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 mike1727 // 0 threads
Route to link the Northern end of the converted foothpath running from Sandridge to No-Mans's land via Heartwood to Wheathampstead.
This is on the Hertfordshire County Council's rights of way improvement scheme.
The timing of the signals at the Ferniehill Road junction could also be changed. Currently, you need to use three separate pelican crossings to get from one side of the road to the other, and this can take several minutes.
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 0 threads
Removal of difficult barrier on cycle path NCN3 ending on Rose Lane; hardly possible to pass by bike, let alone trikes/tandems/mobility vehicles,
note this is NCN!
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 0 threads
This crossing is a problem for all road users, and it's quite common to hear blaring horns and screeching tyres. Pedestrians have a Puffin crossing, but for cyclists there is nothing. There is good reason for cyclists to cross Linden Road here, as it connects the bulk of the Bournville housing with the Worcester and Birmingham canal and the Rea Valley cycle route, and the motor traffic levels on Mary Vale Road are tolerable. Linden Road, on the other hand, is busy with motor traffic, including trucks. So the crossing needs to be improved, especially for cyclists heading along Mary Vale Road. Helpful to cyclists would be changing the priority in favour of Mary Vale Road. This would also encourage motorists to slow down on Linden Road. Unravelling routes in this way (so that cyclists cross main roads at a right angle and giving the cycling route priority) is one of the ways the Dutch encourage people to cycle rather than drive. Other possibilities are traffic lights or a mini-roundabout.
Created by Alex Jenkins // 1 thread
The consultation page states "A review of the Cheshire Street North 20mph zone has been undertaken and a number of improvements have been suggested making the roads safer and encouraging more walking and cycling in the area. The proposals include new cycle facilities, a one-way system on Wood Close, road closures and new crossings, as well as planting new trees in the area."
Link here: https://www.pclconsult.co.uk/projects/cheshire-street/
Created by Alex Jenkins // 1 thread
Our Liveable Streets programme will improve the look and feel of public spaces in your neighbourhood. By creating a better environment, we can make it more convenient to get around by foot, bike and public transport.
From creating new green spaces to rethinking how our streets work, we want your creative ideas, thoughts and feedback.
Tell us what matters to you by completing our online survey towards the bottom of this page. You can also plot your ideas on the interactive map below.
Please talk to your neighbours, friends and family and encourage them to take part.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
http://www.travelipswich.co.uk/what-is-happening-and-where/orchard-street-area/
What’s Proposed:
January 2014
* New cycle facilities to allow cyclists to travel northbound on Orchard Street.
* A 'No Entry except for cyles' sign to be placed on the St Helen's Street/Orchard Street junction.
Anon // 0 threads
The cycle parking on Parliament Street is great even though there isn't enough of it on a weekend, but when events are on such as the Christmas Market or Food Fairs it's a nightmare to get your bike down Parliament Street past the crowds of people to only find all but one row of racks is blocked by tents. It would be much better if all the racks were moved down to the Pavement end of Parliament Street.
Created by MikeC // 1 thread
As part of the highways 'improvements' associated with the proposed New Monks Farm development in Lancing, the existing minor road N-S crossing of the A27 by the Sussex Pad (Coombes Road to Old Shoreham Road) is to be closed and replaced by a large multi-lane light controlled roundabout some 400m west of the existing crossing. The only assistance for vulnerable road users will be several Toucan crossings as part of the roundabout light controls.
Net result will be an additional 1km diversion for anyone going south into Shoreham, plus additional time waiting at Toucans. An underpass on the existing crossing alignment would be the preferred solution, as recommended in IAN195.
Created by Kevin Ablitt // 1 thread
Twice in the past week I have been cycling up St Johns to make a rh turn onto Cauldwell Hall and nearly been taken out by a driver taking the corner too fast as they travel north bound along Cauldwell Hall and turn down St Johns Rd.
The problems are too fast traffic on Cauldwell Hall and poor design at that junction , need an island to separate traffic.
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've just sent a sharp email to the Council. It reads as below. If the council can't do joined up information on their own websites, how do they expect people to make these modal shifts in transport that they are so keen on?
"Dear Parking services,
I've just done a google search on this.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=park+st+car+park+ca
mbridge&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=eZdMT-vbLsnu8QPw7pHXAg
first item says "multi-story car park with cycle parking and pushchairs
for loan".
However, when you then go to the Park St car park page, it says nothing
about either cycle parking being available, nor about the pushchair loan
scheme. How about a link to
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/transport-and-streets/cycling-and
-walking/cycle-parks.en
on the website, so we don't have to do a separate search, so that when
people go to the Park St website, they can get all of its features? They
may even then decide to cycle into town rather than drive.
I was looking for this information as I was just emailing a friend who
lives in Chesterton and has a nine month old child, who I wasn't sure
would be aware of this scheme, which she may find useful. However, if we
have to spend five minutes doing exactly the correct google searches, it
counts as a "secret facility" apart from those in the know.
I wasn't aware, for example, that you could also get pushchairs at the
Grand Arcade one. This information needs better dissemination, and
linking from within the car park and other public transport pages, so
that people can make a properly informed decision about their transport
choices when visiting the city. This, surely, is the way to get modal
shifts in people's transport choices?"
Created by LeedsCyclists // 1 thread
Central Leeds is badly lacking cycle parking. Many locations have no cycle parking at all, or only a few token stands, which are often full. At the recent Cycle Consultation Forum, the Council asked for suggestions of locations that need cycle parking: send your suggestions to Mark Robinson at Leeds City Council.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 3 threads
From time to time, we receive consultations on Play Streets and rather debating each one as it comes in, I think it could be helpful to have a policy as to whether CCC want to respond as a group and the position we should take.
Play Streets are achieved by the occasional closures of a stretch of road to enable children to play (e.g. twice a month for a couple of hours).
The road closures are usually operated by local residents using ‘road closed’ signs, advanced warning signs and barriers.
Play Streets are not directly connected to cycling. But, as they may give people an idea that it would improve the area to have longer term road closures, I would like to support such schemes.
Hamish F // 1 thread
Quoting from the proposal: "This short section will provide an initial link from the A105 major scheme to the Salmons Brook cycle route." Part of Quietway 18.
The main feature is an improved junction at Bury Street West and Church Street, with a 2.5m wide two-way cycle track to take cyclists from that junction to Blakesware Gardens (and onto the Salmons Brook cycle route).
Also some rain gardens and other improvements.
What's not to like, comments please ...
Created by George Coulouris // 7 threads
This issue is intended to act a repository for material that can be used to back-up the LCC's 2014 Local Election Campaign 'Asks'. There are 6 'asks' that were finalised and agreed at the LCC's AGM on 19 October 2013:
1. Safe routes to schools
2. Areas without through motor traffic (AWTTs)
3. Protected space on main roads/major junctions
4. Safe cycle routes via parks and canals (Greenways)
5. 20mph speed limits
6. Liveable town centres
so we'll have 6 threads under this Cyclescape issue where we can collect explanations, discussions and most importantly concrete illustrations of what is meant by each ask.
Created by cpax // 2 threads
This ancient right of way is used by cyclists ,horse riders and walkers and is becoming un approachable with no drop kerbs and
with new roads being built that ignore the existence of this route and lack of clear signage , we are in danger of losing this
important route .
Created by Chris Peck // 1 thread
With the welcome completion of the cycle path linking Marshall Road to Bridge Road, the weaknesses of links on either side of the route become more apparent.
Bridge Road is a busy, narrow main road. Traffic mostly has to wait behind cyclists, creating uncomfortable conditions for all but the brave. Both roundabouts (at the Chalk Road/Meadrow and the Bridge Street/Wharf Street junctions) are difficult for cyclists (and pedestrians).
An alternative route, either running parallel to the road (a widened shared use footway?) or a raised boardwalk across the Lammas Lands, are alternatives, but both are expensive, challenging options, which require new or wider bridges over Hell Ditch and the River Wey.
Created by David Butler // 3 threads
The Bridgewater Way aims to provide a high quality route for walkers and cyclists over the complete 65km length of the Bridgewater Canalbetween Runcorn, Leigh and Manchester City Centre. The cornerstone of the project is a major upgrade to the canal towpath, which as well as greatly improving conditions for pedestrians, will make it easier for cyclists to use the tow path.
The Deansgate / Whitworth Street West Street junction is also proposed to be revised to provide toucan crossing points and easier access to the canal from Whitworth Street West withsignal controlled cycle movements running past Deansgate station. The proposed works at the
junction are also intended to provide improved “on street” facilities to assist cyclists travelling towards and away from Manchester city centre.
Created by Martin Wheatley // 1 thread
People cycling being abused by drivers for not using cyclepaths, even where they are sub-standard or useless.
Kate Ravilious // 1 thread
Car parking obstructs cyclists travelling uphill, forcing them to stop and start on a steep uphill section, or move into the path of oncoming traffic travelling downhill.
It would be safer to have car parking on the other side of the road.
Created by Gingineer // 1 thread
I work near the station and the area out the front of the new building has short term cycle spaces for the shops there. These spaces are specifically for the retail units (ratios of this is in the planning application I understand). so the racks have to be installed and wont be policed by the retail units (such as the ones by Microsoft which are for employees) yet they fill with commuters who should be using the cycle park.
I have been thinking that Cambridge CC needs to agree a system (bye law?) to create short term racks. The colour should be different and signage provided but for racks that need controlling like this it is essential to stop antisocial cyclists piling up bikes.
Of course its difficult to police, and a heavy handed approach should be avoided but I see a growing issue across the city where racks for specific short term purposes are created but then filled with long term cyclists who should accept if they are parked all day that the extra 2 minutes walk for them to a proper cycle park is reasonable to expect. Otherwise this puts people off cycling the short distances as they fear they wont get a rack or will spend a lot of time scrambling for a spot.
Cyclists could be stickered and if caught again then fined. Or clamped to the rack with a fee to unlock (yes I know that sounds like it defeats the object but it should work after a while).
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Request for a screening opinion for the erection of a motorway service area
Land At O/S Grid Ref 460946 147950 M3 Basingstoke Hampshire
Basingstoke
Application reference : 16/02767/ENSC
http://pad.basingstoke.gov.uk/DocumentViewer/?DocumentClassCode=DC&Folder1Reference=16/02767/ENSC
http://pad.basingstoke.gov.uk/documents/4753/01/09/91/01099199.PDF
http://pad.basingstoke.gov.uk/documents/4753/01/09/91/01099197.PDF
http://pad.basingstoke.gov.uk/documents/4753/01/10/05/01100568.PDF
The route through Verulamium Park towards the museum was built to substandard width. There is a considerable risk that this will cause conflict between walkers and cyclists.
Route widening is not due until the Green Ring is built in 2015.
STACC will campaign for widening of the route to begin as as soon as possible since we see no need to delay waiting for the Green Ring.
Resurfacing of the Alban Way begins in September 2013- this project draws upon Green Ring funding so why can't Green Ring funding be deployed now to widen the Ver Park route?
Created by Sefton // 1 thread
The Lovers Loan shared path through the Grange has at least 5 very tight barriers along its length, and missing dropped kerbs - especially at the crossing of Dick Place. Removing barriers or widening them would make it much more easy to use for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs. Even some double pushchairs don't fit!
Created by Chris Peck // 1 thread
A long, tortuous issue, where no progress has been made, despite large amounts of effort. Godalming High Street was recommended for adopting as a trial two-way working for cyclists in 2001, thanks to Alec McCalden's excellent presentation to the Planning Inspector at the time.
However, the trial was never carried out. Cyclists continue to use the street in both directions, as there are plenty of ways to get out of the way of oncoming cars.
The City of London has introduced dozens of contra-flow cycling schemes on narrow streets and lanes across the City. A third of all the cyclists are now using the contraflow. There has been 1 cycle crash three years post-introduction (there were 2 in the three years before). See here for more details: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/transport-institute/pdfs/Cheung_slides.pdf