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:
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've noticed a few of these around Cambridge where there's a "no through road" sign but it's a through road for cyclists and pedestrians. As there's a post already, if the council had a ready-made stock of plates saying "except cycles", "except pedestrians", a single operative could affix the plate below the sign to made it correct. It is highly deceptive and not serving those using non-motorised transport if they go the long way round not realising they can get through a quicker route.
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
Much of the route of the former Elham Valley Railway has not been constructed on. This would make an ideal long-distance cycle path.
Created by Donald Noble // 0 threads
It would be useful to have signage at this location to show the route onto the cycle path. Coming north along Lochend Road from the A8/Airport it is not clear that you need to head into the treatment works access road to see the path leading onto the main cycle path.
Created by M Stanley // 1 thread
Leeds City Council are proposing major changes to the gyratory. The stated aim is to increase motor vehicle capacity at the junction which will in turn allow the removal of general motor traffic from areas of the city centre such as city square.
Created by Jon G // 1 thread
The road outside the Barmy Arms pub, Twickenham Embankment, used to be closed to motor traffic by a single line of posts with cycle logos painted on the road between two of these, clearly showing there is a cycle route there.
Recently this has been replaced with two lines of posts about 3m apart and there are no cycle route markers. This is leading pedestrians to reasonably assume that the area between the posts is for pedestrians only and to stand there in groups with drinks from the pub, creating conflicts with cyclists trying to ride through the area. The existence of the cycle route should once again be indicated by signs or painted cycle symbols.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
It is intimidating to use this roundabout because of the high shrubbery in the middle. It is supposed to slow traffic down but my subjective feeling is that it doesn't
Anon // 1 thread
Wandsworth Council in TMO 1644 propose removing the contra-flow segregated cycle track at the eastern end of Putney Embankment to allow a hoarding to be built around the Thames Tideway tunnel construction site. The track will be re-opened when the work is complete, but this could take at least a year. It is proposed that eastbound cyclists join the Upper Richmond road by the Dukes Head pub and then continue on this road. Wandsworth Cycling Campaign objected to this on the grounds that the Upper Richmond Road is extremely heavily trafficked and the proposed diversion involved cycling past a row pf parking bays . This would be very difficult and hazardous for the mix of cyclists using the Thames Path of which this forms part. We asked that the parking bays be temporarily removed and replaced by a 1.5 to 2 m cycle lane separated from the motor traffic by wands or similar. For west-bound cyclists using the narrow lane left on Putney Embankment past the work site, we asked for the installation of 'Do not overtake cyclists' signs.
Created by Caroline Page // 1 thread
Significant domestic car parking in the advisory cycle lane of westbound lane combines with heavy traffic jams to obstruct/block westbound passage to cyclists in rush hour. Generally there is a section of this route where pavement pushing is unavoidable
Created by Angela Dyer // 1 thread
Proper surface on the link from Butterfield Lane to Holyrood Crescent
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Just to the south of the junction with Sullivan Road, there is a low hanging branch at decapitation height. It is hard to see at night.
Created by TMiles // 0 threads
A short section of cycle path allows cyclists to skirt around the traffic lights when turning left from Westgate into Oxford Place.
However the section ends abruptly in front of on-street car parking and the cyclist is forced to give way to other traffic in order to join Oxford Place.
It should instead lead smoothly into a cycle lane that runs the whole length of this street.
Created by Gipsy Hill // 2 threads
Introduction:
Quietway7 links a cycle route from Elephant & Castle (E&C) with Crystal Palace, and was routed by TfL to be via Dulwich Village, West Norwood (Thurlow Park Road), Gipsy Hill and then Crystal Palace (via Farquhar Road).
The route from E&C southbound is in Southwark (to Dulwich) then is in Lambeth (Turney Road, Rosendale Road/Thurlow Park Road, Hamilton Road, to Gipsy Hill), then goes back into Southwark (from Gipsy Hill to Crystal Palace). Southwark had their part of the quietway consultation approved.
Lambeth delayed their decision to June 2017, and was then subsequently “called in” as there was widespread concerns from both the local community and cycling groups for parts of the route. Cycling groups unanimously objected to the proposed design along Gipsy Hill by: Southwark Cyclists, Lambeth Cyclists and Wheels for Wellbeing. 70% of respondents objected to the the design on Gipsy Hill. Gipsy Hill is a busy Local Distributor Road and bus route. Gipsy Hill has “insufficient road width” for a segregated track. The original proposed design meant motor vehicles “will encroach on the advisory cycle lane” to allow oncoming motor vehicles to pass.
Gipsy Hill Options:
There are alterative options to avoid Gipsy Hill. Southwark Cyclists have supported the design option to follow LCN23 downhill all the way along Dulwich Wood Avenue and then using the other side of Long Meadow (so not using Gipsy Hill), with a new track behind the bus stop.
See navy dashed line on sketch attached (mauve was the proposed Q7 design, red is LCN23)
This design is quieter and safer than using Gipsy Hill, and avoids the proposed dangerous junction Gipsy Hill/ Dulwich Wood Avenue, near the rail station. This integrated design also allows greatest cycle access to local amenities, schools, shops, and parks in Dulwich, West Dulwich and West Norwood. There is interest and outline support from Southwark to explore this option.
Next Steps:
Lambeth are now actively progressing engagement and revised designs for their part of the route, with a new consultation process due in September. There is potential for an improved option at Gipsy Hill, but this is likely to need new additional funding from TfL.
Suggested, to let local Gipsy Hill Ward Cllrs (Lambeth) and College Ward Cllrs (Southwark) and local cycling groups know your views.
Background:
Lambeth proposal that was called-in, see reports:
- Quietway 7 - Elephand Castle to Crystal Palace - Decision Report – 12 June 2017
- Appendix B - Quietway 7 - details designs (Gipsy Hill pages: 23, 46-49)
http://www.cpneighbours.org/gipsyhillquietway/
Thurlow Park Ward Cllr updates:
http://thurlowparklabour.org/post/162548844962/quietways-engagement-next-steps
TfL Quietway 7 Programme (Elephant & Castle to Crystal Palace) - Proposed changes in Lambeth - West Dulwich area
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/lambeth-q7-wd/
LCN23 Map:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/2707#map=17/51.42643/-0.08336
What are Quietway?
London Cycling Design Standards, Chapter 1 (page 15):
Quietways “..are aimed at new cyclists who want a safe, unthreatening experience.” The key principles for Quietways include:
o Routes should be on the quietest available roads consistent with directness;
o Routes should be as straight and direct as possible;
o where they have to join busier roads, or pass through busy, complicated junctions, segregation must be provided;
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/lcds-chapter1-designrequirements.pdf
Created by Anna Langley // 2 threads
This intersection needs a right turn light for bikes turning from St Andrew's Street into the Downing Street contraflow lane.
Doing so feels unsafe with buses coming up from behind, and little opportunity to get across the intersection.
I'm considering setting up a 38 Degrees petition on the matter, but wanted to see if this issue had been campaigned on before.
Hungate Bridge at the Navigation Road end is heavily bollarded on one end people on bikes and variants and people on foot are forced into a narrowed corridor by bollards. Yet, the width of he route is not restricted on either side.
It is unnatural and unnecessary. It brings people on bikes and variants into contact with each other and with people on foot or in wheelchairs, etc. It seems to be 'traffic-calming'. To my mind this undermines active travel messages and initiatives by making movement more complicated and fraught for all users.
Created by John Metcalf // 1 thread
"Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has recently undertaken a feasibility report to investigate cycle links to the new Verulamium Park (Ver Park) Route link to NCN 6 from the King Harry Lane area. We have looked at ways to improve the cycling and walking environment; particularly where this would improve the continuity of cycle routes and the movement of people via active modes around your area. A section of shared use cycle route has been recently provided by the developer Linden Homes and the intention is to extend this facility to Abbey Avenue and northwards towards The Ramparts via an upgraded traffic signal crossing point into Verulamium Park.
The proposals include the following:
· Upgrade the existing traffic signal controlled crossing near Verulamium Park access to a Toucan Crossing,
· To provide improvements to the footway areas on both sides of the traffic signal controlled crossing to make it both suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, and linking into the new section of shared use footway/ cycleway that the developer has recently provided.
· To the south of the new roundabout, on the western side, the existing footway will be widened from 0.9-1.1m to 2.5m to continue the shared use route towards Abbey Avenue.
To upgrade the existing uncontrolled crossing at King Harry Lane jw Abbey Avenue by increasing the widths of the existing pedestrian refuge to widths that can accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians.
This option has been carefully evaluated and full consideration has been given to the likely effects that it may have on residents.
Please find attached a plan which shows details of the proposed scheme for Ver Park Highway Link (Cycleway/ Footway).
At this stage we are intending to implement the proposals during the next financial year, 2014/15.
As such we are now finalising the design and we are interested in hearing your views or any comments you may have regarding the proposals"
Initial comments by John Metcalf
Overall to be welcomed as better than what is there already. But, it could be improved?
1. Traffic entering Abbey Avenue is likely to be going too fast for a safe crossing for those walking or cycling. This is a rat-run to avoid the King Harry roundabouts. Therefore tighten the radii of the junction and make a raised crossing (on a hump). Do we want a Tiger (Zebra for walkers and cyclists) crossing?
2. The crossing of the new roundabout exit into King Harry Park is hazardous. It needs to be upgraded with a humped crossing (and a Tiger?). Is this sufficient or should there also be measures to slow down the traffic entering and leaving King Harry Park.
3. The best solution would be to upgrade the ROW footpath from the toucan crossing of King Harry Lane to Rowlatt Drive
Created by Jack Thurston // 1 thread
Cycle Route 46 from crosses the old stone bridge across the River Usk between Abergavenny and Llanfoist. There are good, safe and direct cycle paths on either side of the bridge, but the bridge itself is very hostile for cycling, and walking. It is on the A4143 and there is heavy often fast traffic most times of the day. The footway is very narrow and only on one side of the bridge. Although short, this is a difficult section to negotiate, especially for inexperienced or young cyclists.
Created by DB // 1 thread
I am cycling on the snakey trail every day, and there is a high risk that somebody falls into the Cherry Hinton Brook one day. The path and bridge is really too narrow and many people are taking it both ways.
Route proposal for the link from Prospect Road/Verulamium Park to the start of the Alban Way.
The route is a shared, wide, pavement with a width around 3 metres- in line with minimum width for a shared route.
Documents are available at http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/planning/Planningpolicy/greenring/hccsiteb.aspx
Please have a look at the thread on this as there are a few point which STACC will bring out, you may want to consider these in your response.
Please return any comments to Clare Martin via phone, email or post.
Please also contact Clare if you have any further queries about the proposed works.
Clare Martin
Project Engineer, Integrated Transport Planning
Highways
Postal Point CHO317
Hertfordshire County Council, Leahoe Annexe, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8DN
t: 01992 658478 Comnet / Internal: 58478
email: Clare.Martin@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Planning application: http://planningpages.midsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_MSUFF_DCAPR_92778
There are concerns about no or too little improvements for walking and cycling along Paper Mill Lane with the increase in traffic caused by the development.
Created by t1mmyb // 0 threads
This shortcut is technically pedestrians-only, but forms a useful link from the environs of Bath Spa station (Widcombe) to Holloway, a dead-end for motor vehicles and therefore a quiet, if steep, climb to Bear Flat, Wellsway and beyond.
Dropped kerbs, barrier/chicane removal etc. would make this route usable by parents with cycle trailers, people on cargobikes and the like.
It was slated as a piece of work to be done by Bath & NE Somerset, but there's been no news lately.
Created by Alex Jenkins // 1 thread
Following recent engagement on the Liveable Streets programme in the Bow area, we are planning to trial some changes to the road layout. These changes are based on suggestions made by local residents and stakeholders.
This trial will help us understand the effects these changes have on the road network and allow residents and businesses to experience the positive impact reduced traffic has on the local area.
During the trial we will be running several events and activities to take advantage of the reduced number of motor vehicles passing through the Bow area, and encourage local journeys to be made by sustainable modes such as walking and cycling. Keep an eye out for more information on these.
Please note that as a part of our preparation for the trial we have consulted with the emergency services, bus operators and Transport for London to ensure they can deliver their services using the changed road layout.
Created by Guy Hill // 1 thread
If it is not bad enough in a cycle city that the Great Northern Road, the new road to Cambridge's main train station and cycle parking, does not have a segregated and safe cycle paths, the new development is now being proposed which will prevent a segregated cycleway from access to the Station a Devonshire road.
Does anyone agree that there should be a segregated cycle access to the country's largest cycle park?
Created by cobweb // 0 threads
Permission given for 286 homes. Concern was raised in 2010 about the positioning of the 715 cycle parking spaces.
Created by Fraser Stephens // 0 threads
RAISED AT PUBLIC MEETING 10-04-2014
The A4143 heading up towards the Hospital is plenty wide enough for a dedicated cycle path on one side or the other (we suggest the west side). This is often a busy and fast road. (Note this this would also solve the safe cycle access to the climbing wall and softplay.)
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
A cycle path built here would complete this proposed route segment: http://www.pushbikes.org.uk/location/bournville-3