Election campaign 2024
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for commitments to active travel and sustainable transport.
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 Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 4 threads
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for commitments to active travel and sustainable transport.
Hybrid Planning Application at Land South of Coldhams Lane comprising: Full Application for 'Parcel A' Building 1 (Use Classes E(g)(i) (Offices), E(g)(ii) (Research and Development)) and the Hub Building (sui generis) with associated car and cycle parking, Outline Application for the remainder of 'Parcel A' for E(g) uses including office, research and development, car and cycle parking, landscaping, infrastructure and associated works, with all other matters reserved except for access, Full Application for ecological enhancements to 'Parcel B', Full Application for landscape improvements and access to 'Parcel C'.
Land South Of Coldhams Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/01683/SCOP
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
Temporary fencing, for no apparent purpose, that then becomes a hazard as it falls over or degrades.
Created by Jonny Camp // 1 thread
How can we tell whether a bicycling environment is good or bad? How many times have you been cycling along a piece of existing infrastructure only to find the word 'end' written on the pavement and yourself forced back onto the road into traffic?
With this in mind, I am undertaking a piece of research as part of my masters dissertation at Queens College, University of Cambridge. I am gathering primary data of existing users of the current cycling network across Cambridge. From this data I will be able to assess the coherence and directness of the existing cycle network and identify potential 'bottlenecks' and issues from the point of view of the users.
Created by Martin Wheatley // 1 thread
Because of a combination of subsidence and grass tussocks growing through the path, my wife's e-trike tipped over on the Greenway path between Lode and Longmeadow this afternoon. Fortunately she is only bruised and shaken but it could clearly have been a lot worse. I have reported it to Cambs Highways as an emergency.
Unless and until it is repaired, I would advise extreme caution on this section of the Greenway or use the Bottisham Greenway, Tunbridge Lane, Park End and Swaffham Bulbeck High Street instead. The on-road sections of the latter are usually pretty quiet.
sound+fury // 1 thread
The area covered includes the cycle route to Church Road. It may also be useful to look at the cycle parking.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Downing College are proposing to extend and rework the old 'Pizza hut building' on the corner of Parker's Piece.
I can't see any obvious issues other than making sure that sufficient cycle parking is created. I think they are intending to put this within the main college grounds themselves, over the road, which probably makes most sense.
sound+fury // 2 threads
This (apparently) revised draft leaves little/nothing for any other forms of transport and continues a policy of road expansion.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Change of us from Class E to a composite restaurant (Class E) and takeaway use together with external changes
56 St Andrews Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 3DA
Application reference : 23/00795/FUL.
The plans indicate that the existing heavily-used cycle parking will, at least in part, be removed.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Not much information yet, but Hills Road Sixth Form College are hoping to create a second base to the north/east.
Plaza adjacent to proposed primary school on key phase 1
Waterbeach Barracks Key Phase 1 Primary School Plaza Denny End Road Waterbeach Cambridgeshire CB25 9PA
South Cambridgeshire
Application reference : 23/00872/REM
I haven't spotted whatever it is that is supposed to provide "access for picking up and dropping off pupils". There seems to be a 5-Sheffield toastrack ("exact product TBC") on what looks like the 'drive' (next to 'He' which means heritage surface coarse asphalt). I do not see anything that would encourage use of Bakfiets etc.
Image is a crop from LANDSCAPE GENERAL ARRANGEMENT PLAN
I have noticed that especially since the congestion charge there has been a lot of aggression towards Camcycle in social media comments. Notably on Facebook, Nextdoor, etc. I am aware that angry aggressive people have always been on the internet but I do feel the level has increased since congestion charge notoriety, with many people's opinions degenerating into conspiracy theories about Camcycle and the council.
I do worry about the effect this can have on increasing "us vs them" mentality and increasing aggressive behaviour towards cyclists on the road.
sound+fury // 1 thread
We might need to look at the road layout proposed here.
Created by Richard Holton // 0 threads
Works on the Greenway on east side of the Horningsea Road. No provision for cyclists to pass safely. Only option is to cross at previous pedestrian crossings, though there is no signage to indicate this.
Created by George Lund // 1 thread
Improvements required for safe crossing of walkers, cyclists and horseriders using the main path through the forest.
Created by Gabriel // 1 thread
The County Council is proposing some of those cheap and nasty speed cushions at Birdwood Rd. Link: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/traffic-regulation-orders/permanent-traffic-regulation-orders#proposed-tro--reference-number-pr--------proposed-speed-cushions-in-birdwood-road--cambridge--9-0
Closing date for comment is 17 March 2023. Email to: policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Created by Rosamund Humphrey (Admin Officer) // 1 thread
This is a container issue for event threads.
Created by Rosamund Humphrey (Admin Officer) // 1 thread
Cambridge City Council have launched this new consultation as part of the Our Cambridge programme which aims to shape the council of the future. This may be relevant to our work because it includes thinking about how the council works with its stakeholders.
sound+fury // 1 thread
A previous application was refused in part because of the cycle parking provision. What's the new one like?
Created by David Green // 1 thread
Are you confident at what to do if something goes wrong with your bike when you're miles from home? Could you repair a puncture by the side of the road? Yes? Great! No need to read on.
No? You may be interested in the following Saturday workshop I am running again. This will be a repeat of the popular workshop held last year where attendees gave feedback such as:
"Excellent - would recommend it to all inexperienced riders."
"Following the course I really feel I understand the workings of my cycle."
"It was very clearly explained and covered very useful topics."
"Thoroughly informative workshop. To be highly recommended."
David Green
===
Survival Skills for Cyclists
Venue: Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ
Date: Sat 25 March 2023, 10am to 4 pm
Description: A one day bike maintenance course for local cyclists. Bring your bike and get confident you can cope with common roadside cycling breakdowns. Women members especially encouraged to sign up! Places are limited to ensure you learn in a small friendly group and get all the assistance you need. Topics will include: checks before you set off, tools to take along, fixing punctures, handling chain problems, gear and brake adjustments.
Equipment: Your own bike to work on, pump, puncture repair kit, and any tools you normally ride with.
Refreshments: hot and cold drinks provided, but please bring your own lunch!
Fee: £20 (CTC and CamCycle members) £50 (non-members). Subsidy available for those on a low income - please don't be put off by the price. Primarily funded and supported by CTC Cambridge.
Enrolment: To book a place, email da...@guertler-green.co.uk with subject 'Survival Skills for Cyclists 25 March 2023'.
sound+fury // 1 thread
There's a proposal to use speed cushions to slow traffic down on Shelly Row and Albion Row.
Created by Marcus Howarth // 1 thread
Consultation:
London Borough of Sutton is considering installing a motorcycle barrier on the Spencer Road Entrance at Watercress Park to help prevent unlawful use by motorbikes and we are interested in hearing your views. The barriers are designed to allow pedestrians and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs to enter but to stop motorcycles from gaining access.
We are aware that motorbikes regularly access the site via the Spencer Road entrance which can cause anti-social behaviour and safety issues. As part of the Council's commitment to improving the situation for local residents we propose to install an inhibitor gate.
Created by Marcus Howarth // 2 threads
(Last item on sheet)
Convert zebra crossing to a parallel crossing (one that allows cyclists to use it) near Mellows Park which would provide a continuous safe facility for cyclists. This would provide links to an existing contra flow cycle lane in Redford Avenue and a large residential area in Mellows Park, and a borough cycle route into Wallington district centre
Stafford Road Parallel crossing
These currently being negotiated by LBS with TfL - hopefully funding confirmed mid March 2023.
Created by Marcus Howarth // 2 threads
Created by Roxanne (Cycling Campaign Officer) // 1 thread
The new owners of Capital Park, Fulbourn, CB21 would like to meet and discuss any cycling issues relevant to the site.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Colin Wing // 2 threads
This is the proposed route of Quietway 16 in Westminster
Nominal deadline set to clear this from the Consultation Map.
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 wookey // 2 threads
Out of the A1307 Linton Greenway consultation has come a plan for the section between Addenbrooke's roundabout and the Babraham P&R, which the county/GCP are keen to move forward. There was an initial invite-only consultation event on Thur 31st Jan for local residents/residents associations to comment.
Created by Tammy Hervey // 0 threads
There is a bike rack outside Leopold Square. But it was full when I arrived there at 3pm on Thursday 6 Sept 2012. So I locked my bike to the railings outside the Aagrah Restaurant on Leopold Square. When I came back to it (after a lovely afternoon tea in the Leopold Hotel) someone had locked another bike to it. After frantic asking around everyone I could see in the square (embarrassing!), I found that the manager of Aagrah had done it. He was most unpleasant about it, saying (I believe correctly) that it is private property and that I could not park a bike there. There was no notice anywhere requesting bike users not to do so.
I gather that the issue has been taken up with the management - so if whomever did this on my behalf would like to comment, I'd be grateful.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 3 threads
Downing College are cracking down further on people cycling through the area. Gate now moved and is locked.
Created by Harry Fletcher-Wood // 0 threads
Hackney Council removed southbound buses from the Narrow Way recently. Having made these changes permanent, they are now proposing to redesign and improve the streets.
They propose 'removing the existing conventional road layout and replace it with a new, accessible pedestrian friendly street.
'Simplifying the street by removing the current clutter and providing new seating and cycle parking.
'Creating a new public spaces that are flexible and adaptable, and will allow for events and other activities to be hosted.'
The proposals shown here do not address difficulties people cycling have accessing the Narrow Way from the south.
Please let us know your thoughts - all contributions will help us formulate Hackney Cycling Campaign's formal response to the council on the issue.
Created by Jon_B // 0 threads
There are currently (29/06/15) temporary 3 way traffic lights in place at the junction where Rope Walk meets St Helen's Street.
This is normally a really painful junction for people cycling from Rope Walks onto St Helens Street at busy times with long waits for a gap in traffic and bad sight lines, particularly where west-bound traffic backs up leaving a gap at the yellow box junction so that people cycling have to venture out halfway across the road to see if there is any traffic coming east-bound.
The lights make this considerably easier and would be worth considering as a permanent signal.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 1 thread
Proposals are coming forward for the redevelopment of part of the Cambridge University Pres Site as a single location for Cambridge Assessment. Some public engagement will apparently start in November
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 0 threads
Kirk Brae and Lasswade Rd at least up to Margiotta should be included in 20mph. It's very narrow, residential, and with many shops in Lasswade Rd.
It's also steep uphills and fast overtaking makes it very dangerous for cycling.
Created by MB // 1 thread
There is a useful but unmarked path from Queen's Road to Richmond Park and through to Sheen. It is used by pedestrians and cyclists & I have never seen it on any map! From Lower Grove Road, it takes you to the park via Bog Gate, or Sheen via Sheen Common.
If it were better marked on maps, better maintained & wider in places, it could form a useful section of Richmond's (paved, segregated, Dutch style?) cycling network.
Tom McKeown // 1 thread
Drivers ignoring the marked priority at Magdalene pinch point is a regular occurrence when faced with city bound riders. At times this can be very dangerous. Especially when large numbers of riders are forced into a very small gap between the vehicle and the bollards. I should imagine the situation is especially unpleasant travelling with small children. Also difficult to resolve with a wider cargo cycle, trailer or trike.
Created by Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 2 threads
A place to gather threads about cycling issues in Peterborough and any consultations on active travel schemes in the area.
Created by MikeF // 1 thread
Traffic light sensor on Beechwood Avenue does not detect 6061 T6 aluminium bike frames very well
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 1 thread
As you can see in the photo there is a shared use path on river side of West End Rd just east of Bobby Robson bridge. But then where ? How far does it go ? It is certainly no good if you want to cross Princes Street- you cant unless you go up to the Burrel Road end of the bridge. And anyway once you get over Princes Street along Commercial Road and Grafton Way it is a narrow footpath which is not shared use.
It would be good to connect Bobby Robson Bridge and the Waterfront.
Directly and not by switching over to the other path and then over two toucans. Perhaps even a wide cycle crossing of the 4 lanes of Stoke St ? That would be brilliant.
Anon // 1 thread
Wandsworth Council has opened a consultation on two-way cycling on Furmage Street and part of Twilley Street between Garratt Lane and Kimber Road in Wandsworth. This would allow cyclists to avaoid having to make the tricky and dangerous right turn at the end of Kimber Road. Wandsworth Cycling Campaign has been asking for this for several years. The scheme is now being built under an Experimental Traffic order and includes physical measures using islands and armadillos to protect cyclists and direct and slow the motorists who rat-run through these small streets. Please use this facility if it's on your route and feed back your comments to the consultation. At the end of the experiential period in October the comments will decide whether the scheme should be made permanent or not. Use the consultation to let them know if you appreciate it. Let the Council and cyclewandsworth@gmail.com know of any problems or improvements you'd like.
The link to the consultation which includes a plan of the changes is:
https://haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/wandsworthecs/twilley-19/consult_view
This stretch of NCN2 has not had the too-narrow footway widened to allow for safe shared use. Oddly the part just to the east, where the existing road was narrower, has been widened.
We need some of the wasted five lanes of motor vehicles to be re-allocated to allow the footway to be widened to be wide enough for shared use. They could even make use of the now-redundant cycle lane on the road heading west.
There has been stepped access from the riverside to Victoria Bridge for years, possibly since the bridge's construction.
Victoria Bridge is currently closed pending refurbishment/reconstruction due to its dilapidated and dangerous condition; there may be S106 money available from the developers of the adjacent Western Riverside housing development. It's crucial to write to local councillors expressing the community's desire to have the bridge access not merely restored, but enhanced, for the benefit of cyclists, pedestrians and less-able users of the bridge and riverside.
Created by Peter Loader // 1 thread
This proposed Berry Lane Estate to Shepherd Primary School, Mill End cycle route follows:
* Chiltern Drive.
* Part of Shepherds Lane.
* Part of the south east path through King George V Playing Fields, Mill End.
* The pathway leading to the new pedestrian entrance to Shepherd Primary School, near its cycle parking area.
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Proposal to help pedestrians crossing A325 also includes a proposed Shared Use Path.
Concerns:
1. Shared Use Path would feed cyclists into moving traffic, better if they join at the junction.
2. Proposed traffic islands and changes to kerb line create pinch points for cyclists.
3. Signalled crossing on north branch of junction would serve pedestrians better.
4. Conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists on existing and proposed SUPs
Created by Fraser Stephens // 0 threads
RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014
A key link for route 46 users, as well as people getting to/from Llanfoist village hall, is the strip of pavement on the north side of Merthyr Road. We believe there could be the width to allow this to be widened into a share-pavement allowing cyclists to avoid crossing the road twice in the space of a few hundred metres.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The cycle lanes through Trimley stop for each traffic island rather than continuing thus causing a dangerous pinch point for cyclists on the National Cycle Route 51.
What general measures (publicity, fairs, web activity, leaflets, brochures, campaign manifestos) can we undertake to promote cycling in Cambridge in the most general sense?
This issue is a discussion area for proposals and discussion on creating general-purpose material and the approach that can be taken to promote cycling, and the difficult question of how this is balanced against difficulties that cyclists face in practice.
This issue is not for discussion of specific problematic infrastructure or helmet issues, or anything like that.
Created by Chris Peck // 1 thread
Upgrading the narrow footpath into a wider route usable by cyclists has been a long term priority for the Godalming Cycle Campaign. This route is a key link for pedestrians and cyclists between Farncombe/Binscombe and Godalming.
This year the Waverley Local Committee has dedicated funds to construct the path, which will run over land currently owned by Jewsons.
Created by Harry Fletcher-Wood // 1 thread
The Woodberry Down Development Team (Hackney Council, Berkeley Homes and supported by Transport for London) are consulting on "changes to Seven Sisters Road, from Green Lanes to the west and Amhurst Park to the east, as part of the on‑going regeneration of the area".
They have offered six 'ideas':
1) Reduce road to two lanes in either direction (one general traffic lane, one bus lane)
2) Reduce road to two lanes (one general traffic, one bus) in either direction, but widen to three lanes at junctions
3) Increase the number of pedestrian crossings
4a) Add a 'pedestrian island slip' between the two carriageways
4b) Add a wide 'pedestrian island slip' with planting and trees
5) Segregated cycle lanes
6) Widen bus lanes
Different combinations are possible. For example, 1 (change traffic lanes) would be necessary for 4 (pedestrian island slip) and 5 (segregated cycle lanes). 1 (change traffic lanes), 4a (pedestrian island slip) and 5 (segregated cycle lanes) would work together, whereas 2 (change traffic lanes but keep three lanes at junction) would make pavement widening and segregated cycle lanes impossible.
Please respond by Sunday 15th February so that Natalie and Harry can draft a response representing Hackney Cycling Campaign's position.
Created by David Wilcox // 0 threads
This junction is a problem. It has four exits and no one indicates their intent. We got the billboards removed a couple of years ago, but there are still accidents here.
It's a 20mph zone and most drivers ignore it.
The Magdalene place junction needs to be blocked off.