Economy and Environment Committee
Thread for County Council Economy and Environment Committee meetings
http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/CommitteeMinutes/Committees/Committee.aspx?committeeID=74
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) // 3 threads
Thread for County Council Economy and Environment Committee meetings
http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/CommitteeMinutes/Committees/Committee.aspx?committeeID=74
Martin Lucas-Smith // 3 threads
The City Council has been working on a City Centre Access Strategy to deal with the problem of obstructions, including inconsiderately-parked bikes. This is to be considered formally by a City Council Committee.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 2 threads
Mount Pleasant Halls - the redevelopment of Mount Pleasant House as accommodation for St Edmund’s and Darwin Colleges.
Created by Tim Steele // 1 thread
Not sure why these signs are here. This isn't Route 51 or Route 11 and you can't turn here in any case.
Created by Tim Steele // 1 thread
Some route 51 signs have appeared here, although it's not on route 51
The Greater Anglia franchise is due for renewal in October 2016 and the process has already started. It is quite unsusal to have a station serving such a large number of passengers with access on only one side o the tracks. This situation leads to many more and longer car journeys along Mill Road, Cherry Hinton Road and Hills Road.
There is an existing access via (non-residential) Clifton Road to the east side of the station and there is vacant land. We need to argue the case for an eastern entrance to the station, along with cycle parking and pedestrian access. There is a mainly empty car park on the other side of the tracks. We should also try to include a link from the Carter bridge to the new cycle park.
Interested parties
3 shortlisted franchises
local MPs
Minister responsible (Clare Perry MP)
Created by Richard Taylor // 1 thread
Proposal for three new pedestrian and cycle access points to Cambridge Business Park. The proposals are being made in light of the plans for an new station nearby.
Representations from companies with premises on the business park - Redgate and Autonomy - have expressed concerns about security and the potential for people to try and park on the business park and then get on a train.
The proposals are for the new accesses to be gated to restrict general public access.
The proposals include a connection to the potential cycleway along the line of the disused railway.
Cambridge Business Park Cowley Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 0WZ
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0919/FUL
Created by Violinist John // 1 thread
Noticed this a couple of weeks ago. As you will see the sign is incomplete and misleading given that the place to see all the details is the end of Ferry Lane waiting to join High Street. High Street at this point is both Route 51 and Route 11.
Major points:
Left turn to go to Impington on Route 51 - I think not.
Abbey and Fen Ditton to the left when you could just go back across Green Dragon bridge.
No directions to Histon, Milton, Waterbeach probably others.
Also the lack of any idea where route 11 goes to the right.
This appears to be one of a number of new signs that have recently appeared. If anyone has seen any more let's get the info out there and try to get them fixed.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 3 threads
Relocation of the existing liquid nitrogen (LN2) tank, Denios unit and cycle parking facilities.
Department Of Chemistry Lensfield Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1EW
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0988/FUL
NOTE:
Introduction of two tiered cycle parking to maintain the same number of parking spaces.
Richard G // 1 thread
A new research institute is planned for the Addenbrookes campus, plans are due to be submitted within a few weeks
There has been a exhibition of the overall plan & I have concerns about the cycle parking provision
Just wanted to report a collision on 1/6/15 at about 1700 between myself and a car in Cambridge.
Travelling South on Trumpington Road, turning into Fens Causeway I was hit by a car travelling North at the roundabout. There are three lanes of traffic heading north, the outmost car gave way correctly but the car in the second lane for whatever reason chose to accelerate onto the roundabout and hit me square on. I heard the noise of a revving engine, turned and watched the car drive straight into me. I felt the bonnet of the car as it hit and heard the sound of the impact, have a vague recollection about spinning through the air then hitting the tarmac. Although I was wearing a helmet it didn't help as I landed on my right buttock, back and leg.
Fortunately there were several witnesses including medically trained people who left their cars to help; the driver of the car involved remained in his car.
The police took about 25 minutes to arrive and the ambulance about 10 minutes after that.
I have nothing but praise for everyone who stopped and helped, the police, the paramedics and the A&E staff at Addenbrookes. The driver of the car knows what I think of him as I was quite vocal when he tried to get involved. He apparently told the police that I had 'cut the corner' of the roundabout. I'm not sure what he meant by this, nor was the police officer.
I count myself very lucky. Although I've been off work since the collision, I have no broken bones - just serious bruising, a lot of pain in my back and hip which I'm assuming will go away eventually. The ironic thing is that I'd been cycling from Melbourn to Hills Road since the previous week up and down the A10, and had decided to try a different route over Chapel Hill as I thought it might be safer.
I'm curious though, does this junction not have a history of collisions? I can recall seeing at least one there myself in the past. What is the recommended route for cyclists travelling this route?
I took the advice of the Campaign website and contacted Cycleaid for legal advice. I'll report back the outcome as things progress if anyone is interested.
BTW not sure how to draw a route on the map AND mark the collision point, so I've just done the latter.
By-election for the Romsey Division in June 2015
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The University has published initial plans for a Masterplan for the West Cambridge site, which will see further extension towards the M11.
https://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter/2014-15/weekly/6387/section6.shtml#heading2-11
Created by Robin Heydon // 1 thread
Extension to foodstore
ALDI Unit 1 157 Histon Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 3JD
Cambridge
Application reference: 15/0914/FUL
Created by Al Storer // 2 threads
The County Council have launched an initial consultation on improvements to Queen Edith's Way and Cherry Hinton Road (Hills Road to Mowbray Road). Very positively, what they're asking about is separated cycling facilities and bus stop bypasses. The devil will be in the detail as always, but the principle is good
http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/site/custom_scripts/cons_details.aspx?ref=367
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Sustrans invites comments by 30 June on its draft chapters of a "Cycle-friendly Design Manual".
This document, once published, could influence local authorities to provide better, safer cycle routes, and so persuade people who are not yet cycling their every day journeys to do so.
Your comments please to designandconstruction@sustrans.org.uk by 30 June.
Created by Rohan Wilson // 4 threads
Sustrans' "Handbook for cycle-friendly design", intended as a non-aligned expression of standards and processes for cycling provision, for public and specialist guidance, was published at the same time as the Campaign's "Making Space for Cycling". It received some criticism from members of CCyC.
Sixteen draft new chapters are at
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-services/what-we-do/route-design-and-construction and comments invited.
Subjects include: new developments; parking; design concepts; network planning; community involvement; signing; cycle-rail integration; and more...
Deadline for comments: 30 June
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 3 threads
Campaign to issue annual Bicycle Friendly Awards to business, colleges, universities, departments, shops, employers, delivery business, taxi companies, places of worship etc.
This process frames, develops and establishes local bicycle "culture," gives positive feedback and publicity.
Evaluation could focus on
1) support for employees and customers who cycle
2) education of (professional) drivers on how to safely interact with cyclists on the road
etc
Precedent could be the League of American Bicyclists http://bikeleague.org/business They issue such recognition annually to cities, campus, business etc and involve local members in the evaluation process
Threads on various categories of recipients to design process and assemble contacts
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
We have been contacted by a parent with the following concern.
Thoughts?
Dear Sir/ Madam
I'm in need of some expert advice/ opinions regarding a shared stretch of national cycle route in South Cambridge.
Cambridge County Council have notified hundreds of parents, myself included, that they are withdrawing the home to school buses from the Shelfords and Stapleford areas to Sawston Village College. They have assessed the route and claim it is safe for a child accompanied by an adult to walk to school. It is this criteria that I'm challenging, on the grounds of safety.
I'm in the process of appealing the decision along with many others. The particular stretch of path that I feel is highly dangerous is on the way out of Stapleford on A1301 after the bridge over the river Cam, I'll attach some pictures that I lifted from google streetmaps which should give an idea of the dangers. This is a single pass stretch with limited field of vision next to a 50mph limit main A road into Cambridge.
Ideally it would be great to have the recommended 2.1m for each cycle lane plus footpath, but obviously CCC prefer to cut and not spend and in doing so endanger young peoples lives.
I rack up 100 miles most weeks on my bike, so this is very much from an experienced cyclists perspective and I know this decision will only put more cars on the road, as well as make the cycle route more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Is this something you think you could help with? and are there any other campaigners/ experts who might be interested too?
I have until 11 May to submit the appeal form, the appeal hearing is mid June I think.
The Greater Cambridge City Deal has allocated £22 million over the next 5 years for:
"City Centre capacity improvements/cross-city cycle improvements"
see:
http://www.gccitydeal.co.uk/citydeal/info/2/transport/1/transport/2
Removal of car parking is an easily achievable way of making cycling more pleasant (and safer) Both the removal/relocation of Pay and Display and restrictions to all day commuter car parking on residential roads that form part of 'quiet roads' for cycling should form part of this funding stream.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Norfolk Street is narrowed considerably by the car parking on both sides.
At school dropping-off and collection time, there is absolute chaos, with all kinds of dodgy reversing manoeuvres with little children around. This is a shame, as there is really fantastic new cycle parking at the school. Also, the pay-and-display parking effectively makes this important contraflow route less safe than it should be.
The car parking by CB2 should be removed also. This is particularly hazardous.
This narrow shared use path has been recently completed. Discussions as to whether it is adequate.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
In preparation for the extension to Cambridge Judge Business School, demolition work to Nightingale and Bridget Hostels needs to take place. This will cause an element of disruption on Tennis Court Road as a temporary closure of the footpath, cyclepath and highway is required for the erection of scaffolding.
1st June 2015 - 15th June 2015
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
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Created by Robin Heydon // 3 threads
There is a need for a link between the A14 Histon interchange with Ring Fort Path in Orchard Park.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 17 threads
Many issues here about cycle parking - not only the station itself but the CB1 area
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
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 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 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
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
Talk by local historian about cycling in Cambridge
Created by Jim Chisholm // 2 threads
Currently there are 'No cycling' notices despite this being a major cycle route.
Although it is unlikely that major works can be done to the bridge, changes on the approaches could reduce the conflicts, by improving 'intervisibility' between the different users.
A meeting between various parties (Councillors, County bridge engineer, cycling officers, and cycling campaign is proposed.
Created by David Earl // 2 threads
11 flats replacing existing building
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Improvements and changes to Perne Road - making this as cycle-friendly as possible.
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 cobweb // 0 threads
Permission given for 286 homes. Concern was raised in 2010 about the positioning of the 715 cycle parking spaces.
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
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
Planning application here. Access issues need checking.
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.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
The installation of one stand in the boundary of M&S facing Market Hill Square.
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 // 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 // 43 threads
"The Greater Cambridge City Deal was signed by Central Government, Council leaders, businesses and the University of Cambridge and aims to secure hundreds of millions of pounds for the areas of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.
The Greater Cambridge City Deal aims to ensure that the success of the area continues by investing in the transport infrastructure, housing and skills needed to see future economic growth.
The first £100m of funding will be made available for transport improvements in the five years from April 2015."
The busway cycleway is sometimes flooded in this section.
The County Council need to address this.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 6 threads
How can we support the growth of local initiatives ?
How can we overcome the division urban and rural cycling?
Would it be useful to establish a network of regional groups?
Could such a network become an interesting partner for the county planners?
Would politicians be able to hear us better if we speak from a position of regional awareness, a a group of groups?
Would it help the elected to understand that things are changing on our roads?
Could such a network support constituent groups, facilitate exchange between these groups, become a more important player in the national context?
Could such a network attract its own funding?
What would be a good name for such a grouping (NAMES ARE IMPORTANT)
We have CTC, Ely, A10 Corridor, Martin T thinking about something in Bury St Edmunds, "Routes around Chatteris", Wisbech forum (set up by the County), - anything else ?
Gallagher Estate, master planners of Orchard Park will soon hand over the highways for adoption by the County Council.
We won't be able to fix this car centric development, but within it there are many pavement cycleways, "cyclists dismount" signs, cul-de-sac signs and others which are wrong or don't apply. There are also issues with dropped kerbs etc.
I am looking for volunteers to audit Orchard Park, making a list of corrections we require before Gallaghers hands this project over.
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 9 threads
Outline of issues affecting Histon Rd between Gilbert Rd and Victoria Rd. This stretch is without bike lane. Car parking on one side only, from Victoria Rd to pedestrian access to Recreation Ground.
The fuller length to the north is also part of a City Deal scheme.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 3 threads
AstraZeneca have announced they will by 2016 move to the Biomedical Campus on the Addenbrooke's site. We need to engage with them.
Created by Robert Asher // 1 thread
Hello, I'm wondering how many other Cambridge cyclists have shared the experience I've had (about once per month now) regarding a particular elderly lady who insists that bikes are not allowed on the "footpath" adjacent to the Trumpington allotments, between Shelford Rd & the new busway in CB2. This path seems clearly demarcated as a shared pedestrian-cycle path on the cycle maps provided at the council link (below). However, it is not clearly labeled as such on the path itself, leading her to become quite angry with any cyclist who gets near her & her dog while they're out walking (and obstructing the path to underscore her point). "It's a footpath" she yells, and storms away.
So my questions are 1) am I correct in interpreting the council map (below) as permitting bikes on this path and 2) how might one go about requesting proper signage, clearly saying bikes & pedestrians are both welcome?
Thanks for any feedback, Robert
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sites/www.cambridge.gov.uk/files/documents/cambridge-cycling-map.pdf