Merlin Place – North East Cambridge
A developer called Kadans Science Partner is proposing to redevelop the Merlin Place site (currently home to the Taylor Vinters building) as part of the North East Cambridge scheme.
Issues
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:
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Removing exclusionary barriers across Cambridgeshire
Camcycle's time and energy is consistently taken up removing exclusionary barriers (e.g. Biomedical Campus, A14 active travel bridges, Warren Road). We need to consider long-term ways to prevent new barriers going in and remove existing ones which prevent people of all ages and abilities cycling.
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Romsey Labour Club - Mill Road (2022)
There have been issues with the cycle parking in the past so this need examining again.
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Private? farm roads
I'm new here, so this has probably been done before, but I haven't sussed out how to find any relevant previous discussion using the search. So sorry if this is repetition.
There are lots of farm roads around Cambridge, some of which have locked gates and "bicycles by written permission only" notices, others are signed as permissive routes, others have no signs but in practice nobody actually shouts at you as you cycle through what turns out to be a farmyard.
Are there any resources that enable us to work out in advance, before discovering the sign and the locked gate, which of these roads are passable by bike, with possibly a rather long route home if the answer is "no"?
Just as an example, how about Battle Gate Road?
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"Our Place In Space"- temporary obstruction on the Haling Way
A series of temporary obstructions are planned for the Haling Way path
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Trumpington Road/Bentley Road
Cars regularly cut across cyclists in the southbound bus/cycle lane.
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Consultation on a proposal to re-surface part of Longstanton Bridleway 10
From the county:
In addition to the notification which I sent to you on Monday 11 April 2022 regarding the order to divert part of Longstanton Bridleway 10, I am emailing you to consult you on a proposal to re-surface the northern part of Longstanton Bridleway 10 between the new bridge across the access road to Northstowe and the southern end of the Wilsons Road by Falcon Park.
The proposal to re-surface the northern part of Longstanton Bridleway 10 is related to Condition 59 of Northstowe Phase 2 (S/2011/14/OL) which is subject to submission of details to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning consultation S/2011/14/COND59. In order to achieve a continuous all-weather NMU link between Longstanton, Bar Hill and the new A14 NMU path I am consulting you on what type of surfacing you would like to see on the route (coloured in pink on the attached plan). The route will need to provide an upgraded route that caters for all non-motorised users (walkers, cyclists and horse-riders) all year round.
The southern section of Longstanton Bridleway 10 between the A1307 and the new NMU bridge over the Northstowe access road was surfaced last year and I am interested in whether a similar type of surface would be suitable on the northern section of the bridleway. The northern section of Longstanton Bridleway 10 is generally quite wide and located between tree/hedge lines. I am proposing that any re-surfacing on the northern part of the bridleway follows the principle of providing a 50-50 parallel surface (50% retaining grass/natural surface next to 50% smooth surface suitable for cyclists and pedestrians such as the surface which is in place on the southern part of Longstanton Bridleway 10 or the surface which has just been completed on Reynolds Drove, Rampton north of the busway). Between the boundary features on the northern part of Longstanton Bridleway 10 there is generally at least 5 metres of width available which in theory could accommodate 2.5 metres of natural surface next to 2.5 metres of foot/cycling surface.
The re-surfacing of the bridleway associated with the planning condition is for the developer (Homes England) to deliver, but I am seeking your opinions on what you would like to see in this location which I will then use to inform my feedback to Homes England and Greater Cambridge Planning on the condition which needs to deliver improvements to the northern part of Longstanton Bridleway 10.
I would be much obliged if I could have your comments back on this matter by Friday 29 April 2022.
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Tagalongs, FollowMes and child-adult tandems/triplets
I'm writing an article for the next Camcycle magazine on family cycling options with pedalling kids (so FollowMe, Tagalong and tandems/triplets). Could anyone share their experiences of using these?
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Obstructive anti-cycle barriers between Charles Street and Rustat Road.
There are 1970s-style barriers separating Charles Street and Rustat Road. This means that the large numbers of cyclists heading in both directions often have to give way to each other. These barriers need replacing by a removable bollard in the centre of the route, so cyclists can easily pass on the correct side as they would any other traffic island but cars can't get through. This is a literal barrier to easy safe convenient cycling and has no place in 21st Century Cambridge. Especially when there is an easy solution around it.
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Combined Authority Board
The Combined Authority Board is chaired by the elected Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The purpose of the Board is to ensure that the decisions and actions of the Combined Authority deliver key outcomes for the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
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Pedestrian Crossing on Victoria Av (Jesus Gn SE Corner) Blocked
Two large Red barriers have been placed to deliberately close the pedestrian crossing, both sides of road.
There seems no reason to block off this vital route. No alternative is provided (no kerb drop etc)
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Airport way blocked with no provision for cyclists .
The cycleway is blocked by building work with a footway separated from the road which is too narrow to cycle and with no ramps to
leave or join the road .
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22/00758/FUL: 9apartments (1 building), 303 Histon Road
Erection of 9 dwellings within 1 apartment building comprising studios, one and two bedroom apartments, together with landscaping, parking arrangements, bike and bin provision and associated infrastructure (following demolition of the existing dwelling)
303 Histon Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 3NF
Application reference: 22/00758/FUL
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22/00712: 2 storey building, Hills Road 6th form College, Hills Road
Construction of a new three storey educational building, including associated hard and soft landscaping.
Hills Road Sixth Form College Hills Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 8PE
Application reference: 22/00712/FUL
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22/00655: retail unti & 3no. apartments, Burleigh Street
Demolition of Numbers 16 and 16A Burleigh Street and the construction of a three-storey building comprising a retail unit on the ground floor and 3 no. apartments on the first and second floors providing bin and cycle stores on land to the rear of the new retail unit and access to the proposed apartments will be from Burleigh Place, while the retail element will remain accessible from the front (i.e. Burleigh Street).
16 And 16A Burleigh Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 1DG
Application reference: 22/00655/FUL
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A1303 Little Wilbraham Road
This is a dangerous junction for people on bikes. How can it be improved?
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[fixed] Ditton Meadows / Ditton Walk path blocked by fallen tree
The path / cut-through between Ditton Meadows and Ditton Walk (next to Ronald Rolph Court) is currently blocked by a fallen tree.
It's possible to squeeze under it with a standard bicycle if you're agile.
Looks like someone attempted to block the path with red/white tape at the southern entrance, but it's all come down of course. I didn't see any warning at the northern entrance.
There's a report on the County Council site (387287), but it's marked as 'closed' on the 21st Feb. Tree was still there on 22nd.
[later:] It was gone by 15 March (probably long before).
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22/00293: extension to create 4 flats, 184 Thoday Street
22/00293/FUL | Two storey side, single storey rear and roof extension to create 4 flats
184 Thoday Street Cambridge CB1 3AX
Application reference: 22/00293/FUL
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22/00583/FUL: 14no houses, Aragon Close and Sackville Close
Demolition of existing garages and hardstanding and erection of 14no houses (7 at Aragon Close and 7 at Sackville Close) together with car parking, green space, landscaping, bin and bike stores and associated infrastructure.
Land At Aragon Close And Sackville Close Cambridge Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
Application reference : 22/00583/FUL
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22/00469/FUL: 2bed bungalow to the rear of 157 Green End Road
Erection of 2bed bungalow to the rear of 157 Green End Road
157 Green End Road Cambridge CB4 1RW
Cambridge
Application reference : 22/00469/FUL
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19/1453/CONDA: conditions of planning permission 19/1453/FUL Shah Jalal Mosque.
Submission of details required by conditions 10 (Cycle Parking layout) and 15 (Traffic Management Plan) of planning permission 19/1453/FUL.
107 Shah Jalal Mosque Darwin Drive Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 3HQ
Cambridge
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East Road/Mill Road junction not detecting cyclists
A member of the public has informed us that the signals at the junction of East Road and Mill Road are not detecting people on bikes on the lane in front of the fire station heading east on Mill Road. Has anyone else experienced this? We can get an email to the signals team.
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Election campaign 2022
It is important that we engage with the candidates at each election, scrutinise their views, and press for their commitments to cycling.
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Broken cattle grid (Midsummer Common entrance opp Fair St)
Rods at this cattle grid have either sheared off or been vandalised (not that recently). It already appears on the county fault report site ref 372428, from June 2021, but nothing appears to have been done about it.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
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Ring Fort Path
There is a need for a link between the A14 Histon interchange with Ring Fort Path in Orchard Park.
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CB1 station area: cycle parking and access
Many issues here about cycle parking - not only the station itself but the CB1 area
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Bike Harvest June 2012
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 -
Bus drivers and cyclists in harmony
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.)
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Bike Parking Shortage at Hills Rd 6th Form College
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
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Stall at Energise Cambridge
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
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The History of Cycling in Cambridge
Talk by local historian about cycling in Cambridge
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Green Dragon Bridge
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.
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18-19 Regent Terrace planning applications 11/1375/FUL & 11/1376/CAC
11 flats replacing existing building
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Perne Road roundabout
Improvements and changes to Perne Road - making this as cycle-friendly as possible.
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Lack of joined up information on Council websites
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-vbLsnu8QPw7pHXAgfirst 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 tohttp://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/transport-and-streets/cycling-and
-walking/cycle-parks.enon 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?" -
Glebe Farm development
Permission given for 286 homes. Concern was raised in 2010 about the positioning of the 715 cycle parking spaces.
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Bicycle Access to Crematorium
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
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12/0585/CLUED Lawful use of car park, Rugby pitch off Sedley Taylor Rd
Planning application here. Access issues need checking.
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General promotion of cycling in Cambridge
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.
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12/0968/FUL Installation of one bike stand
The installation of one stand in the boundary of M&S facing Market Hill Square.
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DfT consultation - HGV speed limit rise to 50mph on single carriageways?
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.
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Travis Perkins Development
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.
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Greater Cambridge Partnership (City Deal)
"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."
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Busway cycleway flooded
The busway cycleway is sometimes flooded in this section.
The County Council need to address this.
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Regional Campaigning
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 ?
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Orchard Park audit
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.
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Histon Road (City Deal scheme, and Gilbert Rd to Victoria Rd)
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.
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AstraZeneca to move to Addenbrooke's site
AstraZeneca have announced they will by 2016 move to the Biomedical Campus on the Addenbrooke's site. We need to engage with them.
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signage on cycle-pedestrian path next to Trumpington allotments, Cambridge
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