Engaging with election candidates
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for their commitments to cycling.
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 // 31 threads
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for their commitments to cycling.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
'Except cycles' plates missing on No Left/Right turn signs at Mackenzie Road and Stockwell Street, and shared-use signs missing on Perne Road between Natal Road and Brookfields
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
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Grahame Cooper // 1 thread
Irlams O'th Height roundabout has been the location of a number of collisions involving cyclists (including myself and my daughter last September).
There was a consultation last year over proposals produced by Sustrans for the improvement of this, and I showed my comments (annotations on proposed plans) at a previous GMCC meeting. You can find this annotated document here: https://copy.com/tAIjQdMSxfcsq4fz (large PDF - need to download to see all pages).
A leaflet on the intended imrovements can be found here: http://www.urbanvision.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Cycling-Leaflet.pdf
I am disappointed with this for the following reasons:
- Extensive use of shared footways in the scheme (Salford Council seems to be in love with these, but they are bad).
- Southbound approach on A666 looks impractical & dangerous: a sharp left turn onto the shared footway right at the busy entrance to the roundabout!
- Whilst carriageway widths have been reduced, kerb radii at the mouth of entrances and exits do not seem to have been reduced, so "drivers looking right whilst accelerating left" will still pose a danger for cyclists who do not want to use the shared footways.
- Limited improvements to the subways (tile removal, lighting and resurfacing) will probably not result in an attractive facility for cyclists. Access to this from Bolton Road (northbound) looks awkward.
- There is no undertaking mentioned to ensure that facilities will be maintained and swept.
- I'm still not confident regarding the social safety of the off-road parts, especially in the dark winter months.
Those are my immediate reactions. Could be more to add.
Hamish F // 0 threads
There are no contraflow signs when entering Devonshire Rd from Adermans Hill. Cyclists have reported hostility towards them as they ride "against the flow". The markings are correct as the cyclist enters Devonshire Rd from A105 but of course the drivers do not see that.
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
All the sideroads between Richmond Circus and Manor Circus are a danger to cyclists on the cycleway.
There is no warning to motorists that there will be crossing cyclists and the building angles make it hard to see if anything is coming.
Turning traffic from the A316 can have an obscured view of the cycleway due to foliage.
Decrease corner radii.
Make road hump more pronounced.
Make cycle surface colour continuous across roadway.
Add markings across roadway.
Add warning signage.
Move give way lines back to before cycleway or add additional give way lines.
Created by Rosalind Lund // 1 thread
further to the piece in newsletter 128, I wonder if any thought has been given to the difficulty of turning right into Emmanuel Street if you are coming towards the town centre from St Andrew's Street? We go fairly often to the Arts Cinema and this is the obvious way for us to go home, but it is impossible to turn right on the correct side of the bollard at present as it is designed only for left turning cycles coming out of town. There is, however, nothing to suggest that such a right turn is illegal.
Created by Fraser Stephens // 1 thread
RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014
If a foot/cycle bridge is not going to happen in the medium term, then how about some traffic calming measures to reduce driver's speed expectations over the bridge? Drivers who have just come of a dual carriage way at 70mph+ or have been zooming along the A40 at 60mph+ are suddenly sharing space with cyclists having had little warning that this is about to happen.
We suggest deploying traffic calming measures, such as marked cycle ways, belisha beacon crossings (much needed anyway!) and signage making it clear that care is required. If the speed limit was clearly lower, many drivers will not be so aggressively trying to overtake cyclists.
Created by Colin Bell // 1 thread
Has there been any improvement in the "new" NCN 11 route from Waterbeach to Lode since last summer? Last time I went that way I had to wheel the bike across fields and carry it over two or three stiles.
Any information, including a forecast date when a proper route is likely to be built, welcome. Thanks.
Created by JonC // 0 threads
Our club (South Herts CTC) had to cross the A505 to get back into Hertfordshire on Sunday and we took a route between Litlington and Therfield which involved 500 m along the A505 and a right turn at the roundabout west of Royston.
I was quite surprised there was no cycle route to help cyclists here. It was a Sunday so at least there were fewer heavy vehicles than normal, but the speed of some cars coming up behind made it tricky to change lanes on a bike when turning right at the roundabout.
Since then I have studied other ways of crossing the A505 (using Google Streetview) and can't find any easy crossing points near Royston. I see it is the boundary between Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, which complicates matters (although it looks like the A505 road is in Herts).
To the east, I've used the B1368 crossing at Flint Cross, which is also a nightmare. To the west the crossing at Slip End does at least have a central refuge. It seems little or no thought was given to cyclists when the A505 was constructed.
Created by Katja Leyendecker // 1 thread
The (draft / emerging) 1Core Strategy seems to hint at a bus loop (Policy UC7) and a motor vehicle "ring road" (Policy UC9) too. It mentions pedestrian routes but there's no mention of cycle routes. See attached photo. (I didn't mark up the map, as it might become a tad too messy)
The "ring road" is just like Scott / esde84 described before http://newcycling.org/space4cycling/part2 (in comments)
The photo in the attachment is from "Newcastle Proposals Map" listed here http://onecorestrategyng-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/examination_library (not sure how long thi link will stay live, link rot may happen)
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
The traffic lights at Eagle Street were timed such that travelling eastbound you would always get caught at the second set unless you were extremely fast setting off. After discussions with the council and it brought up at the Sustainability Forum by Cllr Smart, it was fixed to increase the length of time that those lights were green, and was great as you always knew you could get through the second set of lights without having to wait unless you just went through the earlier ones just before they went red.
However over the past few days the signal timing has changed back to the older timing where the probability of getting through the second set is virtually nil. In an ideal world they would be phased such that the first set would go green, then the second set would go green several seconds later at the point where you would be arriving at them, rather than having them change to green almost at the same time.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Dove Street is currently one way. It would be useful if it could be made 2 way for cycling for peopl coming from St Helen's Primary School to NCN 1.
The left turn from St Helens Street into Dove Street is much easier than a right turn from St Helens Street into Regent Street, as you don't have to block a lane of traffic and hope for a gap in the traffic in the opposite direction, especially with kids. It's also a shorter route when heading towards the town centre.
Sam // 1 thread
The bollards at the bottom of Herbert St haven't been replaced after the electricity cable was laid last week.
Rather than directly replacing the bollard slalom that existed beforehand, the bollard specialists might have suggestions on what the layout should be here which camcycle can suggest as for the replacement...
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Providing a cycle-friendly surface on the path from Meadlands Drive to the road serving the German School and the Polo Club would improve cycling access to Strathmore and Russell Schools and help provide a better quiet route from Meadlands Drive area towards Richmond - providing more/better options for avoiding the busy Petersham Road.
Meeting with Leeds City Council to discuss possible remedial works due to high casualty rates.
Created by Cycling Dumfries // 1 thread
No safe route from Collin to Dumfries town centre - the A75 is a dual carriageway along this stretch of road with no direct alternative route
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
There's a very poor dogleg right-angle with barriers at the entrance/exit from the West Cambridge site to Clerk Maxwell Road.
This should be turned into a wide splay with good visibility.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
The route from Kingston Bridge into Church Road and up to Bushy Park traverses busy traffic routes with little protection for people cycling. Making this short section easier and safer for cycling would provide an important link to join up the quiet routes from Hampton through Bushy Park to Kingston town centre.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 2 threads
Ham Gate Avenue: As you cycle past parked vehicles which narrow the road by almost half you are trapped in a long tunnel. Impatient motorists who want to enter from the other end do so and simply drive at you forcing you practically into the gutter or off the road completely. Would it be ever possible to ban parking on this avenue and limit the speed to 20mph as it is in the park?
Note - there is a shared use segregated track alongside the road here (part of NCN 4) but it is frequently too narrow to cope with the volumes of cyclists and pedestrians; it is overhung with low tree branches and the surface is poor.
Created by Steve Crapper // 1 thread
This planning application is a revised version of a previous application that would have infilled the disused railway beneath Buttermilk lane bridge, preventing the disused railway becoming a vital new greenway between Bolsover and Poolsbrook country Park (extending the existing Stockley Trail)
The revised application has changed from infill to ramps, but this forces an unnecessary road crossing, when an underpass is perfectly feasible
please object on this basis if you are able . our campaign has created a Facebook page called "build the Stockley Extension"
Bolsover
Application reference : 18/00178/FUL
Created by David Earl // 4 threads
There are some evil short grey posts on the busway cycleway that are really hard to see in the dark. I have heard of a number of people hitting them with disastrous consequences
Created by Sam Saunders // 2 threads
On the eastern approach to Clifton Suspension Bridge the narrow road curves past a pedestrian refuge next to a toilet block. The short cycle lane that had started as approximately 1.2 metres wide narrows to approximately 0.9 metres at the refuge. More than half of the cycle lane at that point is paved with uneven cobbles unsuitable for cycling, especially on a bend. The traffic lane (approx 3.2 metres) is too narrow for a car and a bicycle to pass together. The cycle lane, in effect, is encouraging inexperienced cyclists to adopt a vulnerable road position and to cycle on an unsuitable surface.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
St Peter's Dock on the National Cycle Route 51 just north of Stoke Bridge has a really poor surface which collects water, also the old rails that are no longer used and no longer connect to the rest of the rail network are a hazard for cyclists and ideally should be removed.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Westbound cycle lane is painted about 2m out from the kerb for no reason; child cyclists tend to follow paint rather than the common sense option which is to cycle next to the kerb.
Created by Matthew Phillips // 1 thread
The route on the east side of the A167 past Crossgate Moor and Framwellgate Moor crosses a number of roundabouts. The cycle-path leads you across the roads very close to the roundabout, via the central refuge in the middle of the road. Some of these roads have two lane entry to the roundabout. Crossing both lanes at once is tricky as you have to have an eye on whether the traffic is about to move out onto the roundabout. If you have a longer vehicle, such as a bus, waiting, then the route to the refuge is blocked. There are no road markings to warn motorists that cyclists might be expected.
The route is probably going to be improved as part of the Great North Cycleway. If these roundabouts are to be made safe enough for children to use, major alterations will be required. (The route goes past Durham Johnston School so should be available to children.) The route should cross further from the mouth of the roundabout, preferably on a different-coloured surface, maybe raised.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
The railway line from Cambridge to Newmarket turns out across Coldham's Common and right through the middle of Cherry Hinton, and then carries on passing to the north of Fulbourn.
There are currently (2013) two main routes from the east of Cambridge to Cherry Hinton - the Tins and Snakey Path. However both have long very narrow sections involving pedestrian conflict.
The railway line is single track - but satellite images show the bridges crossing Barnwell Road and Coldham's Lane were both built for dual track. So this means there should easily be enough room to accommodate a cycleway alongside the railway.
This route could then connect up with the Chisholm Trail and provide a direct fast cycle route to and from the city and the Science Park area.
A community consultation 'The Barnes Ponder' in October 2013 has show strong support for making Barnes a 20 mph neighbourhood .
“20mph is plenty enough speed on the roads!”