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:
Various issues in Cambridge regarding bus driving and cyclist interactions. Work needs to be done to deal with this.
(This is actually a city-wide issue, but I've marked this as the bus station for now.)
Created by Peter Lawrence // 2 threads
Please sign my change.org petition http://chn.ge/1epSzpK
Accident CC-23012014-0561 (Incident logged by the Cambridgeshire Police)
Leaving Zoology Department 18.15 walking east on Downing St, north side on 23 January, 2014. Car stopped in Downing st just west of Corn exchange road junction, obscuring the light. Lying on the road was a road sign warning cars of road works further left in Corn Exchange St, a needless warning. This 1 metre road sign had been placed on the pavement, occluding it seriously and had been, presumably, knocked over and left lying on the pavement with its black and invisible legs raised up about 10cm from the surface and its reflective surface tilted away (see picture). I tripped over the road sign in the dark and fell forwards injuring my face and forehead; the metal cut into my right leg. My glasses are destroyed, the leg of the sign tore my shoes.
I was taken to Addenbrookes and treated there. I left there ca 20.30 with head injuries and abrasions and now have an impressive black eye and surround.
I am seeking redress. I am exploring legal action against the County Council whose idiotic health and safety rules (for drivers, not for the rest of us) say that drivers should be warned in advance of even highly visible roadworks (in a 20mph area) and the company responsible for placing such a flimsy and dangerous sign right in the middle of a narrow pavement. Also am anxious that in general people who leave road traffic signs occluding the pavement or creating dangerous obstacles there, should be held responsible and penalised. I see these road signs often as I walk around Cambridge, they should be on or above the road, not blocking the pavement in my opinion.
The next day the same road sign, with my blood still on it, was back in the middle of pavement waiting to be knocked over again and even now forcing pedestrians to avoid it by diverting on to the roadway. I attach a photo of it taken on Friday the day following my accident with a diverted pedestrian on the right.
It was again fallen on the ground waiting to kill someone on Saturday night, presumably following the afternoon storms.
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 0 threads
Removal of difficult barrier on cycle path NCN3 ending on Rose Lane; hardly possible to pass by bike, let alone trikes/tandems/mobility vehicles;
note this is NCN!!!
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Outline planning application for the erection of up to 95 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS). Demolition of garages to form a vehicular access point from Bow Drive and replacement garaging. All matters reserved except for means of access
Land At Goddards Farm Goddards Lane Sherfield-on-Loddon Hampshire
"Whilst there are no cycle routes currently in the vicinity of the site, the topography of the
surrounding roads make them generally conducive to encourage cycling. These provide
connections for cyclist from the development site to the wider area."
Basingstoke
Application reference : 17/02190/OUT
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
This junction has a new cycle lane over a widened pavement. This looks like very substandard infrastructure, encouraging pavement cycling, that should never have been approved by the County Council.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
The towpath from Richmond to Teddington lock is currently unappealing and dangerous. These photos were taken in May and the path is a lot worse after in winter or after a spring tide.
It is sufficient for people on mountain bikes who do not mind getting muddy, but not easy for children, older people, less confident cyclists, pedestrians with buggies, cyclists on cargo bikes etc to navigate - basically all the vulnerable road users who would most benefit from avoiding the busy, fast moving traffic on the narrow winding Petersham Road.
I take this route to work and I have to plan for the fact that I will get covered in mud every morning, and take it very slowly because it is so bumpy. I have seen pedestrians and those with child buggies climbing over the flood wall and walking on the grass on Petersham field in order to avoid this path. When I have my child in the bike seat I get off and walk the section between Ham House and River Lane that is pictured as I don't feel safe.
With a bit of thought this path has the potential to be an excellent car-free cycling and walking route that would tempt people out of their traffic jammed cars on Petersham Road.
See also the discussion at http://www.cyclescape.org/threads/811
Created by Hugh McClintock // 1 thread
Comments welcome please on this consultation about barriers on rights of way.
Pedals believes that any kind of barriers should be avoided as far as possible, especially those of the A-frame design. If access controls really are needed they should take the form of bollards (or staggered bollards) rather than barrier.
Message of 22 Feb 2016 from John Lee, Nottm City Council
Morning all
Some of you will recall taking part in its preparation.
We are in the process of reviewing the attached Policy. The policy was in response to complaints about the design of barriers the council have used on rights of way to deal with motorcycles and users safety. Although barriers help deter illegal use some designs were causing problems for disabled citizens, mobility scooters, double buggies and cyclists. When deciding whether a barrier is the best solution for a particular problem/location, the policy has helped provide a consistent approach.
As part of the review do you have any comments on the policy, for example is there anything else the policy should include so the rights of way network is kept free from unnecessary obstructions and is accessible by all? Please forward onto any contacts who may have an interest.
Please could I have your comments by Monday 21st March.
Regards
John Lee
Public Rights of Way
Traffic and Safety
Development and Growth
Nottingham City Council
Loxley House
Station Street
Nottingham
NG2 3NG
Tele: 0115 8765246
Mobile: 07976 794880
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/rightsofway
Created by Paul L // 1 thread
This path is included in the Richmond Cycle Map and leads to a toucan and is a useful link from Hampton to the quietish Lower Hampton Rd towards Sunbury but is marked "No Cycling".
There is little pedestrian traffic but ideally it could be made wider.
Created by ken thomas // 2 threads
Installation of 17.5m single stack pole base station and associated works
Telcommunications Site Off Caldy Valley Road Great Boughton Chester Cheshire CH3 5PR
Application reference : 17/00266/TEL
No drawings or details are shown on the planning website.
A recent drawing seen for the project shows the cabinets blocking half the available width of the cycle/footpath. Such siting is not acceptable on a recently developed cycleway designed to specific standards.
Created by Lewisham Cyclists // 1 thread
Overview
The Mayor of London’s aim for 2041 is for 80% of all trips in London to be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport.
LB Lewisham is working on initiatives to help reach this target by gearing towards a “Healthy Streets” approach as set out in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (2017) which encourage people to use their car less. This will help reduce the amount of dirty air in London, encourage active travel and tackle congestion on our already clogged up roads.
(for more information on the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and the Healthy streets approach follow the link below)
Mayor of London's Transport Strategy
As part of the Healthy Streets approach the borough is working on building a comprehensive “Quietway Network” so residents can choose cycling and walking as a convenient transport choice.
This consultation is seeking comment on proposals to upgrade the existing cycle route that runs through Blackheath Common as part of the TfL funded Quietway programme to encourage more people to walk and cycle. The proposals include three new crossings over:
All feedback from the consultation will be used to inform the final proposals ahead of construction works in Spring 2019. These improvements will form part of an extension of Quietway Route 1 which currently connects Waterloo and Greenwich
Created by Andrew Woodward // 1 thread
Dear RCC - I have written because of a junction which is a frequent danger spot to cycle through. It is the junction where Dukes Avenue and Tudor Drive intersect with the A307 Upper Ham Road and Richmond Road.
1. The painted arrows in the middle of the junction suggest that turning traffic should pass on each other's left. This creates a serious blind spot for oncoming traffic and for the cyclist turning. Traffic code 181 suggests vehicles can pass either way but highlight that left to left is the more dangerous for this reason. 90% of the time motorists pass according to how the arrows are painted leaving a cyclist who is turning blind to oncoming traffic. The 10% of the time when a vehicle decides to turn right to right this puts them head on with a vehicle who may have decided to pass left to left. Very dangerous for a cyclist in either situation, there does't seem to be a safe way to tackle this junction as what ever you do.
https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/road-junctions-170-to-183
2. Recently I was waiting to turn right on this junction (left to left position) when a motorist behind me undertook me to place himself to my left blocking oncoming traffic to pass on my left and therefor forcing them to drive at me and pass on my right. Simply because he didn't want to wait behind me until the coast was clear that I could turn.
3. Needless to say the ASL's at this junction are almost completely ignored.
I hate cycling past and turning at this junction. Is there any way it can be improved to become safer for cyclists? A short head start (green light for cyclists) would be ideal but I doubt this will ever happen.
Google Streetview shows the problem nicely: http://goo.gl/maps/8gdo2
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Fulbourn/Cherry Hinton Eastern Access is one of the five City Deal 'cross-city improvements' schemes.
"The growth of housing and employment sites in the Cherry Hinton and Fulbourn Road area, such as the expansion of the ARM headquarters will put further pressure on local roads. Improving the cycleways on Fulbourn Road would enhance cycle access to the city centre and contribute to the completion of the cycleway network in this part of south-east Cambridge."
Created by Gerhard Weiss // 0 threads
Superhighway 3 on cable street is also a rat run. Cell 1 marks the area bounded by 'logical' cell boundary streets. There should be no through motor traffic within this area
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 1 thread
Surface of Tarka Trail Braunton-Barnstaple needs replacing long-term; wobbly sections developing
Created by MB // 1 thread
TFL are thinkingof closing this 'rat run' to motor vehicles & have put out a consultation here:
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/coleparkroad
They are keeping it open to cyclists - but are proposing (I think) an awkward right- angled turn for cyclists to get in & out of the cul-de-sac. Can we suggest a better layout?
Consultation closes on May 10th 2013
Created by George Britton // 1 thread
The developer, Inland Homes, is preparing an application to build new homes on the roundabout site of the Ham & Blackbird pub.
Plans reported in the local newspaper talk of 62 units (1-bed apartments), with a cafe/bar commercial area.
This is an extremely busy junction, providing access between the centre of Farnborough and the station. The current cycling provision is poor/non-existent cycling in multiple sections.
Another significant factor is the big parking expansion underway at Farnborough Main station, which will release approx. twice as many cars onto the roundabout every weekday evening…
There is a public exhibition of the proposals.
Details:
Venue - St Peter's Church Parish Hall, 60 Church Avenue, Farnborough, GU14 7AP.
Saturday 22nd February 2014, 1130 am to 4pm.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
Cycling is banned on Victoria Common, but it represents the sort of environment in which people love to cycle. In the short term the paths should be made shared use, but longer term it would be sensible to create cycle paths through the park.
Created by Rob Earl // 0 threads
Better access to NEPN than through St Mark's Park which involves an uphill, narrowing road approaching a blind bridge. Requires stopping in traffic to negotiate parked cars and kerb.
Created by WilliamNB // 0 threads
When Chapel Street was recently renovated and resurfaced, new on-carriageway cycle lanes were painted. Sadly (predictably?) these lanes end just when they are most needed.
The fact that the lane ends, when cycling in a northernly direction, is in itself an annoyance.
The manner in which it ends is stupid beyond belief:
A yield sign has been painted at the end of the lane. This means, to remain perfectly within the law, cyclists riding in the lane must yield to traffic traveling in the same direction and may only proceed when there's no traffic approaching from behind.
It is legally possible to avoid having to yield by leaving the cycle lane before it ends and by riding on the main carriageway.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is working with interested parties - including cycling and road safety organisations - to review and improve cycling provision at major junctions across London. Please see www.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions for more information.
Why We Are Consulting
As part of this work we are developing proposals to improve safety at the junction of Tower Bridge Road and Abbey Street.
What we’re proposing and why
We are proposing to ban the left turn from Tower Bridge Road into Abbey Street to reduce the potential for conflict between cyclists and left-turning vehicles. Traffic counts show that fewer than 4 vehicles per hour make this turn at peak time.
We intend to ban the left turn towards the end of December 2012 and will advertise the changes to the Traffic Order in November.
Other planned changes at the Tower Bridge Road/Abbey Street junction
We are also developing proposals for more substantial improvements for cyclists and pedestrians at this junction, including improved pedestrian crossing facilities. More information will be available early next year, once these proposals have been developed further.
Earlier this year we marked-out Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) in green and put blind spot safety mirrors on the signals at the junction so cyclists are more visible to vehicles turning.
Please click here to view map for further information on the proposals.
Have your say
Please give us your views by completing the online consultation form below by 14 November 2012.
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/betterjunctions/tower-bridge-abbeyst
Created by MikeF // 0 threads
When cycling along western park road towards mutley. On sections that have speed bumps without the traffic islands/bollards, car/taxi drivers dangerously position their cars (across both lanes) at speed to avoid the speed bumps. Friday & Saturday nights is the worst time with the taxi's.
Created by Stefano B // 1 thread
New TFL survey on the proposed Wembley to Willesden Junction CS.
Have your say - Healthy Streets improvements between Wembley and Willesden Junction
Transport for London (TfL) and the London Borough of Brent are working together to develop Healthy Streets improvements between Wembley and Willesden Junction. These changes would make it easier and safer to walk, cycle, and use public transport in the area. Making the area safer, greener and reducing car travel. In this area, every year, people are seriously injured, some fatally. This cannot go on, and the Mayor has set a target to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads to zero by 2041. Toxic air quality and high levels of physical inactivity are also contributing to premature deaths and poor health, especially in children. Together we want to improve this, particularly around schools. We know to achieve this some compromises will have to be made especially how much we use cars to travel. We want to create a better environment for everyone who wants to travel to and around the borough. So we are inviting local people to tell us how they currently travel around the area and what changes they would like us to make that would help and encourage more people to choose active travel options in the community.
Have your say - Your feedback at this early stage of planning will be used to help design future proposals which would be consulted on in late 2020/early 2021.
Please complete the following survey by 22 March 2020 to help us better understand how you travel and any travel issues or priorities in the areas of Wembley Central, Tokyngton, Stonebridge, Harlesden, and Kensal Green. Please email wembleywillesdenjct@tfl.gov.uk if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
Created by Sam Saunders // 0 threads
The south-west bound advisory cycle lane, marked with dotted lines and with a small traffic island to funnel cycles into it (creating a pinch-point) seems to be regularly used a car park. If the parking is being encouraged or allowed, the island and the markings should be removed to allow the hazard to be more clearly seen. Preferably, the parking should be disallowed and a mandatory cycle lane should be installed.
Created by Charlie Halliday // 1 thread
Proposed changes to Elles Road crossing creating a corral style refuge and improving sight lines by removing vegetation.
Proposed changes to centre of roundabout to create cycle paths.
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 1 thread
A large number of brick strips have been installed across the path in Magdalene Glen in early 2017.
While these do nothing at all to deter fast cyclists, they are a real pain for slow cyclists, people with arthritic hands (due to the vibrations and need to grip the handlebar very strongly).
It is not clear if there has been any consultation about these measures. Neither Spokes nor anybody on the CEC forum seems to have been aware of the plans.