CS2/Cycle SuperHighway 2
Cycle SuperHighway 2 / CS2 upgrade
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:
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Overview
We are seeking your views on proposed changes to the junction of Borough High Street with Union Street and Newcomen Street. The proposals are part of the Central London Cycling Grid - a network of cycle routes in Zone 1.
This junction forms part of the Blackfriars to Tower Bridge Road route. The London Borough of Southwark consulted on other parts of this route in October 2015 – further details can be found here:
What are we proposing?
Our proposals aim to improve safety for cyclists and accommodate the predicted increase in cyclists along this route. The design would provide a more direct route for eastbound cyclists by removing a long detour and allowing them to proceed along Newcomen Street. By altering the signal phasing of the junction, we would also enable cyclists on Borough High Street to turn onto the new route.
Why are we proposing this?
The Blackfriars to Tower Bridge Road Route will provide a safer and more pleasant journey through a section of the city that is already popular among commuters as well as recreational cyclists. Transport for London and Southwark Council have identified certain junctions and sections of the proposed route that could be modified to improve cycle accessibility as well as safety for all users of the road, including pedestrians.
By closing a short section of Newcomen Street to motor vehicles and creating two-way access to the junction, we will remove a long detour from the cycle route. Changes to signal phasing at the junction, and modifications to existing street furniture, will create safer routes for cyclists without affecting pedestrian accessibility.
At construction stage the junction would also be resurfaced. Proposals for this junction are:
Union Street
Existing contra-flow cycle lane retained for cyclists travelling westbound on Union Street. This would connect to Southwark Council’s proposals for Union Street.
Existing advanced stop line extended to 5m with a cycle feeder lane. These extended facilities would provide cyclists with a larger waiting area in front of motor traffic, improving their visibility, and allowing them to safely move away at the traffic lights.
Borough High Street
Dedicated low-level cycle signals to inform cyclists of when to safely proceed across Borough High Street from Union Street and Newcomen Street.
Pedestrian islands widened to improve pedestrian accessibility across Borough High Street.
Cyclists permitted to turn left onto Union Street and Newcomen Street. This movement is currently banned and would remain banned for other vehicles. This allows cyclists on Borough High Street to join the route. The signal phasing would be altered to permit this movement. NOTE: All vehicles (including cyclists) would continue to be banned from turning right into Union Street or Newcomen Street.
All-round pedestrian signal phase retained so that pedestrians can safely make all movements across the junction at the same time.
Newcomen Street
Section of Newcomen Street closed to motorised traffic. Bollards would be installed approximately 30m west of the junction to enforce road closure to motorised traffic except for emergency access. NOTE: Newcomen Street is a borough-owned road and this aspect of the scheme would be progressed by the London Borough of Southwark.
Two-way cycling permitted on Newcomen Street allowing cyclists travelling eastbound to proceed directly from Union Street, and turn left from Borough High Street.
Existing footways widened to improve pedestrian accessibility.
We have carried out traffic modelling for this proposal. The results indicate that the proposed changes can be accommodated without undue delay to any road user.
Created by Stephan Matthiesen // 1 thread
The underpass under Milton Road has a very bad surface and is very dark, this is particularly bad as there is sometimes rubbish and jokers have left stone slabs or other items in the middle of the path.
Created by Anne Clarke // 1 thread
The current Barton to Cambridge off road cycle path starts at the White Horse in Barton. During term time Cambridge bound traffic is now backed up and slow moving throughout Barton along the A603. This leaves no clear safe route for cyclists. The road has white hatchings down the middle and would be wide enough for a proper on-road cycle lane to leave a safe passage past the queuing vehicles.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
The demolition of Jupiter House and the construction of a new office building comprising 5,654 sqm (GIA) of Class B1(a) floorspace including ancillary accommodation/facilities with a single basement of 1,715 sqm (GIA) providing 37 car parking spaces, with associated plant and new sub-station, 193 cycle parking spaces at street level and two options for provision of access to the development and for hard and soft landscaping.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 3 threads
Erection of 50 new affordable houses, following demolition of 26 existing dwellings (Nos 46-60 and 66-75 Eastfield), and associated highway works, landscaping and public open space provision.
See pages 20 and 21 of D&A statement for car parking and cycle storage. (No specifics provided)
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
15/04503/OUT | Outline application to include access to be considered, for up to 750 residential units with a mix of units, and a neighbourhood centre including principal community centre, private children's nursery, local retail facilities, indoor sports hall and three form entry primary school and ancillary development | Hounsome Fields Trenchard Lane Dummer Hampshire
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Huge residential redevelopment next to Staples Corner. Latest transport update
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
This issue so is for collecting ideas on the area bounded by Mansfield Road, Grafton Road, Queens Crescent and Malden Road.
Camden says: we are interested to know what residents, businesses, community groups, service users and all other stakeholders in the Gospel Oak area think about the ideas and what ideas you might have.
Some of Camden's priorities:
- Improve public spaces
- Getting about
- Queen’s Crescent
Dates: consultation 19th November 2015
Officer: George McKenzie (Community Liaison Officer)
. CC member dealing with it Angela Hobsbaum.
Created by Simon Munk // 2 threads
TfL say:
We are proposing a number of transformational changes to Vauxhall Cross as part of our Road Modernisation Plan.
The Road Modernisation Plan is the biggest investment in London’s roads for a generation, consisting of hundreds of projects to transform junctions, bridges, tunnels and pedestrian areas, making our roads safer and more reliable.
Working closely with the Lambeth Council, we are aiming to return the one-way road system at Vauxhall to two-way roads and significantly improve pedestrian and cyclist provision to help create a safer and less intimidating environment for vulnerable road users. The proposed changes would also help to improve connectivity throughout the area, and create a better environment for people living, working, and travelling through Vauxhall.
Following our initial consultation in 2014 on our high level proposals, we are now inviting your views on our detailed design proposals.
What are we proposing?
The changes we are proposing include:
Removing the existing one way road system around the transport interchange (Parry Street, Wandsworth Road, Kennington Lane, South Lambeth Road) by converting these roads around Vauxhall to two way
Providing more cycle and pedestrian crossings as well as segregated lanes and parking for cyclists
Improving existing and providing new public spaces
Redesigning the transport interchange, including a new central bus station
Why are we proposing this?
Reducing traffic dominance
The current gyratory creates an environment heavily dominated by motor vehicles. The wide carriageway encourages high speeds, especially outside peak periods
The gyratory can be difficult to navigate, and the one-way arrangement means that vehicles often follow indirect routes
Lack of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
Large numbers of pedestrians pass through Vauxhall each day but the existing crossings do not always follow the most direct or popular routes, which can lead to pedestrians crossing roads away from the crossings
The Vauxhall gyratory has some of the highest numbers of collisions involving injury to pedestrians and cyclists in London
Cycle Superhighway 5 will improve conditions for cycling along Harleyford Road and Kennington Lane. However, there is limited cycle provision on the other roads surrounding Vauxhall Cross and a lack of connectivity between facilities
Supporting the transformation of Vauxhall
Vauxhall is the gateway to one of Europe’s largest regeneration zones, with 25,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes coming to the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea area
Supporting Vauxhall’s distinct local character, the proposals look to the future – preparing for the increase in the numbers of people living, working, and visiting Vauxhall and its existing and new shops, businesses and attractions
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 Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
The preamble describes a "Vision" for Grays Inn Road as part of a larger scheme for the Farringdon Area:
- improved streets for walking & cycling
- clearer and easier access to move through the area on foot, cycle or public transport
- safe, attractive and less cluttered streets
- a better place to live, work and do business.
The current set of proposals are related to bus reliability and pedestrian safety. They include the following:
==============================
- Raised zebra crossings at five sites with a standard layout that involves build outs to leave a 9m wide crossing. (some of these replace informal crossings with islands, some are new).
- Long stretches of double yellow lines with loading restrictions (see Appendix 1 of the consultation).
- footway widening on the east side between Ampton Street and Calthorpe Street
- Carriageway cycle parking in Wren Street and several other side streets
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."
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Hills Road and Addenbrooke's Route is one of the five City Deal 'cross-city improvements' schemes.
"This is a key route for people accessing local schools and sixth form colleges as well as the Biomedical Campus. The cycle facilities at the junction of Hills Road/Long Road/Queen Edith's Way are limited. The two proposed options aim to provide safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the Biomedical Campus and local area."
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
One of the five City Deal 'cross-city improvements' schemes is Ditton Lane.
"National Cycle Network 11 and 52 (NCN 11 & NCN 51) crosses Ditton Lane near Fison Road and then runs parallel to the river Cam and connects the City Centre with East Cambridge. This route is extensively used by cyclists heading to Newmarket Park & Ride and Marshalls. In the future the route is also likely to be used by those travelling to the Wing housing development. This scheme will ensure imrpovements to the busy NCN 11 & NCN 51 and improve the links to the local area, Fen Ditton Primary School and Horningsea."
See also issue 418.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
A third railway station for Cambridge, at Addenbrooke's has long been proposed, and there are signs of increasing interest in this proposal.
Obviously we will want to ensure that any such development is as cycle-friendly as possible.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Eastern Gate proposals are a strategic attempt by the City Council to rework the Newmarket Road roundabout area towards a standard crossing, and create a welcoming entrance into this very run-down looking part of the city.
It is supposed to be being paid for by Section 106 moneys from developments, yet proposal after proposal is coming forward but nothing is happening.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
This junction is appalling badly designed. The only thought behind it appears to be how to maximise traffic flows on the A4040. The weird junction with the high street proper just causes confusion and near-misses. The roundabout is notorious for collisions, and facilities for pedestrians are poor. Facilities for cyclists are non-existent. It is a major barrier to cycling.
The junction should be redesigned, taking into consideration all road users and traffic flows over a wide area with a view to reducing conflicts. For example, consider closing roads to motor traffic so as to simplify the situation and improve permeability for walking and cycling. Motor traffic on the high street (which is looking run down) is bad for trade.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
Old Church Road is narrow and twisty, yet some motorists see it as a good place to travel at speed and overtake. It would be nice if the Bishop of Birmingham could be persuaded to encourage people to walk and cycle along here. There is a gate at one end, but it is rotten and could be replaced with a half barrier gate, to create the required filtered permeability.
Alternatively a small corner of land at the gated end could be used to create a direct connection with Old Church Avenue.
Note that there is a school at the gated end, which of course encourages motor traffic. Improving the walking and cycling routes here would reduce the motor traffic.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
* Remove the cycling prohibition order on Old Church Road and make it shared use.
* Make the crossing on Harborne Park Road a toucan crossing.
* Paint a line along the join in the path on Harborne Park Road, to make it split use.
* Make arrangements to allow cyclists to connect between this cycle path and Vivian Road safely.
Note that there is a school at the end near the church, which of course encourages motor traffic. Improving the walking and cycling routes here would reduce the motor traffic.
German towns have made paths such as Old Church Avenue shared use to encourage cycling. They don't become impossibly busy with cyclists, but such moves do result in a much higher cycling modal share, which in turn reduces congestion. Old Church Avenue would make a useful link to encourage cyclists into Harborne. Harborne currently has a difficult-to-use road system and is congested with cars. This is really bad for trade. Removing the cars from Harborne high street would boost trade and revive the high street, but people still need to get there somehow. That's where bikes come in.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
I am writing to point your attention to a "danger spot" on the Barton Road cycle route.
I and many others cycle this route every day and really appreciate how safe it is. However, there have been a number of near accidents at the sliproad from the M11 southbound onto the Barton roundabout. The problem is that the cycle path means that all cyclists must cross the road leading onto the roundabout. This is fine when the traffic is not busy. However, during rush hour the left lane going onto the roundabout is always queued up. This means that, to cross the the road, a cyclist needs to wait for a car to let them out. However, the problem lies with the right lane going onto the roundabout. If there is a queue in the left lane, you are unable to see into the right lane and so quite a few cyclists are nearly knocked off at this point
The problem is that:
a. The right lane is too short and so cyclists are unable to get out of the way in time if a car does not does turn onto it. It seems to me that there shouldn't be a right lane as it's too short to be of any use and poses more of a danger to cyclists.
b. Cars tends to (understandably) be going quite fast as they've just come off the M11 and also are usually looking onto the roundabout rather than the road in front of them. This has meant that I've seen lots of cars having to break very heavily having only seen a bike crossing in front of them at the very last minute.
I, and the other cyclists that routinely use this otherwise very safe route, would hugely appreciate it if this problem could be looked at.
[RL; sent by post, 27th June 2015]
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
If cycling up the hill to Raddlebarn Road, the right turn into Laburnum Road is tricky on a slow-moving bike. This is because Sycamore Road is used as a through-route, which means it is far busier than it should be. The 20mph limit is often ignored (because it's being used by through-traffic). Really it should be closed to make it useless as a through-route for motor traffic, but a simple first step would be to make the section shown inaccessible to north-bound traffic using the simple expedient of bollards across the north-bound lane and a "no entry except cycles" sign. This would mean cyclists using the naturally quieter Laburnum Road would be spared the uphill right turn, whilst simultaneously making the entire road intrinsically slower for motor traffic. Priority would need to be changed at the junction in favour of the the Sycamore Road-Laburnum Road route. Cyclists heading north could of course pass through the bollards if they so wished.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
This section of of dual carriageway with an additional lane for parking is not only ludicrous, it results in serious problems for pedestrians on the zebra-crossing, because motorists simply don't notice them commencing their lengthy crossing from the opposite side of the carriageway. This isn't helped by some motorists using the central reservation as a car park, blocking sight-lines to the crossing. Reduce the road to a single carriageway and provide a segregated cycle path to make it possible for cyclists to get from the Cadbury recreation ground to Franklin Way without having to negotiate a dual-carriageway used by articulated trucks accessing the Cadbury factory.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 2 threads
The tunnel under the railway is narrow, and the road is one-way for all traffic. This means that cyclists using NCN5 cannot get to Bunbury Road (and Bournville Estate) here without dismounting for a considerable distance. Two years ago BCC proposed that cyclists heading towards Bunbury Road (via the short section of cycle path that leads from Bunbury Gardens) hop on to the pavement, but the pavement is very narrow and will be blocked by a single pedestrian. The simple solution is to close the road to the few motorists that use it, and make it two-way for bikes and pedestrians. That's what the Dutch would do, because it encourages people to use a bike for short journeys rather than a car. However, BCC is once again in a state of paralysis and have done neither.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
Bunbury Road is busy, but road users emerging from Woodlands Park Road and Northfield Road have to play a game of chicken as they try to judge the best moment to make a rapid exit without crashing into each other. Adding to the processing overload, the following must also be taken into account by road users:
* A service road opposite Woodlands Park Road connects with Bunbury Road at this point.
* A cycle path runs from the junction down to Bunbury Gardens.
* A zebra crossing, one that many motorists (including police drivers) fail to stop for, presumably because of the processing overload.
Lacking acceleration, cyclists face a long wait either at the junction or the zebra crossing. Either way they risk being mown down by a motorist lacking the superhuman skills required to negotiate this junction safely. Since even police drivers make dangerous mistakes here, then it is clearly hopelessly wrong.
There is quite a bit of space here. I would suggest as a minimum a single lane roundabout be created, but since Bunbury Road is busy and there is already a cycle path here it should be made a proper Dutch-style roundabout. To ease the design, close Northfield Road at this point to motor traffic (Northfield Road runs parallel to Bunbury Road).
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Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Area Estates are proposing to build a retail park on the former Smiths Industries site between Winchester Road and Harrow Way, in Basingstoke. This was formerly owned by Tesco, who failed to build a supermarket there.
No cycling access has been proposed, and the provision for cycle parking is inadequate - insufficient for customers, and none for staff.
Please submit feedback to the developer.
No planning application yet, but previous applications for the site are here: https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=H44MKACRLI568
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Despite the cycle lanes being mandatory along this stretch the road layout is such that vehicles frequently intrude into the cyclelane - as this bus did.
White paint does not work on this stretch and some other segregation method is needed -eg a kerb; vertical posts or similar.
Created by Andrew France // 1 thread
It has an uneven degraded surface in the cycle lanes from the Elizabeth Way roundabout until the bridge.
Created by Eric Booth // 1 thread
Friend of mine uses a wheelchair & hand cycle and is blocked this gate on his way home. Would be great if we could get it opened for him. [Jack Small]
Created by Paul Bearpark // 1 thread
Objections to U&Cs outline planning application need to be submitted by 10 April. There seem to be some interesting ideas for improving cycling infrastructure but a lot that could be improved upon.
Created by Nicola Peck // 1 thread
This well-used trail is in desperate need of resurfacing. During spells of wet weather, it has large puddles at regular intervals and there is a particularly huge "mud bath" at the western end of Walton Dam just by the entrance to the woods. Currently (July 2014) the mud bath is reasonably, but not completely, dry but as recently as June it has been very muddy and was terrible over winter.
This is one of Chesterfield's major cycling routes and these conditions make it unreasonable to use it for transport journeys (ie. commuting and shopping) in normal clothes because the bike gets caked in mud and it splashes over your shoes and trousers, even with mudguards.
Alongside Walton Dam, I believe this path is supposed to be nominally 3 metres wide but vegetation has grown into the gravel surface making it significantly narrower (single file) in places.
The sloped tarmac section at the Walton Road end is suffering encroachment from overgrown vegetation and there is an unnecessary pinch-point part way down (a row of wooden posts) which could be opened up with perhaps only a single post if really necessary, or ideally none at all.
In Somersall Park, immediately to the south of the river bridge, there is a particularly rough patch of surface which, ironically, is the most recently resurfaced section of path. It's so incredibly rough that you have to be extra careful and slow if carrying delicate items like a laptop or fragile shopping (eg. soft fruit or eggs).
The busway cycleway is sometimes flooded in this section.
The County Council need to address this.
Created by Jon_B // 1 thread
The cycle link from Bramley Hill to Haslemere Drive has opened up a route via Lacey Street, Haslemere Drive and Bramley Hill as a much quieter parallel route to Woodbridge Road for cycles.
However, to proceed to North East Ipswich from here means cycling (or indeed walking or driving) via Woodbridge Road at the point where it crosses the railway line. There are no other crossings for a considerable distance to the North or South.
The land fronting Woodbridge Road to the North is currently for sale for residential development.
If this land is developed I believe that this should include an additional cycle and pedestrian bridge over the railway to Belvedere Road to open up access to the residential areas NE of this (as well as Sidegate Lane Primary School) without having to use Woodbridge Road.
Surfacing includes gravel and grit.
Cycle chicanes shown on diagrams.
Created by Robert Asher // 1 thread
Hello, I'm wondering how many other Cambridge cyclists have shared the experience I've had (about once per month now) regarding a particular elderly lady who insists that bikes are not allowed on the "footpath" adjacent to the Trumpington allotments, between Shelford Rd & the new busway in CB2. This path seems clearly demarcated as a shared pedestrian-cycle path on the cycle maps provided at the council link (below). However, it is not clearly labeled as such on the path itself, leading her to become quite angry with any cyclist who gets near her & her dog while they're out walking (and obstructing the path to underscore her point). "It's a footpath" she yells, and storms away.
So my questions are 1) am I correct in interpreting the council map (below) as permitting bikes on this path and 2) how might one go about requesting proper signage, clearly saying bikes & pedestrians are both welcome?
Thanks for any feedback, Robert
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sites/www.cambridge.gov.uk/files/documents/cambridge-cycling-map.pdf
Need to check this planning application for access issues. It proposes to make a new car entrance through a high wall across a pavement at the end of Chesterton Road.
The cycleway cut-through here is very poor currently.
Anon // 1 thread
The main HWRC depot which is out of bounds unless you turn up in a car offers a wide range of recycling opportunities. The pedestrian/cycle area directly of Hazel Court offers none of this other than the main recycling types that are available through household waste collections, and tin foil.
Its hardly acceptable to think that just because you're arriving by bike/foot you won't be able bring other items. All that happens is things either get wrongly sorted or left on the floor causing the area to become a state.
Created by Rob Archer // 1 thread
This is one of the most difficult and dangerous sections of the local cycle network. A point where cycle traffic to 2 local schools, a college and a local park all meet.
Fast heavy traffic
Very poor sight-lines
Cars parking over dropped kerbs
Any suggestions as to how it can be improved?
Created by Gregory Williams // 2 threads
This provides a flatter, shorter, and traffic-free alternative to the National Cycle Route 18 alignment via Sole Street.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
College Walk is in a terrible state and the ancient and totally obsolete street lamps no longer turn on at night and off during the day.
Created by Richard Jennings // 1 thread
The Avenues Shambles
Few people who live in the area will be happy with the situation on The Avenues. A couple of years ago the city won a grant to improve cycle routes around the city, called a “Cycle City Ambition Grant”. The first route to be improved was the one that came along the Avenues, known as the “Pink” route. After two years of planning, public meetings and proposals we are left with the dangerous inadequate mess we see today.
Why is The Avenues Special?
Far more bikes use The Avenues than any other road in the city, "nearly 700,000 in 2016 according to the Air Quality Status Report for 2018. Most are students at UEA or workers at the Hospital and Research Parks. It’s also the route hundreds of children should be using to cycle to the City Academy School, so the potential number of cyclists could be even higher if the road were not so dangerous. Logically it should have been the highest priority for providing proper cycle tracks, but it didn’t turn out like that.
Why is it bad?
The road markings only allow enough space for one direction of flow on a two way street, so if it needs to pass traffic has to drive in the cycle lanes and when it gets busy the cycle lane simply disappear. There is basically far too much traffic for this type of design.
Why did we end up with this mess?
That’s a good question but there are clues, take a look on Tombland and the expensive paving around the cathedral gate. All this meant there just wasn’t enough money left to build the proposed cycle tracks and the present botch is the result. The council decided that the cost of doing The Avenues didn’t represent good value for money, yet doing Tombland did. This is a very suspect situation which has left us with an unacceptable, dangerous mess that simply can’t be left as it is.
What can be done?
Created by Dominic Fee // 1 thread
This issue covers Westminster City Council's proposals for a Quietway route from Green Park to Marylebone
Created by Adam Edwards // 2 threads
Shared use cycle path under construction but delayed completion now set for the end of February 2016. The path with extend the route from Hatfield station up to the town centre and then via the not so good on road lanes to the University and Business Park.
Created by mike1727 // 1 thread
Traffic on the redbourn road is often fast and uncomfortable for novice/nervouse riders. The footpath running along Redbourn road sees few walkers and appears suitable for a conversion to a bike route. This is being progresses through the Herts Cycle Forum
Created by FrenchyF // 0 threads
There should be a dropped kerb at the foot of Braidwood Gate, leading to Dumbiedykes
I cycle past this junction a lot, and sometimes the lights are red so I wait and look at the lanes and wonder why they're like this.
Created by Ian Seeley // 0 threads
There is a tree stump about 3 feet high on the cycle track. It's particularly difficult to see at night when travelling east bound and should be completely removed and the cycle track resurfaced.