Election campaign 2024
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for commitments to active travel and sustainable transport.
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 Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 4 threads
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for commitments to active travel and sustainable transport.
Hybrid Planning Application at Land South of Coldhams Lane comprising: Full Application for 'Parcel A' Building 1 (Use Classes E(g)(i) (Offices), E(g)(ii) (Research and Development)) and the Hub Building (sui generis) with associated car and cycle parking, Outline Application for the remainder of 'Parcel A' for E(g) uses including office, research and development, car and cycle parking, landscaping, infrastructure and associated works, with all other matters reserved except for access, Full Application for ecological enhancements to 'Parcel B', Full Application for landscape improvements and access to 'Parcel C'.
Land South Of Coldhams Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/01683/SCOP
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
Temporary fencing, for no apparent purpose, that then becomes a hazard as it falls over or degrades.
Created by Jonny Camp // 1 thread
How can we tell whether a bicycling environment is good or bad? How many times have you been cycling along a piece of existing infrastructure only to find the word 'end' written on the pavement and yourself forced back onto the road into traffic?
With this in mind, I am undertaking a piece of research as part of my masters dissertation at Queens College, University of Cambridge. I am gathering primary data of existing users of the current cycling network across Cambridge. From this data I will be able to assess the coherence and directness of the existing cycle network and identify potential 'bottlenecks' and issues from the point of view of the users.
Created by Martin Wheatley // 1 thread
Because of a combination of subsidence and grass tussocks growing through the path, my wife's e-trike tipped over on the Greenway path between Lode and Longmeadow this afternoon. Fortunately she is only bruised and shaken but it could clearly have been a lot worse. I have reported it to Cambs Highways as an emergency.
Unless and until it is repaired, I would advise extreme caution on this section of the Greenway or use the Bottisham Greenway, Tunbridge Lane, Park End and Swaffham Bulbeck High Street instead. The on-road sections of the latter are usually pretty quiet.
sound+fury // 1 thread
The area covered includes the cycle route to Church Road. It may also be useful to look at the cycle parking.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Downing College are proposing to extend and rework the old 'Pizza hut building' on the corner of Parker's Piece.
I can't see any obvious issues other than making sure that sufficient cycle parking is created. I think they are intending to put this within the main college grounds themselves, over the road, which probably makes most sense.
sound+fury // 2 threads
This (apparently) revised draft leaves little/nothing for any other forms of transport and continues a policy of road expansion.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Change of us from Class E to a composite restaurant (Class E) and takeaway use together with external changes
56 St Andrews Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 3DA
Application reference : 23/00795/FUL.
The plans indicate that the existing heavily-used cycle parking will, at least in part, be removed.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Not much information yet, but Hills Road Sixth Form College are hoping to create a second base to the north/east.
Plaza adjacent to proposed primary school on key phase 1
Waterbeach Barracks Key Phase 1 Primary School Plaza Denny End Road Waterbeach Cambridgeshire CB25 9PA
South Cambridgeshire
Application reference : 23/00872/REM
I haven't spotted whatever it is that is supposed to provide "access for picking up and dropping off pupils". There seems to be a 5-Sheffield toastrack ("exact product TBC") on what looks like the 'drive' (next to 'He' which means heritage surface coarse asphalt). I do not see anything that would encourage use of Bakfiets etc.
Image is a crop from LANDSCAPE GENERAL ARRANGEMENT PLAN
I have noticed that especially since the congestion charge there has been a lot of aggression towards Camcycle in social media comments. Notably on Facebook, Nextdoor, etc. I am aware that angry aggressive people have always been on the internet but I do feel the level has increased since congestion charge notoriety, with many people's opinions degenerating into conspiracy theories about Camcycle and the council.
I do worry about the effect this can have on increasing "us vs them" mentality and increasing aggressive behaviour towards cyclists on the road.
sound+fury // 1 thread
We might need to look at the road layout proposed here.
Created by Richard Holton // 0 threads
Works on the Greenway on east side of the Horningsea Road. No provision for cyclists to pass safely. Only option is to cross at previous pedestrian crossings, though there is no signage to indicate this.
Created by George Lund // 1 thread
Improvements required for safe crossing of walkers, cyclists and horseriders using the main path through the forest.
Created by Gabriel // 1 thread
The County Council is proposing some of those cheap and nasty speed cushions at Birdwood Rd. Link: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/traffic-regulation-orders/permanent-traffic-regulation-orders#proposed-tro--reference-number-pr--------proposed-speed-cushions-in-birdwood-road--cambridge--9-0
Closing date for comment is 17 March 2023. Email to: policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Created by Rosamund Humphrey (Admin Officer) // 1 thread
This is a container issue for event threads.
Created by Rosamund Humphrey (Admin Officer) // 1 thread
Cambridge City Council have launched this new consultation as part of the Our Cambridge programme which aims to shape the council of the future. This may be relevant to our work because it includes thinking about how the council works with its stakeholders.
sound+fury // 1 thread
A previous application was refused in part because of the cycle parking provision. What's the new one like?
Created by David Green // 1 thread
Are you confident at what to do if something goes wrong with your bike when you're miles from home? Could you repair a puncture by the side of the road? Yes? Great! No need to read on.
No? You may be interested in the following Saturday workshop I am running again. This will be a repeat of the popular workshop held last year where attendees gave feedback such as:
"Excellent - would recommend it to all inexperienced riders."
"Following the course I really feel I understand the workings of my cycle."
"It was very clearly explained and covered very useful topics."
"Thoroughly informative workshop. To be highly recommended."
David Green
===
Survival Skills for Cyclists
Venue: Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ
Date: Sat 25 March 2023, 10am to 4 pm
Description: A one day bike maintenance course for local cyclists. Bring your bike and get confident you can cope with common roadside cycling breakdowns. Women members especially encouraged to sign up! Places are limited to ensure you learn in a small friendly group and get all the assistance you need. Topics will include: checks before you set off, tools to take along, fixing punctures, handling chain problems, gear and brake adjustments.
Equipment: Your own bike to work on, pump, puncture repair kit, and any tools you normally ride with.
Refreshments: hot and cold drinks provided, but please bring your own lunch!
Fee: £20 (CTC and CamCycle members) £50 (non-members). Subsidy available for those on a low income - please don't be put off by the price. Primarily funded and supported by CTC Cambridge.
Enrolment: To book a place, email da...@guertler-green.co.uk with subject 'Survival Skills for Cyclists 25 March 2023'.
sound+fury // 1 thread
There's a proposal to use speed cushions to slow traffic down on Shelly Row and Albion Row.
Created by Marcus Howarth // 1 thread
Consultation:
London Borough of Sutton is considering installing a motorcycle barrier on the Spencer Road Entrance at Watercress Park to help prevent unlawful use by motorbikes and we are interested in hearing your views. The barriers are designed to allow pedestrians and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs to enter but to stop motorcycles from gaining access.
We are aware that motorbikes regularly access the site via the Spencer Road entrance which can cause anti-social behaviour and safety issues. As part of the Council's commitment to improving the situation for local residents we propose to install an inhibitor gate.
Created by Marcus Howarth // 2 threads
(Last item on sheet)
Convert zebra crossing to a parallel crossing (one that allows cyclists to use it) near Mellows Park which would provide a continuous safe facility for cyclists. This would provide links to an existing contra flow cycle lane in Redford Avenue and a large residential area in Mellows Park, and a borough cycle route into Wallington district centre
Stafford Road Parallel crossing
These currently being negotiated by LBS with TfL - hopefully funding confirmed mid March 2023.
Created by Marcus Howarth // 2 threads
Created by Roxanne (Cycling Campaign Officer) // 1 thread
The new owners of Capital Park, Fulbourn, CB21 would like to meet and discuss any cycling issues relevant to the site.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by M Stanley // 1 thread
Large piece of concrete partially blocking access. If this was put here to stop motorbikes, then it is obviously ineffective due to eroded bank on right hand side.
Reported to Leeds City Council via online reporting system 26/02/2016
Created by David Lally // 0 threads
The path between Grace Avenue and Mona Street (Part of NCR 6) has had a ramp added for much better cycle access on the Mona Street end and a useful mirror at the other end to be able to see round the corner to and from Grace Avenue. All very good until... this was followed by the fitting of Dismount signs.
Sustrans Rangers are aware of this.
Created by Sam Saunders // 1 thread
The existing continuous route from Bristol's Cumberland Basin Swing Bridge along The Portway towards Sea Mills and Avonmouth runs under a footbridge beside the sea lock that provides a direct traffic-free link to quiet streets on the other side of a very busy road system. The footbridge is wide and occasionally used by cyclists who carry or bump their bikes up and then down a long series of steps on each side to get to Granby Hill and Cumberland Place. The advantage of using the bridge is that it avoids crossing or joining the multi-lane traffic of Hotwell Road and offers a quiet route to Clifton, and to Hotwells Primary School. It would be useful for cyclists travelling from the west or the east along the existing cycle route. A continuous channel in which to wheel a bicycle at one side of the steps would be helpful for some and make use of the bridge a more viable option than it is now.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
The distance between the cycleway and Vincent Drive is a couple of metres. It is illegal for people to cycle this distance because the connection is via a zebra crossing. This is backed up with a CYCLISTS DISMOUNT sign. This is absurd and needs to be corrected.
There is also an obstructive pavement-mounted tree at this location. There is plenty of space for trees just a couple of metres to the right, so the tree should be removed and a new one planted in the grassy area.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 0 threads
Fitzroy Lane is a major walking route to the Grafton Centre, but bizarrely has no pavement.
One of the two parking queuing lanes should be removed, and pavements added on at least the east side of the street, if not both sides.
20 mph speed limit on Long Bridge section between The Square and Severn Brethren desired
Created by JohnSch // 1 thread
At certain high usage times for the games area, such as on a Sunday morning, despite there two large car parks adjacent to the High school and a very large amount of on-road parking, the cycle itself becomes a car park. Also cars park across the dropped kerbs and along side the path, meaning that access is almost impossible for bicycles, prams and motobility scooters to squeeze through. Parking on the cycle path also blocks the path for users and also damages the surface.
Also surrounding pavements are blocked making it very difficult for the local community to use them and this causes road safety issues.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on: The direction of motor traffic flow i.e. – should it remain as it is now (eastbound between Gower Street and Judd Street and westbound between Gower Street and Tottenham Court Road) – or change to westbound through the entire stretch between Judd Street and Tottenham Court Road They also ask support for further improvements (including stepped tracks and widened footways) subject to funding being available.
[Deadline extended by Camden Council to 6 January 2019.]
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Kensington & Chelsea council said:
"The scheme aims to reduce the dominance of traffic and create an attractive high-quality environment.
In partnering with Cadogan as the majority landowner, and Transport for London, (TfL), we have the unique opportunity to improve the public realm not only on borough-controlled roads and pavements but also in areas of the street that are in private ownership."
Created by kirbyjames // 1 thread
Comments are invited on Exeter's new east-west shared use route.
In particular suggestions are invited on how it might be improved.
Created by Simon Redding // 0 threads
The barrier in the photo blocks the route where NCN67 joins Storforth Road at the end of the Rother Washlands in Chesterfield.
Perhaps the council was trying to be safe here, but since it's not a well lit area, a cyclist travelling this way at night might well have a nasty accident flying over this barrier.
Created by acsimpson // 1 thread
The traffic island on Maybury Road at the Maybury Junction is too small to accommodate cyclists (especially those pulling child trailers, etc) other than at it's extreme southern end. As this is a two stage crossing it can lead to either the need to cross when red or wait partly blocking the carriageway.
The light timings need changed to allow a full crossing at once or the island needs to be extended.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Comment at Cycle Ipswich meeting:
"Cycle link to new development with dropped curb."
Need to find out exactly which location(s) this is required. Ideal use of filtered permeability to allow people to cycle easier than driving.
Created by Katja Leyendecker // 0 threads
It's a route to school and a natural route for Gosforth residents to walk and cycle into the city centre. Yet it's incredibly over-run by inconsiderate drivers, speeding and blighted by pavement parking. It's 20mph but due to its rat-run nature feels like a motorway thorough-fare. There are blind spots at the metro bridge crossings either end which are dangerous to navigate too. Drivers turning into Ilford / Rectory are also cutting corner, so you'd find a situation of an oncoming cars in your traffic lane.
Newcastle City Council have said there's nothing they can do. I don't believe that to be true. I think they are putting drivers needs before the needs of people walking and cycling.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
We'll hold a stall at this event, sign up for slots!
Energise Cambridge is an exciting campaign to get Cambridge students engaged
on climate change and persuade the university to change their energy supply
to renewable options. We are holding a massive rally on Parker's Piece on
February 10th at 12pm to show student support for the issues we are raising
and to generate publicity.
Find out more at http://www.energisecambridge.org/
Sign up at: http://www.doodle.com/w5qca6zspa29rvi7
Bermondsey St is being used as a rat run not just along its length but also across at Tanner St. Through traffic should use the A100, Tooley St or Borough High St.
Could be a good mode filter project
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
The installation of one stand in the boundary of M&S facing Market Hill Square.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
County Council press release: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/CMSWebsite/Apps/News/Details.aspx?ref=1154
Created by Gregory Williams // 0 threads
More cycle parking is needed in the vicinity of the high street end of St. Margaret's Street in Canterbury. The photo shows that all available space on the stands is already used.
Created by Simon Redding // 1 thread
There's no clear desire line or route west of Linacre/Holymoorside to join up to Chatsworth/Baslow/Rowsley/Beeley. This is a clear link to join Chesterfield mainline rail station to the Peak District.
Campaign for a 300m section of the unguided busway between Milton Road and the pedestrian and cyclists access at the end of Nuffield Close to be built as a road, providing a more direct access for lorries and cars to the trading estate.
Nuffield Road’s residential section should then be cut-off for motorised through traffic just past Discovery Way, turning the first part of Nuffield Road into a residential close.
Petition: http://iitm.be/ChestertonTrafficReduction
Picture Gallery: http://iitm.be/NuffieldRoad
Created by WildNorthlands // 1 thread
Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a three/four storey building (including Cinema at third floor level) for use within Classes A1 (Shops), A2 (Financial and Professional Services), A3 (Restaurants and Cafes), A4 (Drinking Establishments), A5 (Hot Food Takeaways) and D2 (Assembly and Leisure), associated infrastructure and ancillary facilities
Location: Block 1 The Moor, Sheffield S1, (Land And Buildings At 16-18, 28-54 The Moor, 25-33 Charter Square, 15 Charter Row, Rockingham Gate And Multi Storey Car Park Rockingham Way), ,
Applicant: Ms Kerri Hunter
Grid Ref: Easting 435137 Northing 386821
Created by Ben Brierton // 1 thread
The new road layout here means that eastbound cyclists travelling straight-on find themselves in the left-turn lane, stopped by a Red light, and blocking traffic turning left into the Park and Ride who have a Green left turn filter.
The road markings seem to expect cyclists in this lane to go straight ahead, even though it's the left turn lane, because it is guided into the onward eastbound cycle lane. Just feels wrong and leaves cyclists vulnerable to the left turning traffic.
There should be a 'redmac' cycle lane between the left turn lane and the right hand lane. The road markings should guide cyclists from this lane into the eastbound cycle lane instead of from the left turn lane.
Created by Paul James // 1 thread
The exit from the car park crosses the shared use path and is blind from the drivers POV if they stop at the give way markings. This means that drivers will move blindly across the shared use path without being able to see cycles moving along the path.
The solution is to close the gate to motor traffic.
The carpark is accessible from both the driveway to Pools on the Park and from Kew Foot Road and the entrance from Pools on the Park would appear adequate to act as both an entrance and an exit.
"Temporary" barrier/road closure created because of Leith Walk tram 'works'.
No-one seems willing to take responsibility for restoring/creating/protecting decent permeable route.