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 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 ?