Events and Conferences
We get a lot of information and invitations to events. This will be a good place to share the information. Please advise what is or isn't of interest so that posts can be made accordingly.
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, limited to the area of Cambridge Cycling Campaign:
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 8 threads
We get a lot of information and invitations to events. This will be a good place to share the information. Please advise what is or isn't of interest so that posts can be made accordingly.
An application to pave over part of the very wide verge on Tendon Road (verge parking is banned) for additional parking space. We may not need to add our own objection, but it is interesting to note- especially should there be a future proposal for segregated cycling facilities here.
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0448/FUL
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
See p26 of D+A Statement.
It's "bikes and bins", with cycles shown in garden sheds or to the rear of tandem car parking, ie inaccessible. The developer claims high sustainability and to favour walking and cycling. This being outline application an objection might produce improvement.
Created by Heather Coleman // 2 threads
I subscribe to the Histon/Impington/Milton/Longstanton e-cops mailing list. We are now getting daily updates of crimes in the sector.
I'm noticing a lot of thefts of cycles parked at the various busway stops. Actually the busway stops are frankly useless unless you do park a bike there. The one at Swavesey is a good half a mile from the nearest end of the village. The one at Longstanton is similar. Most of Histon is a fair old hike on foot from Histon station. I suspect many who use the busway from further afield keep a bike at the Science Park or Orchard Park to avoid the traffic queues or to actually get to where they want to go without having to go all the way into the city and back out again.
Does anyone else have any anecdotal data on a) numbers of people who cycle at one or both ends of their busway journey and b) cycle theft statistics?
I'm seeing reports several times a week. At this rate, it makes using a bicycle to get to and from the busway unsustainable.
Whilst the bridge over the cam is rebuilt, Grantchester Road is shut to motor traffic. Despite a lack of signs, the route is still open (sort of) to pedestrians and cycles
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Alterations to car and cycle parking and vehicular access (part retrospective). Resurfacing of access road and provision of 3.5m high acoustic fence.
The Leys School The Fen Causeway Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 7AD
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0503/FUL
Apart from the miserable remote location, has anyone else been having issues with the new exclusively double stack cycle parking?
1. My bike, a pretty normal size town bike, won't fit on the lower level because the basket won't fit under the beam mounting the upper level of the rack
2. Twice my bike has fallen out when removing it from the upper level. The wheel, also a standard size, isn't held firmly enough in the sliding rack when unlocked. The frist time it fell on me, causing minor injuries
3. The level of maintenance is abysmal, with obvious work required being left undone for weeks. The first instance of my bike falling out was a rack that wouldn't slide in so I was removing my bike to put elsewhere. Another time the bolts hoding a rack in had come off so the frame was loose and unusable. There are two frames on the side by the back of the racks which need refixing and have done as long as the racks have been where they now are
4. Why has the roadway got those obstructive plastic barriers all the way along, making access to the cycle parking very awkward? Such barriers are not placed between carriageway and pavements elsewhere
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
Churchill college are doing some construction, which has resulted in a new access built across the shared walking/cycling route on Madingley Road.
Richard G // 1 thread
Noticed recently there are a good number (>15) of bikes that look abandoned - rusty & flat perished tyres, at Trumpington P&R
I've not seen any notes about any clear outs for years
Cambridgeshire County Council as part of a Local Highways Improvement scheme proposes to install a Zebra Crossing on Albion Row, Cambridge. To allow for the Zebra Crossing, it is proposed to relocate the existing Residents Parking Bays onto the south east end of Mount Pleasant, replacing a length of the existing Pay and Display.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
A proposal has been put forward to add bollarded access in this cut-through from Adam and Eve Street through to Burleigh Street, to avoid rat-running in the area.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Newtown area (basically between the Botanic Gardens and Lensfield Road on the inner ring road) is a mass of one-way streets, rat-running vehicles, children being dropped off to the schools rather than cycling, and so on.
We should take the opportunity to work with locals to improve the area.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
15/0398/FUL | Erection of student accommodation with 321 student rooms (following demolition of existing buildings), together with ancilliary accommodation comprising common/study rooms, porters lodge, laundry room, plant room, bin and bike enclosures, landscaping and associated infrastructure including a sub-station. | 8, 10 And 10A Cheddars Lane And 351-355 Newmarket Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB5 8LD
Usual issues to check out:
- Cycle parking (number, type and positioning)
- Access, in particular need for improvements to Newmarket Road
Created by Monica Frisch // 2 threads
The site used by Ridgeons (builders' merchants) on Cromwell Road in Cambridge has been identified by Cambridge City Council as a potential location for new housing in the future. As a part of this, Ridgeons and their team of consultants, along with Cambridge City Council, are working to develop a document called the Ridgeons Cromwell Road Development and Planning Brief (Supplementary Planning Document, SPD). This will provide guidance on access, land use, building types, open space and character for all future planning applications on the site.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 2 threads
The Speedwatch scheme allows the public to get actively involved in monitoring the speed of vehicles travelling through their neighbourhood. It is used in areas where speeding has been identified as a priority at quarterly neighbourhood panel meetings. The scheme is run by the force alongside the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership. It is about educating motorists in the law in relation to speeding and monitoring any trends in speeding in neighbourhoods.
Volunteers are trained to use speed indicator devices which displays vehicle speed. The registered owner of any vehicle seen exceeding the speed limit is sent an advisory letter from their local neighbourhood policing team, explaining that speeding is unacceptable to the local community.
Ongoing work on the development of the North West Cambridge site results in cycle paths being blocked at random intervals, and inappropriate pedestrian-oriented alternative provision makes the situation more, not less, dangerous for cyclists, forcing us into a narrow roadway with fast-moving traffic. With the increase in heavy traffic, road surface is also deteriorating rapidly - increasing numbers of large potholes, which can easily lead to pinch flats and other mechanical failures on dangerous, narrow sections where lack of cycle path of pedestrian walkway means here is no escape route.
Created by Heather Coleman // 2 threads
I noticed a poster at the junction of Elm St and Clarendon St a few days ago. As I needed a rest this morning I stopped to read it. Apparently ONLY the residents of the Kite area (and not all of them according to the note pinned below the poster) are being consulted on the closure of Elm St, as far as I can tell, at the Elm Tree pub, to motor vehicles. Allegedly access by cyclists and pedestrians will be unaffected (although if it's some kind of rubbish narrow everyone having to give way to everyone else design, some regular users might wish to take issue with this, and suggest improvements to the design).
There is no reference to this anywhere I can find online. If I wish to reply to this consultation (and as I'm not a resident, will my views be taken into account?), I will have to go back to the poster and copy down the email address on a bit of paper. Deadline is tomorrow.
However, as a DAILY user of Clarendon St, I feel my democratic rights are being are being totally undermined. It may well be that a very large number of residents are against this proposal. Looking at it, it looks as if, for the vast number of cyclists who cycle along Clarendon St, it will probably improve safety as there may be fewer motor vehicles trying to use the Elm St crossroads which is probably the dodgiest bit of this route. Therefore regular users of Clarendon St may well wish to support this proposal.
My question is: how can they have a consultation that's secret and only open to those who actually live in an area rather than all those actually affected? As far as I am concerned this is totally undemocratic to the extreme.
If anyone is passing the area in the next couple of hours and has the technology to take a photo of the posters and start a thread on here regarding it and posting the posters so we can look at them at our leisure, it might be helpful for those of us who might like to drop a quick email in support of this plan.
Created by Tom Corder // 1 thread
My work colleague crashed when crossing the painted roundabout this morning as it was icy and therefore very slippery (she didn't go around the painted area as there was a pedestrian on the road). As she was recovering she met another lady who had also just crashed and as they walked together away from the roundabout, a third cyclist crashed behind them.
It has been reported on the County Council highways fault page.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
It appears that Sainsbury's may have acquired the Mace store at 78-80 Mill Road:
http://www.public-notices.co.uk/cambridge/view/13895/sainsburys-7
This could bring intensive lorry deliveries.
The nearest equivalent case, Tesco's planning application in 2007, envisaged two deliveries of 41 minutes from on Mill Road.
This location has no delivery bay, so deliveries blocking one side of Mill Road are presumably likely.
The shop already has planning consent for food sales (indeed, it is a Mace store) so may not result in any planning application.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Major new housing development, basically joining up East Road with Newmarket Road.
Issues relating to cycle parking quality and number.
Wrongly claims cycle route network in the immediate area is excellent.
Proposes no contribution to the Eastern Gate plan.
14/1905/FUL is the planning reference. Documents at:
https://idox.cambridge.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=NFRGTZDXJ7M00
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
https://www.scambs.gov.uk/content/cambourne
"Housing firm McA Developments has submitted proposals for the new homes on a site west of the town, along with two primary schools and a second secondary school.
The site extends from the tree belt to the west of Lower Cambourne to the A1198, and from the A428 in the north to the Caxton Bypass in the south.
Alongside the houses and schools, the developer has also proposed:
-Sports pitches and play areas
-Shops and community space
-Offices and light industrial employment areas
-Public open space
-Surface water drainage and landscaping
-Segregated cycle and pedestrian routes
-Alterations to an existing access off the A1198 and the redesign of the Caxton bypass and Cambourne Road roundabouts."
Created by Cllr Ian Manning // 1 thread
Creating this in order to allow a discussion thread about it.
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
There is un-allocated money available from northern area s106 agreements for Cambridge and South cambs.
The council are currently looking for suggestions on how to spend it, within the requirements for the projects, which include the local transport policy priorities for walking, cycling and public transport.
The map is not accurate for the area covered: it certainly includes north Cambridge, a bit of Castle, and Histon, but the map was only up briefly. Once the minutes for the North Area Committee are published the definitive map will be available.
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
Proposals for changes to Barton Road / Newnham Road junction, driven by residents requests for changes.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
"Proposed residential development to erect 10 studio flats, following the demolition of existing building on site. | Victoria Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 3DU"
Cycle parking deficiencies
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Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
A Camcycle member is looking at starting a local campaign group with the aim of getting a cycleway to connect the villages of Horningsea and Waterbeach along the B1047.
Please share your ideas and advice for the route here.
Created by Jamie // 1 thread
At the moment it is possible to cycle from Cambridge Road, near Madingley, to Girton, on a bridleway that crosses over the A428 and then passes under the M11 at the Girton Interchange. You can then cross three roads (A1307) and reach a pavement on the North-East side of the Interchange. Using the pavement you can then reach Washpit Lane and cycle up towards Girton. (The pavement is marked as a shared-use route on the OSM Cycle map, although I am not sure that it really is.)
Apart from having to be careful when crossing the A1307 junction it is a rather pleasant route to ride.
The Girton Interchange is being "improved" to reduce the bottleneck for cars. Does anyone know what plans there are to ensure that the current route through remains open and whether there are plans to improve the bridleway route through? Or will this be another example of roads being developed to the detriment of footpaths/bridleways.
Created by Richard Jennings // 2 threads
Because of queuing for the Grand Arcade car park, amongst other things, the mandatory cycle lane on Pembroke Street and Downing Street is routinely abused by motor vehicles – one every 66 seconds on a Saturday afternoon http://www.cyclestreets.net/galleries/221/.
The corner at Free School Lane is a particular concern because vehicles traveling east can't see oncoming cycles.
Created by Colin Bell // 1 thread
Has there been any improvement in the "new" NCN 11 route from Waterbeach to Lode since last summer? Last time I went that way I had to wheel the bike across fields and carry it over two or three stiles.
Any information, including a forecast date when a proper route is likely to be built, welcome. Thanks.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
There's a very poor dogleg right-angle with barriers at the entrance/exit from the West Cambridge site to Clerk Maxwell Road.
This should be turned into a wide splay with good visibility.
Sam // 1 thread
The bollards at the bottom of Herbert St haven't been replaced after the electricity cable was laid last week.
Rather than directly replacing the bollard slalom that existed beforehand, the bollard specialists might have suggestions on what the layout should be here which camcycle can suggest as for the replacement...
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 12 threads
Project Orange is an attempt develop our general strategy during the year 2013.
It involves
1) Should Cambridge Go Dutch (or Copenhagenize)
2) A more assertive stance in our interactions with agencies: Demanding of them to make feasible what seems infeasible
3) focus on a regional area 10 miles (15 km) around Cambridge and a dartboard network structure to connect villages,
4) the development of a Bicycle Infrastructure Assessment Tool (BIAC) which will allow us to grade and praise provision
5) Priority over sideroads as part of a Dutch-style approach
5) Development of Visualisation Tools for major projects (Chisholm Trail, Newnham to Newmarket Rd, Mitcham's Corner)
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
London Cycling Campaign has reorientated its policy towards a 'Go Dutch' approach.
This aims to learn from best practice abroad rather than continuing with the 'hierarchy of provision' that, in 20 years in the UK, has arguably failed to deliver meaningful change.
This is an overarching issue for conceptual discussion of this issue.
Created by David Earl // 4 threads
There are some evil short grey posts on the busway cycleway that are really hard to see in the dark. I have heard of a number of people hitting them with disastrous consequences
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 3 threads
Travis Perkins Development has major impact on Chisholm Trail.
We have a letter from the developer outlining their position - let's see if I can attach this...
There is a lengthy discussion of the Chisholm Trail, the gist of which is that they don't see why they should make any further accommodation for it when it is mainly Network Rail's land that is earmarked for the route. They dangle a small carrot in that they might release the corner piece of land to mitigate the pinch point you identified - but only if this application is given the go-ahead.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20121109a
A DfT consultation to see whether speed limits on single carriageways should be introduced for HGV's. This will clearly have implications for cycle safety.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 1 thread
Rather than providing adequate cycle parking for their pupils this Sixth Form college is discouraging cycling and increasing the likelihood of cycle theft. The bikes that were previously attached to these railings are now left on the opposite side of the road where they are not so securely parked. See http://cambridge.cyclestreets.net/location/27865/ #27865 or #27866
Although some cycle parking does seem to have been provided: http://cambridge.cyclestreets.net/location/28093/ #28093, #28092 it is clearly not enough
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
The installation of one stand in the boundary of M&S facing Market Hill Square.
What general measures (publicity, fairs, web activity, leaflets, brochures, campaign manifestos) can we undertake to promote cycling in Cambridge in the most general sense?
This issue is a discussion area for proposals and discussion on creating general-purpose material and the approach that can be taken to promote cycling, and the difficult question of how this is balanced against difficulties that cyclists face in practice.
This issue is not for discussion of specific problematic infrastructure or helmet issues, or anything like that.
Various issues in Cambridge regarding bus driving and cyclist interactions. Work needs to be done to deal with this.
(This is actually a city-wide issue, but I've marked this as the bus station for now.)
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Planning application here. Access issues need checking.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 2 threads
Access to and return journey from the Crematorium is a real challenge for the cyclist. Indeed, chances are you may end up in it if you try to ride your bike there.
Here we have a essential public service which is accessible by car only. Is this acceptable ?
These issues arise also if a convoy of bicycles was to accompany a coffin.
What is to be done?
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/contact-us/council-buildings/crematorium.en
Aims of a bike harvest:
- Reduce bike ‘litter’
- Improve the number of available bike parking spaces
- Recycle bikes and provide affordable bikes (with lights) for new students
- Employ disadvantaged people
This junction has often been suggested a prime site where a continental-style 'all green phase' signalling scheme could be tried.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
County Council press release: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/CMSWebsite/Apps/News/Details.aspx?ref=1154
Created by Clare Gibbons // 0 threads
I propose the creation of bike/bus scheme: a bus service for Sundays and Bank holidays leaving Cambridge Rail Station, heading out through Barton Road and linking Burwash Manor, Wimpole Hall, Gamlingay Woods, Great Gransden Woods etc in a circular route. Short cycle routes to be developed around villages along the route. Cyclists can choose the length of journey they want to make and be assured of a ride home by bus if they do not wish to cycle back to Cambridge...
A 24 cycle bike-trailer can be towed behind a 20 seater bus, providing sustainable tourism access to South Cambridgeshire and passenger transport services for settlements that do not currently have Sunday services. Please respond and state whether you would be interested in such a service.
Created by cobweb // 0 threads
Permission given for 286 homes. Concern was raised in 2010 about the positioning of the 715 cycle parking spaces.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 17 threads
Many issues here about cycle parking - not only the station itself but the CB1 area
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
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
Is it legal or not to ride on either Christ's Lane or Milton's Walk ?