Grantchester Road shut to motor traffic for months
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
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Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Cambridge Cycling Campaign:
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
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Proposed extension to provide Dotcom facility with 4 bay van loading canopy & secure service yard. | Tesco Cheddars Lane Newmarket Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB5 8LD
This application re-routes the path west of the shop to make room for a new structure. The problem is it adds another right angle turn to the already ridiculous one at the west corner of the shop. With a tiny change it could also allow for access to the store!
Created by Hester Wells // 1 thread
There are proposals to build a permanent ice rink on land owned by Marshalls within the Park and Ride site. Various community groups are currently being consulted at an early stage about the plans.
Cycling issues include cycle parking, construction and delivery lorry danger, and connectivity for cycling.
The site in on NCN 51.
Created by Colin Rosenstiel // 1 thread
A planning application (14/1818/FUL) proposes to replace the road blockers with gates. The design has such a large gate it has to open to the left of the opening as seen from Manor St (see http://goo.gl/maps/j7Lfm), requiring 3 of the 5 cycle parking hoops (obscured by the trees and not in use in the photo) to be moved to the right of the entrance. They serve shops on King St and visitors to the Malcolm Place flats so moving them would take them significantly further from the needs they serve.
I am drafting an email to the planning department to include criticism of the gate design from my point of view as a local resident. I am also soliciting Campaign support on the cycle parking issue. I'll post a draft shortly.
Created by Phil Lee // 0 threads
What to do about disgraceful decisions like this:
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Driver-ran-Cambridge-cyclist-mistakenly-thinking/story-24555273-detail/story.html ?
Clearly, the magistrate erred seriously in matters of both fact and law - all the prosecution had to prove was that the way he drives falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.
Equally clearly, it did - nobody who could possibly be described as "competent and careful" would run over something the size of a cyclist without even being aware of it. He even admitted that he was talking on the phone at the time.
It staggers the mind to think what on earth the magistrates were thinking - or what with. Maybe they slept through the case, so didn't hear the prosecution, but were woken up for the defence (how there can be any defence for that is beyond me). Maybe they are dangerous drivers themselves, so sympathise with others of the same ilk instead of adequately discharging the responsibilities they are charged with? Mark Tyler also deserves complete contempt for not pleading guilty, and so preventing this gross miscarriage of justice. He should have been thanking his lucky stars that the police and CPS are so incompetent as not to pursue Dangerous driving, which it equally clearly was.
How can we get rid of incompetent idiots like Phil King (the lead magistrate in this case) who asserted that "there were “significant gaps” in the evidence". It is obvious to me that this dangerous idiot is perverting the course of justice by remaining in his position.
Presumably his colleagues on the bench conspired with him in this perversion - they could (and should) have over-ruled him unless they were parties to the conspiracy, surely?
The evidence was all there - there was a cyclist in front of him - whether the cyclist was upright or on the ground is irrelevant. Mark Tyler drove over him. Neither of those facts were in dispute. That is not the action of a competent and careful driver, and it should be beyond question that a person being in front of the vehicle is something which the driver should be expected to be aware of, which means the test in s3ZA of the Road Traffic Act is satisfied, and the accused is guilty.
The evidence also meets the test in s2A (Meaning of dangerous driving) so there is no excuse whatsoever for clearing him of even the lesser offence of careless driving. With driving like that, it is clear, beyond reasonable doubt, that he should not be in possession of a driving license, and the magistrates failed in their duty to relieve him of it.
As long as dangerous criminals like Phil King are allowed on the bench, the roads will never be safe for anyone.
As a footnote, from the report is appears that this dangerous character commutes from Whitchurch, Hampshire to Clifton Way, Cambridge. What length does that make his effective working day?
It's about 120 miles each way, so at least 4 hours driving (considerably more if in the "rush hour") on top of a full workday. It's utterly moronic to make a commute like that - when I worked anywhere near that far away, I commuted weekly. But this happened on a Wednesday.
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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