Issues

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:

  • Lynnsport Northern Access Road NCN1/EV12/NSCR

    Created by MJR // 4 threads

    The Sandringham Railway Path is the main cycle route from Lynn town centre to the north, as well as part of National Route 1, EuroVelo route 12 and the North Sea Cycle Route. The councils tried to sneak a bit to the Local Pinch Point Fund to turn part of the cycleway into a fast 30mph drag strip of a road, open to all traffic, to serve the sports centre(!!) and some new housing developments to be built on scrub, sports fields and allotments. As far as we can ascertain, this was the only section of the National Cycle Network under threat from such downgrading. To proceed with that scheme would set a precedent which could have national implications. At the time of reporting this issue, it's now only one option of three possibilities.

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  • Blind Corner - Richmond Riverside leading to Friars Lane

    Created by Kate // 2 threads

    This corner is little used by motor traffic but those that do use it often go round this corner too fast. There is no pavement and high walls on both sides of the road. Cyclists and pedestrians come from the riverside path are not expecting motor traffic so signage is needed.

    There is a particular danger from delivery lorries and rubbish lorries which use this route to deliver to the pubs along this stretch of the river. I had a near miss with a Night Freight lorry.

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  • Conflict created by left filter from Raneleigh Road into Princes Street

    Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread

    The left turn filter from Raneleigh Road into Princes Street outside Ipswich station creates a conflict between cyclists in the cycle lane and advance stop line and motor vehicles turning left when the left turn filter appears.

    As a cyclist you come up the cycle lane and sit in the advance stop box, however it's too short and also awkward to sit in front of the right lane for traffic going straight ahead, thus cyclists sit in front of the left lane. This annoys drivers as the cyclists still have a red light whilst the cars behind them have a green thus holding them up, at which point the car drivers then drive around you.

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  • Route from Durham station to University (Mountjoy campus)

    Created by Matthew Phillips // 1 thread

    The main route from the railway station to Durham University's Mountjoy campus is not ideal at present for cyclists. DBUG offered a detailed critique of this route in the recent submission to the County Durham Plan process. See http://community.dur.ac.uk/m.e.phillips/cycling/DBUGResponse.pdf pages 25-29.

    It would be good to open some discussion on what the best means would be of improving these routes, from the radical (e.g. closing Margery Lane to through car traffic) to the obvious (20 mph speed limits on sections of the route). I'd be quite happy for this to more broadly cover pedestrian improvements too as that's all part of the active travel agenda.

    Can I suggest that people open separate discussion threads for different sections of the route, for example:

    1) railway station to Crossgate traffic lights
    2) Margery Lane to roundabout at bottom of Potters Bank
    3) roundabout to New Inn lights

    There may be some issues which affect the whole route. Are there alternative routes worth considering, such as North Road, South Street, Pimlico, or North Road, Silver Street, Saddler Street, the Bailey, Prebend's Bridge? The former is shorter but steeper, and the latter is quieter but longer.

    What do you think of the suggestions in the report? Are there other options we did not think of? What do you think is achievable?

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  • Student flats at former County Hospital

    Created by Matthew Phillips // 2 threads

    The planning application has just gone in for conversion of the former County Hospital on North Road to student accommodation, demolition of outbuildings and erection of more buildings to provide a further 367 student bedrooms.

    The plans include provision for cycle parking. The travel plan for the site assumes walking and cycling to be the main means of travel for the inhabitants. Interestingly the travel plan cites the existence of DBUG as supporting the viability of cycling to the University.

    The travel plan includes maps showing recommended cycle routes in the area. We know that many of these have limitations.

    Points for discussion:
    a) is the quantity of cycle parking sufficient?
    b) can we put pressure on the Council, via this application, to enhance the cycle routes to the University campuses?

    To view the application, go to the Council's planning portal:
    http://publicaccess.durhamcity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/dcapplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=MYAZPIBN5B000

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  • The Commons Hatfield contraflow

    Created by Chris Whitehouse // 1 thread

    A contraflow on The Commons would connect the Wellfield Road cycle path, Lister House surgery, the Town Centre, ASDA, and if St Peters Close could be made a cycle path it could join with the cycle path along the north side of Cavendish Way.

    The section from Wellfield Road to the first bend is already plenty wide enough and the area around Lister House is double yellow - though people do park there and people, particularly elderly or disabled should have access.

    St Peters Close has plenty of room.

    The section from the first bend to Lemsford Road needs a bit more care but looks doable.

    I think this would be a great addition to our cycle path network.

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  • Hospital roundabout, King's Lynn

    Created by Rob Archer // 2 threads

    Letter written to NCC today, 08/01/2014. Says it all!

    I visited the roundabout today for the first time since completion en route to Gayton. Whilst it appears to have been constructed to high standard I have to say my fears have been confirmed as to it's usability and safety. I should like to make the following points:

    Eastbound, I used the carriageway. The road was relatively quiet at about 13:00 but traffic speeds seem higher than before and I had a car overtake me then cut left across my path. As an experienced cyclist I anticipated this but a less experienced rider may well have been hit. I accept that whilst this is case of poor driving such a multi-lane road layout encourages this kind of behaviour. To access the new cycle path from the cycle path along the north side of Gayton Road (or from the hospital) would involve crossing all four lanes just beyond the mini roundabout and would be exceptionally dangerous.
    On my return, about an hour later I used the cycle path. It was easy to access from the B1145 but crossing the bypass was very difficult. Drivers leaving the B1145 and travelling south are looking to their right for a gap in the traffic and not looking to the left for a cyclist crossing the road and several drivers appeared confused by the new lane markings and carried on straight ahead onto the bypass whilst indicating to turn left! Crossing the three northbound lanes took 4 minutes 28 seconds at a relatively quiet time of day. The crossing will be impossible to use at peak times without wriggling between stationary vehicles - extremely hazardous with HGVs.

    In my opinion the roundabout is extremely dangerous for cyclists. I would have expected that the Stage 3 Safety Audit would have picked up on these issues. Could you please send me a copy (electronic preferably)?

    I would like to make the following recommendations to be applied immediately if serious injury or death of a cyclist is to be avoided:

    The speed on all approaches to the roundabout should be reduced to 30mph. At the moment it is 60mph which is totally inappropriate for such a sensitive location. (As this will require a modification to the TRO I suggest that temporary speed limits be implemented in the meantime)
    'Cyclists ahead' warning signs (950) be installed on all approaches.
    'Cycle' markings painted on the appropriate carriageway to direct eastbound cyclists to use the roundabout. (We are strongly advising potential users NOT to use the cycle path in this direction because of the difficulty getting onto the eastbound carriageway of the B1145).
    The point at which the path joins the B1145 should be reconsidered. We repeat our call for the path to be extended to the crematorium as soon as possible. In the meantime, extension to a point where a central refuge can be installed is essential.
    In the medium term a toucan crossing should be installed here to cyclists to cross at busy times.
    It also urgently needs sweeping and a maintenance schedule implemented as it was covered in debris presumably thrown up by passing vehicles.

    I'm afraid I cannot overstate the hazardous nature of the roundabout and, in particular the new cycle path. This route is already being used by schoolchildren and their safety must take precedence over 'keeping the traffic moving'.

    Can you let me know as soon as possible what measures will be implemented to improve cyclists' safety. If it would help I would be happy to meet you on-site.

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  • Woodbridge Road Cycle Lanes and Bus Stops

    Created by Jon_B // 2 threads

    The marked cycle lane at the beginning of Woodbridge Road (heading East) is interrupted by two bus stops (seen in the photo - photo is actually taken looking west).

    Unsurprisingly, buses pull in there regularly, leaving cyclists to either wait behind them or to overtake, which involves moving into the right hand lane. This is also at a point where traffic coming from St Helen's Street is merging into this right hand lane from the right, which is basically a recipe for disaster.

    My view is that the bus stops should be repainted outside the cycle lane, and the cycle lane then interrupted with a give way marking requiring cyclists to give priority to pedestrians crossing the lane to board or alight from buses.

    There would be no additional inconvenience to cars (as the buses block the lane anyway) and risk of bus passenger / cycle conflict could be minimised by the give way markings.

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  • Faded paint and invisible signs on shared/dual use pavements

    Created by Heather Coleman // 3 threads

    This is a general use issue so people can create specific threads about shared or dual use pavements where mainly the paint is so worn that they sometimes get abuse or are told off for riding where it's perfectly legal to do so.

    I'm not a great fan of these facilities, and totally subscribe to their use being 100% optional, but there are places where they are useful for some or many, for example a short stretch to avoid having to turn right twice, or to be able to make a turn at traffic lights rather than in the middle of an unsignalled area.

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  • Cycle Parking at West Norfolk NHS/GP/Medical Sites

    Created by MJR // 1 thread

    I have yet to find a NHS site in West Norfolk with cycle parking that is up to standard. Common defects include it being shoved on the far edge of the car park or behind a building, or being inaccessible by bicycle. This might be resolved by the planning process or by the site operators.

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  • Lynn Town Centre Parking

    Created by MJR // 2 threads

    We need more good cycle parking in the town centre, both resident and visitor parking. This may be achieved through planning applications or otherwise.

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  • Norfolk Policing Priorities

    Created by MJR // 1 thread

    Some cycling issues could be improved if the traffic laws were enforced. Do police give enough resources to traffic policing? Should we be asking for plain clothes police on bicycles with cameras? Should Norfolk have something like London's Operation Safeway?

    Or is that a bad idea? As one ex-policeman claimed on CTC forums "it's a darned sight easier for anybody to issue a tcket to a cyclist... than it is to do a proper check of a truck, including tachograph etc. This will "prove" that cyclists are the problem"

    Suggestions by Tonyf33 on those forums included the following policing-related suggestions:
    "Enforcing the law properly with regard to cyclist/motorist incidents in a way that should be a deterrant not a signal that it is okay to kill/maim people knowing you're more likely to get a slap on the wrist if at all.
    Ensuring that the CPS/Judges do their jobs properly/fairly & that Police do not ignore crimes committed against cyclists which they do at present.
    Making sure cyclists get dealt with regarding breaking the law fairly and in proportion to motorists
    STOP THE VICTIM BLAMING CULTURE, no 'advice' from police et al regarding hi-vis & helmets, focus on the real problems"

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  • New potholes around drains

    Created by Alistair // 1 thread

    New potholes have opened up around the drain covers on the eastbound A1214. They are on the "Straight On Lane" at the roundabout with Ropes Drive.

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  • Poor visibility on cycleway exit due to tree

    Created by Alistair // 0 threads

    When exiting the cyclepath to join Anson Road you need to see the roundabout clearly (especially to see southbound A14 traffic turning left to join Anson Road. A large tree has overhanging branches which block the view. It's worse when it has leaves.

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  • Cemetery Lane layout creates conflict

    Created by Kevin Ablitt // 0 threads

    To carry on towards Colchester Road or bear right into Belvedere Road is OK but if you are approaching the junction from Belvedere Road and wish to turn into Cemetery Lane northbound you must come right up to a blind corner and make a sharp turn into a narrow kerb edged cycle facility. This is quite a dangerous manouevre to carry out. It would have been better to have a lane entering the wide oad marked with stop lines and no-entry as it is further back from the blind turn. In fact some people may be tempted to do this, but it is both dangerous and illegal. Both the danger and the temptation to carry out an illegal manouevre could have been excluded at the design stage.

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  • New white lines needed on contrflow

    Created by MikeH // 0 threads

    The contraflow on Museum St is not my favourite bit of cycle route, but given that it xcan be a busy and tricky bit, the white lines where it crosses Westgate St should at least be in good order, but they're not. An easily fixed problem you would think?

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  • Access to Arnison centre

    Created by Matthew Phillips // 1 thread

    The main routes into the Arnison Centre are understandably pretty busy with cars and involve negotiating roundabouts. The quietest route in for bikes is via Abbey Road, the entrance in the middle of the south of the site, as used by the buses. However, the road is currently one-way. It would be good if it could be made an official entrance and exit for bikes. It lands you closest to the large rank of cycle racks outside Sainsbury's. There is sufficient width on Abbey Road to allow for cycle lanes to help connect with Newton Hall and Pity Me.

    The County Durham Plan envisages another large supermarket and car-park being built immediately to the north of the Arnison Centre, across the other side of the main road, as part of the large housing development proposed. DBUG has objected to this as part of our response to the plan, as providing more local shops would encourage walking and cycling whereas these proposals will just further entrench shopping by car. The proposals appeared to include cycle access to the new housing site via an upgraded path to the west of the Arnison Centre (shown as a footpath currently) but failed to address access to the shops by bike.

    The Arnison Centre could do with more cycle racks dispersed round the site, outside each of the shops. At present there is a very large number of racks, but they are all outside Sainsbury's.

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  • Durham bus station redevelopment

    Created by Matthew Phillips // 1 thread

    The Durham City Integrated Transport Approach document, part of the proposed new County Durham Plan, states that it is the Council's intention to relocate the bus station in Durham and to remove the A690 roundabout by the railway station, converting it to an ordinary junction with lights.

    The document can be viewed at http://durhamccconsult.
    limehouse.co.uk/file/2679025 and the relevant sections are 3.49 onwards. The document mentions improving the area for pedestrians but neglects to consider the potential for cycling infrastructure improvements in the area.

    The DBUG response to the County Plan (available at http://community.dur.ac.uk/m.e.phillips/cycling/DBUGResponse.pdf ) devotes a section to this matter (see pages 21 to 23).

    Opportunities for better cycling infrastructure include:
    * restricting vehicle access to North Road and allowing two-way cycling
    * linking the station to neighbouring cycle lanes
    * better connection to Framwellgate Peth and the north of the city
    * remodelling the Milburngate roundabout also
    * removing through traffic from the portion of North Road beyond the viaduct

    We need to lobby not just for immediate cycling needs to be taken into account in the design for the new road layout, but also for future possibilities by bringing forward design of strategic cycle routes through the city, otherwise we risk losing a very rare opportunity to transform provision at a key city-centre junction.

    According to the document, construction will commence in the 2014/15 financial year, with a timescale of 18 months. This means the plans must already be fairly fully developed.

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  • NCN 12/61 crossing on A414 entry slip.

    Created by John Shead // 1 thread

    When busy, crossing this junction is hazardous when negotiating with northbound vehicles at speeds of up to 40mph.
    No indication is provided to motorists that there will be conflict.
    A speed table with dragons teeth markings needs to be installed.

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  • St Peters Dock lethal rail tracks

    Created by Alex Oldman // 1 thread

    Disused railway tracks on St Peters Dock provide short section of road surface that is dangerous to traverse from East to West by bike.

    If you are avoiding crossing the tracks then you are forced into oncoming traffic.

    If you cross the tracks, you are then potentially trapped between parked cars and the railway tracks, which can be dangerous.

    The tracks are very slippery when wet or icy, and sections are often hidden underwater because there is poor drainage after heavy rain.

    Ideally the tracks are totally removed, or the surface covered with concrete or tarmac.

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