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 FrenchyF // 0 threads
The bike lane here starts too close to the junction - drivers hug the kerb before the cycle lane starts, and this makes the lane useless.
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Owners of Brighton Hill Retail park are preparing a planning application for improvements including a coffee shop in the carpark. this is our opportunity to ask for secure cycle parking for the public and employees.
Created by mikewg // 1 thread
Numerous people responding to the survey experience safety issues with this location. Some comments here:
Town centre around the monument, the cobbles are a night mare and shake you badly, I have had my bike lights shaken off before, and had to save them from being run over. You cannot cycle quickly over the cobbles.
Taunton Town Centre - cobbles & volume of traffic
I go through the centre of town. I have had a couple of accidents on the cobbled surface outside the market house over the years of cycling this route. Both resulted in injuries including concussion, facial injuries requiring stitching, a shoulder and hip injury which required physio and steroid injections to resolve. The second of these happened on a wet day, when I was forced to brake because a bus driver, having seen me coming, decided to pull out in front of me. He was relatively remorseful, but it was an accident that would not have happened if 1, he hadn't taken the decision that a cyclist didn't matter, and 2, the road surface was smoother as the braking action unsteadied me on a rough surface - the fall was inevitable as soon as I touched the brakes really. As a consequence, I now cycle along the back of the market house as I cannot bring myself to cycle across the cobbled road surface.
Cobblestones around parade
High Street; ridiculous cobbled roundabout making town centre very dangerous
Cobbles in front of Market Hall
Cobble stones on roundabout in centre of town feels unsafe and dangerous for cyclists.
COBBLES on the main parade
cobbles in town centre
'cobbles ' Market house - dangerous surface - traffic in a hurry .
Cobbles at Market House roundabout,
Cobbles around Burma Memorial make it impossible to take hand off handlebars to signal and are treacherous at best of times
Created by mikewg // 0 threads
delays are too long crossing from the centre to college green. Too much priority given to motor traffic outbound vs heavy two way cycle and predestrain flow.
Created by Al Storer // 2 threads
Proposed building will have 3000 employees, 250 car parkign spaces and 900 bike parking spaces
Created by Andrea Bredel // 1 thread
this is one of many cycle lanes here in Ipswich that go on and off the road several times. This is very awkward for cyclists as they need to be very careful when getting back onto the road and most probably confuses drivers as well.
Created by Angela Hobsbaum // 1 thread
TfL/Islington are proposing improvements to Highbury Corner. This is a major scheme - removing one-way traffic system on the roundabout and introducing fully-segregated cycle tracks and dedicated crossings for cyclists.
Here's the TfL page https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/highbury-corner-roundabout and the council landing page is at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/highbury-corner-roundabout
TfL/Islington drop-in sessions at:
Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN
Wednesday, 24 February 15:00 - 19:00
Saturday, 27 February 09:30 - 13:30
Monday, 29 February 10:00 - 14:00
Created by Chris Neston // 2 threads
This section of the A540 is Dual carriageway North of the Welsh Road (A550) towards Hoylake ( 60 mph) and single carriageway south of it towards Chester ( 50mph). It is used by hundreds of cyclists every week, yet is extremely dangerous to them and there have been numerous collisions and several cyclists have died along here. It provides a vital link between the lanes of Wirral and those of Chester and North Wales. It also houses the world famous Eureka cyclists cafe.
Ideally the whole of the A540 from Chester to Hoylake needs a cycle path, but to provide one over the relatively short section between Mudhouse Lane and Woodbank Lane would make an incredible difference for a small outlay. North of the A550 there is plenty of room alongside the existing road. South is more difficult but not insurmountable.
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 Rob Earl // 0 threads
Gravel/muddy slope section of QR20, the rest of which is tarmac path/roads.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
This stretch of Grove Road is pedestrianised. Formally opening this up to cyclists - and marking it so - would help establish a quiet cycle route all the way up/down Richmond Hill as an alternative to the busy Queens Road
Created by Simon Still // 1 thread
In response to resident requests to reduce vehicle speeds and to provide a continuous low-traffic cycling “Quietway” route between Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington High Street, the Council is proposing some changes on Russell Road and other local streets.
Possible changes and implications
On Russell Road, where our surveys confirm that traffic speeds are high, we propose removing the existing chicanes, as these do not work well. This will mean we can create a small amount of additional resident parking. Instead, to reduce traffic speeds, we propose seven sinusoidal humps along the length of Russell Road. They would be spaced in line with national guidance on the optimum spacing to encourage drivers to keep to a consistent speed, thereby minimising accelerating, braking and associated noise and emissions. Sinusoidal humps are designed so that, when driven over at lower speeds, they are noticeably more comfortable to drive over than traditional humps. We have recently introduced sinusoidal humps in St James’s Gardens and we also use them when we resurface roads that have traditional humps - for example, in Abbotsbury Road near Holland Park.
We also propose to remove the centre line to encourage drivers to slow down and take more care whilst driving. In addition, in response to reports of vehicles cutting the corner at the sharp turn onto Russell Gardens, we propose hatching markings, to encourage drivers to position themselves correctly when making the turn.
Other proposed measures
At Russell Road’s junction with Kensington High Street, a new pavement build-out on the west side and introduction of a raised table across Russell Road to slow turning traffic and provide a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians.
Removal of the island at the north end of Elsham Road to provide more space to exit from the cycling contra-flow lane.
Removal of the cycling feeder lane and introduction of an advanced stop line at the junction of Lower Addison Gardens with Holland Road to improve cycle safety.
Removal of approximately three metres of parking to improve entry into the existing segregated cycling facility on Addison Gardens bridge and to provide a safe waiting space for cyclists wishing to turn into Hansard Mews.
Permit contra-flow cycling through Hansard Mews, providing access to Shepherd’s Bush and Holland Park Avenue.
Alterations to the surface of the inclined section of Hansard Mews (approximately 30 metres) to reduce the slip hazard, especially in wet conditions, while minimising the change in appearance.
Introduction of wayfinding signs and road markings along Russell Road, Russell Gardens, Elsham Road, Lower Addison Gardens and Hansard Mews at points where a change of direction is required. We estimate there would need to be around 15-20 signs and symbols across the area.
Created by MikeF // 1 thread
Traffic light sensor on Tavistock Road at Derriford roundabout (inbound) is unable to detect cyclist correctly forcing extremely long waits in the early hours until a car comes along to trigger the lights
Created by WilliamNB // 0 threads
When cycling from Marsh Mills towards town, the pavement is a bi-directional shared path, albeit of poor quality and far too narrow to be safe. As you approach the junction where the off-ramp for Old Laira Road veers off to the left, cyclists are forced around a barrier to meet the road perpendicularly, where they have to wait until there is a large enough gap in traffic to allow them to cross.
This is one of Plymouth's main cycle routes into and out of the city, while Old Laira Road is not a main arterial route and indeed has a 20mph speed restriction in place further on.
It would be good if the on-footway cycle provision can become a segregated cycle path for a short distance, which may be continued across the slip road veering off to the left, as has been done on Laira Bridge Road recently, as well as on Alma Road, approaching the junction with Outland Road and Milehouse Road.
Clear signage could be erected to show traffic wishing to cross the cycle track that it should yield to cyclists.
The cycle track should be continued past the small traffic island and retain priority over traffic joining from Old Laira Road, before it can merge again with the shared pavement along Embankment Road.
Created by Fraser Stephens // 0 threads
RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014
A radical idea maybe, but why not close the narrow, one-way, Lower Castle Street to cars and make it two-way for bikes and pedestrians? It would
1) solve the problem of the confusing junction at the bottom end.
2) remove the very complex routing of routes 42&46
3) avoid cyclists cutting though the pedestrian zone and one-way part of cross street when travelling east across town.
Bus/cycle lane lights not sensing cyclists.
Created by John Ackers // 1 thread
Islington Council wants to 'transform Clerkenwell Green into a high-quality public space. To do this we plan to provide more space for people to meet and gather by reducing road space and removing parking'.
Created by Chris Lord // 1 thread
Currently there is no safe cycle route between South Loughton / West Debden and Chigwell School. This safer off-road route could be popular with school children and their parents. At Highwood Lane end the route could connect with Debden via Oakwood Hill and Loughton (Traps Hill) via Alderton Hall Lane north.
* Approx. 1 mile length part on-road and part off-road scheme from London Square (Chigwell) via Grange Farm Lane.
* Section 1: Approx. 1 mile length part on- road (via provision of signage and road markings) and part off-road scheme (a new unlit 3m wide shared cycle route facility) from London Square (Chigwell) via Grange Farm Lane, crossing the River Roding via an existing bridge and on to Highwood Lane.
* Section 2: Provision of an on-road cycling route in both directions along Oakwood Hill, made possible through parking restrictions and removal of the central hatching/wide centrelines.
* Section 3: Provision of an on-road cycling route in both directions along Alderton Hall Lane and Traps Hill, via signage and road markings, and parking restrictions/formalisation where required.
Medium Term
£500,000 (Assumes route is not a PROW and excludes stats diversions)
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 5 threads
The Mill Road traders are planning a meeting (2016) to discuss congestion on Mill Road and have asked us to send a representative. What ideas do we have to for Mill Road?
Created by Peter Loader // 0 threads
This proposed Maple Cross to Shepherd Primary School cycle route follows the existing Maple Cross to Rickmansworth route as far as the Long Lane/Eastwick Crescent junction in Mill End.
The new part of the route consists of:
* Part of the new Long Lane residential service road.
* Part of Kenwood Drive.
* Part of the old Long Lane road.
* Rickmansworth Footpath 012 (upgraded to a bridleway).
* Beresford Road.
* Part of Penn Road.
* Part of the south east path through King George V Playing Fields, Mill End.
* The pathway leading to the new pedestrian entrance to Shepherd Primary School, near its cycle parking area.
The link is scheduled to be closed for water main installation for six weeks from 30 September.
Nearest alternative ways to cross the railway line are Sandpit Lane (busy road with splitter islands!) or bridge link to York Road (nice and quiet but steps to bridge)
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
The tucan crossing is out of phase with the lights at Church Road meaning that traffic coming along the A316 into Kew Rd is not held at the tucan but is then stopped at Church Rd so that cyclists and pedestrians have to wait for traffic to enter Kew Rd.
Re-phase the lights so that the tucan crossing is red for the roadway at the same time that it is red for the lights at Church Rd, so that there is a single green phase along the cycleway across the end of Kew Rd.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
This path is supposed to be a shared use path, part of the Merritts Brook Greenway. Unfortunately it is the same width as a bicycle and completely unlit. It emerges at an informal crossing upon which cyclists are instructed to dismount. Cyclists are then expected to pedal along the pavement. It's completely useless and unnecessary, as there is a better route via Charfield Close.
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 aSemy // 0 threads
A tree on the side of East side of Whiteladies road (next to HSBC) has a notice stating that the tree will be removed and replanted. The tree is on the very wide pavement right next to the road, and the road is not wide enough for vehicles and cyclists: a pinch point.
There is clearly enough space on Whiteladies road for a segregated cycle lane. It is a popular route used often by heavy traffic. With enough shifting of road lanes there's even enough room for an uphill cycle lane.
Replanting the tree away from the road would remove one small obstacle and show evidence that BCC is looking towards improving cycling in the long run.