achieve high cycling levels. In particular, tagalongs, trailers and large carrier-bikes are likely to form a high proportion of customer cycles. The dimensions of the small, unsheltered enclosure (designed as a bin store in the current use of the site?) and a proposed layout are not given but look insufficient, and include a narrow entrance.
If cycles for say 30% of 18 customers, their children and 8 staff were to arrive by bike (say 3 staff, 6 adult customers and 8 children during a single class) then allowing a 50% margin for changeover between classes, space would be needed for a variety of types of bike and trailer to accommodate some 3 staff, 9 adult and 12 children customers.
This sort of calculation and the detail of the use of the cycle parking spaces do not seem to have been presented by the applicant, and should be required and assessed before the application is determined. We suggest that at least one car space would have to be used to accommodate sufficient cycles on this site.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
Proposed 20mph speed limit along School Road, Saltwood. The design involves removing the buildout at the Brockhill Road junction and installing overrunnable humped buildouts at regular intervals on alternate sides of School Road. "Gate" features with kerb buildouts to restrict the road width will denote the start and end of the 20mph zone.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Penny Ferry Path (Halingway) entrance remains rather poor even after the changes a few years ago.
The application proposes to design a new lobby for this department and to relocate the cycle racks.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 29 threads
Proposed route along the rail corridor through Cambridge, part of which is in the Cambridge Local Plan.
This application proposes to demolish every but the façade of 55-57 Regent Street and create a restaurant with 14 residential units
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Cycling on Long Road can be pretty hazardous and unpleasant. There needs to be a lower speed limit (30mph) as a minimum.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
This portion of the cycle path near Reed Pond gets quite muddy on an annual basis. In the autumn / winter / spring it can sometimes be quite difficult to traverse.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The gaps between the boards on the ramp connecting to the Weir Court cycle bridge mean that cyclists crossing the bridge could get their wheels caught in the gaps.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
A new playground is being proposed in the vicinity of Vauxhall Avenue. The playground is welcome, but it is important that its placement does not jeopardise the long-term ambition of a riverside cycle route.
Created by Gregory Williams // 1 thread
The cycle parking at the new Waitrose in Ashford is positioned such that some spaces are not available for use. One rack is too close to a bollard. Both racks are too close to each other.
Created by cobweb // 2 threads
Burwell is scheduled to be expanded by East Cambs and there are fears it might end up car centric.
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 Gregory Williams // 1 thread
Canterbury planning permission CA//09/00142 includes an emergency access road, which is intended to be open to cyclists. This provides a vital link in the riverside cycle route in Canterbury. The rest of the construction on this planning application has been completed, but, contrary to conditions 12 and 13 of the appeal planning permission the emergency access link and the final portion of the cycle path have not been constructed.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Paul James // 1 thread
The exit from the car park crosses the shared use path and is blind from the drivers POV if they stop at the give way markings. This means that drivers will move blindly across the shared use path without being able to see cycles moving along the path.
The solution is to close the gate to motor traffic.
The carpark is accessible from both the driveway to Pools on the Park and from Kew Foot Road and the entrance from Pools on the Park would appear adequate to act as both an entrance and an exit.
"Temporary" barrier/road closure created because of Leith Walk tram 'works'.
No-one seems willing to take responsibility for restoring/creating/protecting decent permeable route.
Created by christhebull // 1 thread
South Gloucestershire have released plans of their proposed changes to their section of the A38 Gloucester Road. Several locations will be altered, namely:
Northville Road Roundabout
Filton Roundabout
A38 / Filton Avenue Junction
A38 Patchway Slips
The proposals can be viewed here https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/A38_Cycle_Safety_2013/consultationHome and the consultation closes on the 29th July.
What is being proposed is, in my mind, inadequate, as the modifications are mostly tinkering with junctions, with cyclists still expected to use the mainline carriageway (which has a 40 mph speed limit north of the Air Balloon). This route forms part of Bristol Cycling Campaign's proposed "cycle freeways" and the proposals are nowhere near adequate for this road to be called such - so make your voice known at consultation!
Created by Elizabeth E. // 1 thread
TfL are making changes to junction because of safety issues.
For Cyclists:
Two-stage right turns at the junction in the west to south and east to north directions
An early release at the traffic lights on all four arms of the junction
Deeper Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs)
Mandatory cycle lane on Camberwell Church Street westbound approach to operate at all times
St Giles bus stop moved further west from the Vicarage Grove junction to improve safety of left turning cyclists on the LCN 23 cycle route
Resurfacing throughout the junction.
Retention of the 20mph speed limit at the junction and on all the approaches.
Created by Andrea // 1 thread
Remove left-turn priority filter: if you want to cycle to the station from Stoke Park Drive, you currently get a lot of stress from drivers honking at you from behind
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on improving safety for pedestrians in the vicinity of Hampstead School in Westbere Road.
See StreetView from Lichfield Road (Barnet) towards Westbere Road Camden showing Hampstead School on the left and the 20 mph sign
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
There is a petition to signalise Golden Pot junction, near Alton, on the B3349 (The Avenue/Froyle Road/Old Odiham Road junction)
"Hampshire County Council: I would like to start a petition to have traffic lights put at the Golden Pot crossroads.
Petition by Philippa Webster"
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The traffic lights don't detect cyclists, thus you potentially have to wait ages until a car comes up behind you.
Kate Ravilious // 2 threads
The Fishergate Gyratory is a complete nightmare for all cyclists and very dangerous. Crossing the lanes of the busy dual carriage-way is dangerous and drivers show little awareness or patience with cyclists. The entire junction needs rethinking.
Created by Clare Gibbons // 0 threads
I propose the creation of bike/bus scheme: a bus service for Sundays and Bank holidays leaving Cambridge Rail Station, heading out through Barton Road and linking Burwash Manor, Wimpole Hall, Gamlingay Woods, Great Gransden Woods etc in a circular route. Short cycle routes to be developed around villages along the route. Cyclists can choose the length of journey they want to make and be assured of a ride home by bus if they do not wish to cycle back to Cambridge...
A 24 cycle bike-trailer can be towed behind a 20 seater bus, providing sustainable tourism access to South Cambridgeshire and passenger transport services for settlements that do not currently have Sunday services. Please respond and state whether you would be interested in such a service.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
I am writing to point your attention to a "danger spot" on the Barton Road cycle route.
I and many others cycle this route every day and really appreciate how safe it is. However, there have been a number of near accidents at the sliproad from the M11 southbound onto the Barton roundabout. The problem is that the cycle path means that all cyclists must cross the road leading onto the roundabout. This is fine when the traffic is not busy. However, during rush hour the left lane going onto the roundabout is always queued up. This means that, to cross the the road, a cyclist needs to wait for a car to let them out. However, the problem lies with the right lane going onto the roundabout. If there is a queue in the left lane, you are unable to see into the right lane and so quite a few cyclists are nearly knocked off at this point
The problem is that:
a. The right lane is too short and so cyclists are unable to get out of the way in time if a car does not does turn onto it. It seems to me that there shouldn't be a right lane as it's too short to be of any use and poses more of a danger to cyclists.
b. Cars tends to (understandably) be going quite fast as they've just come off the M11 and also are usually looking onto the roundabout rather than the road in front of them. This has meant that I've seen lots of cars having to break very heavily having only seen a bike crossing in front of them at the very last minute.
I, and the other cyclists that routinely use this otherwise very safe route, would hugely appreciate it if this problem could be looked at.
[RL; sent by post, 27th June 2015]
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 0 threads
Change of Road lay out on Long Bridge; NO new centre road line when road is due resurfacing and long term research into "shared space" alternative road surface
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Recently near Petts Wood station there has been a similar junction where the main flow of traffic is round the corner, whilst being a crossroads, which has been changed to a mini roundabout which slows the traffic more and makes it easier for cyclists. http://osm.org/go/0EEBtsaNj-?m
I'm wondering if the same can happen here.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Southbound cyclelane ends abruptly in row of parked cars forcing cyclists out into often fast moving traffic whilst trying to climb a hill.
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Erection of Class A1 and Class A3/A5 units. Provision of highway works and alterations to access; parking; landscaping; service infrastructure; and associated works and improvements.
St Michaels Retail Park The Harrow Way Basingstoke Hampshire
Basingstoke
Application reference : 16/04208/FUL
NCN45 across Peckforton Hill at risk of being closed
Created by Simon B // 1 thread
Adjacent to existing apartments on Sealand Road near the Cop is a new development currently under construction by Watkins Homes Ltd. Curently there is a barriered-off ramped access to Sealand Road to cross the Canal entrance to the river that leads around the exisiting apartments. This was originally envisaged as part of a continuous shared use riverside route.
The development of the site offers the opportunity to ensure that shared use access can be maintained, developed and improved along the riverside route that skirts the perimiter of the Racecourse and continues to the River Dee path that leads to Garden City and Queensferry. This could be before residents purchase properties who could well be resistant to a pathway near their new homes.
Whilst the access to the River Dee from the Shropshire Union Canal presents a barrier to a straightforward continuation of the riverside route to join the River Dee shared use path into Wales, the creation of a small extension around the permiter of the new development under construction would mean that an attractive continuous offroad route could be created with minimal additional works (widening of the existing footway for approximately 100mtrs).
It would be helpful to gather thoughts and ideas before the developers and Planning and Highways Department of the Local Authority are approached about this opportunity
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 0 threads
Plans are emerging for development on the Coldham's Lane site with implications for the surrounding area including links with Cherry Hinton.
Created by GinaroZ // 1 thread
See: https://goo.gl/maps/sZEe3AdMN8v - dropped kerb and step removal required for NEPN access from Bonnington Grove. The other side at Dalmeny Road has step-free access.
Outside the old, unused entrance to the boatyard there are barriers that needlessly force cyclists to slow right down.
Created by David Wilcox // 1 thread
Proposal
To provide either a fully segregated two-way cycle facility on the south side or a suitable alternative on Commercial Road and Clarence Road. If delivered this would provide an excellent East/West route that extends from Avonmouth to Temple Meads and beyond.
This scheme would tie in with proposals on Redcliffe Hill. BRT designs will be considered in conjunction with the proposals. This route will significantly help achieve the Local Enterprise Zone sustainable transport aims.
Rationale
Research has identified three key perceptions that deter people from taking up cycling: lack of personal safety; inconvenience; poor image. Experience from countries in northern Europe shows conclusively that in order for cycling to become a mass activity attracting all ages and abilities these perceptions have to be tackled and potential cyclists must believe they will feel safe, valued and normal. Facilities are needed that form a coherent network, separate cyclists from fast, high volume traffic and offer them a high degree of priority and convenience both on main routes and local roads. The purpose of Bristol's 'Design Cycling' work programme is to create a network and that is convenient, safe and provides speedy access all over the city. A network which a 12 year old would feel comfortable using.
Part of the 2013 Bristol City Council LSTF Proposal.
Created by Kate // 1 thread
This spot is part of the route that has potential to help people cycling avoid congested unappealing George Street in order to get to Richmond station or other parts of Richmond from the riverside. When you come up Friars Lane from the riverside you reach a junction where the traffic is one way away from central Richmond.
If you follow the one way system left around the Green you add at least 5 minutes to your journey time. You cannot turn right and take the quicker route because it is one way. You also cannot turn right up King Street to join George Street because that is also one way.
You also cannot go straight across the path on the Green as this is officially a footpath.
There is more than one possible solution here: a contraflow for cyclists on the side of the Green nearest to George Street. A cycle path alongside the footpath straight across the Green.
King Street would also benefit from a contraflow which would open up the options for cyclists - particularly when the riverside route is flooded.
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 1 thread
The gate at the north end of the Innocent tunnel only leaves a narrow opening.
1. It's generally too narrow for trailers etc.
2. You move from bright light outside into the darkness of the tunnel, and going into the tunnel you often can't see people cycling or walking out; this would not be an issue of the full width of the path was usable.
3. The gap is at the edge of the path with various surface defects
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
London Cycling Campaign's Space for Cycling campaign
Has a clear message - what can we learn from them?
Barriers, so many barriers, most of which should be removed.