TFGM Cycle Design Guide.
For comments and suggestions regarding the TFGM Cycle Design Guide new revision.
Please put comments suggestions with Page No.
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 AndyF // 0 threads
For comments and suggestions regarding the TFGM Cycle Design Guide new revision.
Please put comments suggestions with Page No.
Created by Stephen Lawrence // 1 thread
Some people are especially sensitive to lights, including flashing lights, and lights which point directly into their eyes. Both these two situations can result in migraines for the unfortunate observer.I am glad to read that German law mandates downward-focussed lights. We should do the same.
Flashing lights used to be illegal (i.e. when incandescant lights were the norm) but the law was changed to specifically allow them. However, for the reason above, and also because judging the speed (and to some extent the position) of a bicycle is impossible when the light is flashing could actually make flashing lights less safe. Batteries have improved and LEDs are more efficient, and the battery life even on 'steady' mode is way more than in the 'days of yore' hat some of us knew.
Created by Charlie // 1 thread
Confusion created by inconsistent design in the two parts of the new segregated cycle path - one bit is clearly segrated with a distinct red surface; the other bit appears on first glance to be shared-use but on closer inspection is intended to be segregated. Why was this allowed to happen? There are also considerable problems with traffic flow which could have been eliminated with a little more thought. I dispair of Bristol City Council's ability to get anything right!
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
At the Camcycle AGM 2016, Robin suggested we should try to get cycleways named as a means of recognising them officially, getting them on emergency service databases etc. I'm creating this issue to take this forward.
Rupert Crosbee // 0 threads
The gateway gives priority to traffic entering Street. There is a narrow cycle by-pass and short approach cycle lane, but this is often obstructed by queuing traffic. Traffic entering Street tends to accelerate towards the gateway, and overtake cyclists where the road is only just wide enough for passing and too narrow for safe overtaking. The slight incline entering Street slows cyclists.
Created by Colin Wing // 1 thread
This uncontrolled roundabout is situated at the current end of Cycle Superhighway 8. TfL consulted the public on changes to it in 2012. The proposals involved cyclists and pedestrians sharing space around the edge. For that reason the scheme attracted adverse criticism from both cyclists and pedestrians. A cyclist was killed here in 2015.
Created by M Stanley // 0 threads
Planning application has gone on for this development.
54 houses and 93 car parking spaces despite very good access to train, bus, and cycle routes.
Think developers should reduce number of parking spaces and improve access to New Pudsey Station.
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
Natalie G // 1 thread
Overview
This consultation document is about gathering views from the public on proposals to improve the crossing facility for cyclists across Mare Street, between London Lane and St Thomas’s Square.
Why We Are Consulting
The Council is committed to making Hackney’s roads safer for everyone living, working and visiting the borough. Creating an environment that will encourage more walking and cycling is a key part of the Council’s transport vision and an essential part of Hackney’s Transport Strategy.
In spring 2013 the Mayor of London published his Cycling Vision for London – a 10 year strategy with approximately £1bn of investment, to increase the levels of cycling in London. One of the primary objectives of the strategy is to create a “tube network for the bike” – a mixture of fast commuter cycle routes offering dedicated cycle facilities on key main routes, complemented by a number of “Quietways”, which together will form a network of direct, joined-up cycle routes throughout London.
Within the borough, Quietway 2: Bloomsbury to Walthamstow starts at the boundary with Islington by Southgate Road and runs eastwards to London Fields via Middleton Road, and then north-eastwards to Lea Bridge Road and the boundary with Waltham Forest.
One of the key objectives of the Quietway routes is to link destinations, following backstreet routes, through parks, along waterways or treelined streets. The Quietways aim to overcome barriers to cycling, targeting cyclists who want to use quieter, low-traffic routes and providing an environment for those who want to travel at a gentler pace.
A number of key issues have been identified along the route and Transport for London (TfL) has provided the Council with funding to make improvements. These include improving or upgrading specific locations such as junctions and crossings in order to improve safety and visibility and reduce the potential for accidents.
Hackney Council is now consulting residents and businesses on a proposal to provide a safer link for cyclists using the Quietway 2 route across Mare Street.
In addition to meeting the objectives of the ‘Quietways’, encouraging the use of cleaner and greener transport options (particularly cycling and walking) and reducing non-essential private car journeys are key long-term objectives for the Council due to the wide range of benefits these transport options can bring, including:
• Reducing road accidents
• Improving personal mobility
• Creating safer, cleaner, and quieter residential neighbourhoods
• Creating a successful balance between pedestrians and other modes of transport,
in order to improve the pedestrian and cyclist experience
• Improving pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities
More information on the Quietways can be found at:
https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/quietways
The proposals include:
1 a. Closing London Lane at its junction with Mare Street to all traffic except cyclists and emergency vehicles. This will provide a safer junction for all users. The junction will be raised and narrowed to improve pedestrian accessibility and encourage cyclists to slow down when approaching Mare Street. Bollards will be installed to prevent vehicles from using the junction illegally.
b. An alternative measure could be to install a raised junction as above with ‘No Entry’ for vehicles from Mare Street. Vehicles would be allowed to turn left from London Lane, but right turns would be banned to keep the central refuge clear for cyclists.
2 The Quietway route between London Lane and the north side of St Thomas’s square
crosses Mare Street. All traffic can enter St Thomas’s Square (north) from Mare Street.
Motor vehicles will be banned from turning right when exiting the north side of St
Thomas’s Square, but cycles will be allowed to turn right.
3 The existing islands on Mare Street will be widened to provide a safer central refuge space for cyclists waiting to cross the carriageway.
4 There will be a new island on Mare Street to protect cyclists turning right on to the northern arm of St Thomas’s Square. Extra protection is needed as other vehicles travelling north on Mare Street are also able to turn right (see point 2. above)
• Lower Clapton Road parallel zebra and cycle crossings
• Morning Lane parallel zebra and cycle crossings
• London Fields/Middleton Road Traffic Management Scheme
Discuss potholes in the Taunton Area.
Remember that you can report potholes via http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/ or via the Fill That Hole app for iPhone or Android.
Created by Chris Lowe // 0 threads
There needs to be a dropped kerb to access the Merritts Brook Greenway from the carriageway here. Apparently the road is private, so Birmingham City Council doesn't have responsibility here, we think. It may be that it is Bournville BVT that is responsible for this section of road, but we aren't sure.
Created by Chris Lowe // 0 threads
The shared use path along Vincent Drive needs to have a dropped kerb installed so that cycle users can access it from the carriageway.
Busy motorway junction, they've just narrowed the lanes and the alternative for cyclists/pedestrians is appalling.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 4 threads
Motion for Camcycle AGM 2016: Street Cycle Parking
Providing secure places to park bicycles is a simple and effective way to encourage cycling by making people on bikes feel welcome. In some areas of Cambridge residents have got used to all the spare street space being allocated to the storage of motor vehicles and very little for bikes. The result has been badly parked bikes cluttering hallways, clinging to drainpipes and other street furniture. The experience on Thoday Street where some on-carriageway racks have been installed is a good example of how the problem can be addressed.
Camcycle resolves to:
1. Champion the replacement of on street car parking with cycle parking where it is clearly needed
2. Identify streets where this should and can be achieved
3. Work with local councillors to survey demand
4. Where there is sufficient local support work with local councillors to prepare proposals for funding. For example, from the Local Highways Improvement fund.
This motion was passed by 46 to one.
Created by David Lally // 1 thread
Development of the Boots factory site - new routes for vehicles and cyclists and pedestrians.
Created by James Craig // 1 thread
Traffic signals are devoid of any form of cycle infrastructure. Narrow lanes in all directions, ambiguous signs, and a pinch point formed by a tight inside bend on a kerb just where two lanes merge into one (Bradford-bound) make for a clumsy, poorly-engineered piece of highway which has also attracted many complaints from motorists. Meetings between JC and two senior engineers, and later between JC, DR and a traffic road safety engineer, resulted in nothing; although if, at some point in the future, there need to be some works here, BMDC might consider ASLs, depending on capacity issues. The pinch point issue remains, and could have been avoided had BMDC consulted cyclists in the early stages of design. Very unsatisfactory.
Created by James Craig // 1 thread
Sections of the cycle lane on the A6038 Hollins Hill, between Baildon and Guiseley, have been narrowed by vegetation ingress. Bradford Council, please restore the cycle lane to its former width.
Created by James Craig // 1 thread
There is no safe route from the northern (unadopted) end of the Canal Road Greenway, to the NCN Aire Valley Towpath route. At present, Carnegie Drive dumps cyclists onto A657 Briggate (commonly referred to incorrectly at this point as Leeds Road), and one needs to turn right and then left across some very busy traffic in order to find refuge on Dock Lane. Dock Lane itself, although 'quiet' for most of the day (busy during rush hour) has a hazardous, narrow, blind kink in the middle, at a railway bridge. There are no warning signs.
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Erection of Class A1 and Class A3/A5 units. Provision of highway works and alterations to access; parking; landscaping; service infrastructure; and associated works and improvements.
St Michaels Retail Park The Harrow Way Basingstoke Hampshire
Basingstoke
Application reference : 16/04208/FUL
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 0 threads
Plans are emerging for development on the Coldham's Lane site with implications for the surrounding area including links with Cherry Hinton.
Created by McD116 // 1 thread
QR13 Lower Granton Road Improvements
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Blue Moon, which I see is proposed to be renamed as 'The Moonshine Still' has no cycle parking nearby, which is a long-running problem.
It is proposed to make some alterations to the building to move the entrance, as per the planning application below.
We should put in an objection that the opportunity to add cycle parking is not being taken.
New main entrance to pub from Norfolk Street. Existing entrance to be bricked up. New bollards on paved area to demarcate area for external tables and chairs.
The Blue Moon 2 Norfolk Street Cambridge CB1 2LF
Cambridge
Application reference : 16/2055/FUL
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
I was unable to find this issue in Cyclescape. While the deadline has passed I am posting here for our records as there are certainly implications for cycling. Hopefully, these were previously dealt with in other threads.
Planning Application 12/1608/FUL
Demolition of existing buildings (City Roomz Hotel and former railway offices) and construction of a new office building comprising:14,326 sq.m office floorspace (Class B1a) and 1,205 sq.m of retail/cafe and restaurant floor space (Class A1/A3/A4/A5), including ancillary accommodation / facilities with a single level basement (4,020 sq.m) to accommodate 92 car parking spaces, associated plant and 568 cycle parking spaces; roof level plant and hard and soft landscaping, including the final phase of the Station Road Open Space.
I was knocked off by a taxi who ignored the priority southbound traffic signs.
Does anyone know how I can :
A, review any CCTV footage from then
and
B, take that to the Council taxi licence people?
Thanks
Richard
Created by PurpleSue // 2 threads
I watch in wonder and amazement as the new cycle lane alongside the A41 from Mostyn lights to the zoo is completed - with lamposts in th emiddle of the path - not to mention a three legged road sign which I am sure will make passage impossible.
I will investigate more and take photos....
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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.