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 TMiles // 0 threads
A shared-used area runs parallel to Park End Street across Frideswide Square, fronting the Saïd Business School. This offers an alternative approach to the station, and allows cyclists approaching from the city centre to avoid manoeuvres across two roundabouts.
There is however a lack of a properly aligned, clearly marked refuge between the two streams of traffic on Hythe Bridge Street at the point where cyclists would seek to cross into this shared space.
Created by David Butler // 1 thread
Manchester City Council Development strategy for the Ancoats and New Islington Areas. Includes development and urban design principles, and will be a "material consideration" in determinng planning applications.
A recent announcement about the funding of 6000 new residential units by ADUG in this part of Manchester increases the need to ensure that cycling is given due prominence in this strategy.
Created by James Avery // 1 thread
The UHCW NHS Trust has applied for planning permission for a new access roads and multistorey car parks, under a plan drawn up by leading global engineering firm Arup.
Please ask them to go back to the drawing board and come up with something better.
The planning application details are here:
http://planning.coventry.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=744613
Please state that you OBJECT to the current proposals as they don't give any consideration to encouraging more cycling (or walking).
The trust are open to discussion via twitter (@NHSUHCW), but the council need to be asked to bring this matter to the committee (currently it is just classed as deferred, which means officers decide themselves).
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The A92 here has some very fast traffic. Considering this is the flagship National Cycle Route 1, and there is already a cycle path of part of the way between these 2 junctions. It would be much better if this cycle path was continued to the next junction, with some crossing aid in the form of traffic lights, bridge or tunnel. This would open this part of the route to a wider range of participants, as it would be significantly safer.
20 mph speed limit for Newport area, enclosed by the river Taw, The Square, Belle Meadow Road, Inner Relief Road, Hollowtree Road, South Street and Park Lane.
Created by David K // 1 thread
At present this is a footpath but it could be widened onto the land owned by Network Rail in order to allow a shared use path.
Kate Ravilious // 0 threads
Like Fossgate, High Petergate needs to be made two-way for cyclists. Otherwise cyclists travelling north are forced to either get off and walk (not an option for disabled cyclists) or join the busy St Leonard's place via a difficult junction.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Havering council said:
"We wrote to you on 21st October setting out a series of safety proposals for Romford town
centre comprising of a 20mph zone for all streets within the Romford Ring Road (including
some traffic calming measures) and some changes to road markings on various
roundabouts on the Ring Road itself.
We sent out over 2,500 letters to people in the area, but only received 8 responses with 4
of these being from residents. This was reported to the Council’s Highways Advisory
Committee on 6th December where the decision on the scheme was deferred in order for
further discussions to take place with ward councillors.
As a result of these discussions, it has been decided to provide a further period of
consultation and any other comments received shall be reported to the Highways Advisory
Committee on 7th February 2017.
We would therefore like to extend the opportunity for you to provide any comments you
may have to the postal address above, via our email address highways@havering.gov.uk
or through an online form which we have provided at www.havering.gov.uk/consultations."
Created by Alex Jenkins // 1 thread
Tower Hamlets Council is committed to making the borough a safer place for all road users by delivering a range of street improvements in the area; intending to benefit pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users alike.
Influencing positive changes in road user behaviour is key in providing a safe road environment for the community and although changes in road layout can’t fully resolve this, redesign of our streets can help. Therefore, Chrisp Street and the surrounding areas are currently being invested in with aims to improve road safety for the local community.
Please give us your feedback by filling in the survey (below the map). You may also like to add a comment to our interactive map of the wider area.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This junction is currently very poor. Cyclists end up doing awkward manoeuvres and visibility is not good.
It is possible this could be improved as part of the Chisholm Trail.
How could this junction be redesigned to make it best practice?
Created by Simon Still // 2 threads
Our proposals at a glance
Transport for London (TfL), together with Lambeth Council would like to know your views on proposals for improvements which will include:
To complement this scheme we have been working with Lambeth Council to develop a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in the nearby residential areas to the east of the A23. This will complement the A23 scheme by protecting local streets from through traffic and will help deliver wider objectives such as creating Healthy Routes on local roads. Visit the consultation page of Lambeth’s website from the 22 February 2020 to find out more.
Created by Tim P // 1 thread
Portsdown Hill Road & James Callaghan drive are a set of roads along the top of Portsdown Hill that is currently used by a lot of cyclists for commuting, touring and leisure facilties due to the forts, views and open areas around it.
As such, it's a well known tourist spot to stop for a burger or take a picnic and fly a kite.
However, being on top of an exposed hill results in significant side winds which results in cyclists being blown about by gusts, and therefore all cyclists need to take primary position on this road to give them space. As a 40mph road, many drivers have significant issues with cyclists taking primary, and therefore perform many punishment/close passes.
The affect of this on cycling in the area is many
1) More people would cycle from the surrounding areas ( Waterlooville, Havant, Fareham/Lee on Solent ) to work at QA Hospital or the businesses on the hill if there were better cycle infrastructure.
2) More people would cycle from the surrounding area & to enjoy the space & views if it felt safer to get there.
Created by Andrew Clegg // 2 threads
The garage at the end of radcliffe road uses the end of this road as a car storage area, which often results in the access onto the cyclepath being obstructed.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
"Daily parking wars make Red Cross Lane dangerous"
See: https://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/146/nl146.pdf
Need to improve this area for cycling and walking.
Red Cross Lane and Greenlands are marked for 20mph and they're very narrow streets barely two cars wide.
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 1 thread
During the refurbishment of St Mary at the Quay this section of road has been closed. The sky has not fallen on us and neither has traffic ground to ( any more ) of a standstill. In my opinion it should stay closed to MVs and just be segregated for bikes and peds.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
South Worple Way is signposted as part of LCN 37; but the western end of it is blocked off with this obstruction; which leaves only a very narrow gap for bikes to get through. Could you get a cargo bike or a trailer through there?
Created by Rhian // 1 thread
This is a well used route already but very muddy as there is no surfaced footpath across the playing field. A dropped kerb at the end of Noble Grove and a surfaced path around the football pitches to a dropped kerb on Parkhead Loaning would be a significant improvement. A type 1 and dust path as detailed in the attached link would perhaps be more suitable than a fully tarmacked path. Lighting at the points of entry to the grassed area would be an added benefit as this is currently a very dark route.
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 David Lally // 1 thread
Consultation on development in the area of the proposed HS2 East Midlands Hub at Toton. Transport provision with be the County responsibility but it's important that the possibility of cycle route links between the Toton Lane tram terminus (which now has a good quality cycle route to the outskirts of Beeston) and Long Eaton / Route 67 is not compromised.
Created by M Stanley // 1 thread
From member P.C.
As you might know highways has really usefully put more yellow markings to stop parking on this tricky corner
But the local car repair is using the corner as a salesroom. Its made it an even trickier corner. Can we get this info to highways pls as the double yellows need extending and to stop on pavement parking.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
The cycle lanes here are a mish-mash of narrow legacy infrastructure, and are often awkward to use.
I know this has been proposed before, but I wanted to add an issue to Cyclescapes in the hope that it might come up again. We can collect reports and evidence here.
Reopening the Belmont Viaduct to cyclists and pedestrians could greatly shorten and improve a lot of journeys into and across Durham.
Previously Durham Council (before the County Council?) were awarded lottery funding for this. I think the issue was with landowners, and so the funding got diverted to projects outside of the city.
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).
Created by Cycling Dumfries // 1 thread
At the moment there are toucan crossings from the Whitesands up to the High Street past the lower entrance to the Loreburne Centre (where the buses stop) but there is no actual cycle path so you end up illegally on the pavement. It would be a useful route otherwise, as long as cyclists can get past the bus stops (and waiting bus passengers).
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