Cam Lakes Project
For discussion of cycling issues related to the Cam Lakes project to open the Cherry Hinton chalk pits to the public http://www.camlakes.co.uk/
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 Hester Wells // 2 threads
For discussion of cycling issues related to the Cam Lakes project to open the Cherry Hinton chalk pits to the public http://www.camlakes.co.uk/
Created by Rohan Wilson // 1 thread
I've visited Riverside to Waterbeach with William Rayner of county cycling team. He's revising signage here and providing it along the St Ives corridor, with the old NCN 51 being renamed Regional Route 24 (blue patch). We've decided finally to continue to sign NCN 11 from Riverside Bridge to Waterbeach Station, and he's looking at suitable (hopefully temporary) wording to advise to follow NCN 51 to Bottisham for destinations beyond Waterbeach, which will hopefully eliminate misrouting those from outside the area.
Our inspection of existing signs showed that only one new signboard was provided on completion 5 years ago of Riverside Bridge. Signboards still send people via Green Dragon. Sustrans considers signage is an important part of any route project.
The intention is to sign Milton Country Park as a destination, not as part of the route, removing route signs within the park, and probably retaining Coles Road as the signed route through the village, though it would be much preferable to have improvements past the shops and the village green, pubs etc.
Retaining the route to Waterbeach as NCN will help keep the gap in people's awareness.
I am planning to contact again the landowner of the missing link between Bottisham Lock and Fen Road, Lode with a suggestion for a low-level route, southeast side of the Bottisham Lode floodbank which is the route of the public footpath, where signs forbid cycling. It might be considered more visually acceptable. All parish councils are for the route, including the one of which he is a member.
Sidney Street has been repaved a few years ago. Today the street surface is again in need of repair. Paving stones are loose, pedestrians and cyclists may fall. Continuing vehicle traffic at the current rate and speed will increase the damage exponentially.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Cycle parking as recently been installed on the pavement at one spot on Mill Road.
While new cycle parking is much-needed in this area, personally I feel this specific spot is unduly obstructive to pedestrians and the disabled.
The Mill Road depot site has been mooted as a likely housing location in the Local Plan.
We should ensure that the proposals are cycle friendly (possibly car-free or very low-car housing), and that the route is safeguarded for the Chisholm Trail.
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've had a letter from the council. Not sure if someone put a copy through my door as they knew I was interested in the Fen Road, Milton, as it's dated 30th June which is over two weeks ago.
I think "suface dressing" ie loose chippings, is a totally inappropriate treatment for a road which has not that much motor traffic and rather a lot of cycle traffic. The loose chippings will be a skid and physical hazard for cyclists for months to come.
Richard G // 2 threads
I've had a wander around the Addenbrooke's campus again this lunchtime, counting bikes that were not in what I would call bike spaces.
ie not in a proper bike space, attached to a proper bike support.
so, all the ones attached to railings, trees, bike shed legs etc.
I've added the numbers to the last few times I've done this, back in 2011 & 2007
July 2014 Total bikes not in racks = 530
Oct 2011 Total was 526
Jun 2007 Total was 399
Mar 2007 Total was 289
I'll see if I can attach my map & numbers to this thread
Richard
Richard G // 4 threads
Hi everyone
A short report back from yesterday's BUG-WAG
(bicycle user group - walking action group) on the Addenbrooke's campus
The junction of Adrian Way & Long Road had the origional plan for a bike right turn island rejected on the grounds of pedestrian safety. Nothing was forthcoming as to any change
units and departments are being encouraged to take part in the Cambridge Cycle Challenge
After the meeting with some campaign members about the path/junction by outpatients carpark, new plans are being drawn up without the barrier & in effect, just a T juntion. Not sure if planners will insist on 'STOP' or 'Give Way' signs. We hope to be informed.
there are some changes to existing cycle parking, some racks being relocated away from the main drag to make more disabled parking spaces. Railings around the front entrance are being removed with the effect that bikes chained to them will have to go somewhere else. The trust seem to think that they have an excess of spaces for bikes, but that cyclists dont always travel further to use them. I'm really not convinced they have an excess & will be doing another sitewide count of bikes/spaces soon
There still does not seem to be any bigger plan to place cycle parking as the site developments happen, rather just a piecemeal approach where everyone does their own thing.
A (i think big) issue that was brought up is where 'The Forum' development works & access plans were seen for the first time.
The Forum is the building that will go on the carparks opposite ATC, and around the Frank Lee. A bus stop will close, foot paths will close and the most concern to the group was that hoardings will go up on the actual curb line. We thought this would make a very intimidating route to cycle eastbound along Robinson Way. We are expecting a scan of the plans & I will circulate (as part of a new thread)
There were some other info bits about the Hills Road changes (happening), cycleway lighting, the OWL bike maintenance people's hours and the potential impact of the Park & Ride charges starting next week
Richard
Separate thread about this to separate from the main rail station thread..
The pedestrian/cycle underpass on Milton Road will be closed from August - December (currently) to facilitate rebuilding it for the busway extenstion.
Road works will be in place during this time.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Marshall's are proposing to develop an area north of Teversham Drift between the northern edge of Cherry Hinton and the airfield
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Matt Hodgkinson (@mattjhodgkinson) tweeted:
Cycle route at Abbey St blocked by Bayard Construction... until Aug 2015?! http://t.co/FiMOj9NaX9 @camcycle @CambsCC pic.twitter.com/8aowq7V94Z
This is for the 'Nidus' development:
http://bluesproperty.com/current-projects/
Created by Monica Frisch // 4 threads
Delivery vehicles in Cambridge frequently obstruct cycle routes. I suggest we use this issue to keep track of the offenders (companies and locations) with separate threads for each location.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Planning application in this week's list for rebuilding the derelict shops on the south-west corner of the Perne Road roundabout (these have their own layby off the roundabout.
Created by Richard Moss // 1 thread
The Over to Longstanton road is to be closed from 30 June 2014 for 9 weeks for reconstruction of Gravel Bridge.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
The DfT have written to us with a proposed TRO to replace the sliproad from westbound A14 at Girton to southbound M11. This is also part of the widening scheme between Histon and Girton, but this aspect requires an order to give the lane motorway status. The main effect seems to be to lengthen the A14 part of the slip road to reduce queues on the main A14.
I don't think anything particular needs doing with this, so I don't plan to scan the correspondence, but if anyone wants if, please ask.
Area Committees are a joint meeting attended by both city and county councillors. They decide on planning issues in the area, but also have a role in the allocation of community development money from S106 contributions. They offer an opportunity to engage with multiple councillors at once, through the Open Forum section and speaking on specific Agenda items. The East Area's website is here: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/west-central-area-committee
Speaking at these meetings is a good way of making your feelings on matters the councils control public
Created by Anna Langley // 0 threads
In advance of whatever fair it is appearing on Midsummer common, the "cyclists dismount" signs have appeared on the entrances to the common.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Leaflet through my door today about "new homes on land off Teversham Road, Fulbourn". Unspecific at this stage, will be revealed, no doubt, at consultation event on 28 June. But it must be big for the scale of the consultation. It also has a website: http://www.castlefieldconsultation.co.uk but that also says nothing very specific as yet.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Cambridgeshire County Council order proposing additional parking restrictions outside Coleridge college on Radegund Road
Sam // 1 thread
Herbert St is one of the closest streets to the centre of town that has free on-road parking. As a result, it's a little chaotic.
Councillors are working towards resident only parking (and seem to have been for some time).
Given that it's part of the cycle route from Midsummer common, and has small gardens, narrow pavements etc, is it worth seeing if there can be some cycle stands added or some other improvements at the same time?
There are some by the co-op on Chesterton Road, of which about half seem to be used by residents.
Created by Phillip Barnett // 2 threads
As part of the station redevelopments, the existing cycleparking is being replaced through June-August 2014 with two-tier stacks 'with the same capacity as the current arrangements'
Created by Cllr Ian Manning // 2 threads
I've long thought the Green End Road area, specifically the section closest to Milton Road, is prime territory for a big reallocation of space, with segregated cycleways, pavements and a narrowed road.
There is a *small possibility* of including an ambitious plan for this in the station project.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
Changes are proposed to this junction (thread and attachment to follow)
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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.
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 Martin L-S // 1 thread
Ever since Tesco opened their new shop on East Road, there has been poor unloading practice.
The company is unloading always from the front of the store with a large lorry which:
- Is stopped in the (advisory) cycle lane.
- The tail of the lorry is opened into the carriageway without a banksman, with the corner of it at the same height as a cyclist having to merge round the lorry - there is real potential for a head injury because of the relative invisibility of this
- Causing traffic to be reduced to one effective lane (or two, just squeezing through, if no large vehicles), causing delays for a half an hour period.
They have stopped using the zig-zag lines.
This photo shows the danger that is created:
http://www.cyclestreets.net/location/68145/
Created by jennifer Kirner // 1 thread
I am bringing up the problem that cyclists and pedestrians have crossing East Road to get to ARU and the neighbouring residential area. It would be helpful have a discussion about how to create safe routes in this area and how to get them implemented.
When I am cycling, I find it dangerous and difficult to cross East Road from Petersfield or Bradmore Street and I resort to using the pedestrian crossings with my bike because it is.
This area that really needs addressing for improvements to safe cycling and I don’t understand why given the expansion of ARU this has not been addressed.
The junction of Mill Road/East Road is also pretty scary for cyclists and pedestrians. The crossing at the slip road at the corner of Petersfield is difficult for pedestrians because it has no traffic controls and cars come quickly round this corner making it dangerous for anyone who is not alert , who is not tall enough to see, or who can't move quickly. This includes the young, the old, someone in a wheelchair. I wouldn't fancy pushing a child in a buggy across either.
Basically, it seems to me that the Junction and East road are designed for motor vehicles and traffic flow not for pedestrians and cyclists. Can we try and address this?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
I am writing to point your attention to a "danger spot" on the Barton Road cycle route.
I and many others cycle this route every day and really appreciate how safe it is. However, there have been a number of near accidents at the sliproad from the M11 southbound onto the Barton roundabout. The problem is that the cycle path means that all cyclists must cross the road leading onto the roundabout. This is fine when the traffic is not busy. However, during rush hour the left lane going onto the roundabout is always queued up. This means that, to cross the the road, a cyclist needs to wait for a car to let them out. However, the problem lies with the right lane going onto the roundabout. If there is a queue in the left lane, you are unable to see into the right lane and so quite a few cyclists are nearly knocked off at this point
The problem is that:
a. The right lane is too short and so cyclists are unable to get out of the way in time if a car does not does turn onto it. It seems to me that there shouldn't be a right lane as it's too short to be of any use and poses more of a danger to cyclists.
b. Cars tends to (understandably) be going quite fast as they've just come off the M11 and also are usually looking onto the roundabout rather than the road in front of them. This has meant that I've seen lots of cars having to break very heavily having only seen a bike crossing in front of them at the very last minute.
I, and the other cyclists that routinely use this otherwise very safe route, would hugely appreciate it if this problem could be looked at.
[RL; sent by post, 27th June 2015]
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The Eastern Gate proposals are a strategic attempt by the City Council to rework the Newmarket Road roundabout area towards a standard crossing, and create a welcoming entrance into this very run-down looking part of the city.
It is supposed to be being paid for by Section 106 moneys from developments, yet proposal after proposal is coming forward but nothing is happening.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
Fulbourn/Cherry Hinton Eastern Access is one of the five City Deal 'cross-city improvements' schemes.
"The growth of housing and employment sites in the Cherry Hinton and Fulbourn Road area, such as the expansion of the ARM headquarters will put further pressure on local roads. Improving the cycleways on Fulbourn Road would enhance cycle access to the city centre and contribute to the completion of the cycleway network in this part of south-east Cambridge."
Created by Roxanne (Cycling Campaign Officer) // 5 threads
The Mill Road traders are planning a meeting (2016) to discuss congestion on Mill Road and have asked us to send a representative. What ideas do we have to for Mill Road?
Created by Anna Langley // 2 threads
This intersection needs a right turn light for bikes turning from St Andrew's Street into the Downing Street contraflow lane.
Doing so feels unsafe with buses coming up from behind, and little opportunity to get across the intersection.
I'm considering setting up a 38 Degrees petition on the matter, but wanted to see if this issue had been campaigned on before.
Created by Ben Brierton // 1 thread
The new road layout here means that eastbound cyclists travelling straight-on find themselves in the left-turn lane, stopped by a Red light, and blocking traffic turning left into the Park and Ride who have a Green left turn filter.
The road markings seem to expect cyclists in this lane to go straight ahead, even though it's the left turn lane, because it is guided into the onward eastbound cycle lane. Just feels wrong and leaves cyclists vulnerable to the left turning traffic.
There should be a 'redmac' cycle lane between the left turn lane and the right hand lane. The road markings should guide cyclists from this lane into the eastbound cycle lane instead of from the left turn lane.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Demolition of ancillary buildings and removal of 1930's facade at the grade II listed Cambridge Union Society. Construction of replacement facade, reinstatement and refurbishment of historic features and internal and external access and refurbishment works including enlargement of existing cafe (use class A3) and re-opening of 'footlight's' entertainment space (sui generis). Demolition of squash courts and un-listed 3-5 Round Church Street in the conservation area. Construction of new link building for access and ancillary uses for the Union Society. Construction of adjacent new building with ground floor restaurant (use class A3) with 41 room post-graduate student accommodation above (use class C2) together with basement storage and services.
Cambridge Union Society 9A Bridge Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1UB
Application reference : 16/0673/FUL
Also a Listing Building Consent application: 16/0674/LBC Demolition of ancillary buildings and removal of 1930's facade at the grade II listed Cambridge Union Society
Created by Roxanne (Cycling Campaign Officer) // 0 threads
Plans are emerging for development on the Coldham's Lane site with implications for the surrounding area including links with Cherry Hinton.
Created by Stephen Lawrence // 1 thread
Some people are especially sensitive to lights, including flashing lights, and lights which point directly into their eyes. Both these two situations can result in migraines for the unfortunate observer.I am glad to read that German law mandates downward-focussed lights. We should do the same.
Flashing lights used to be illegal (i.e. when incandescant lights were the norm) but the law was changed to specifically allow them. However, for the reason above, and also because judging the speed (and to some extent the position) of a bicycle is impossible when the light is flashing could actually make flashing lights less safe. Batteries have improved and LEDs are more efficient, and the battery life even on 'steady' mode is way more than in the 'days of yore' hat some of us knew.
Created by Al Storer // 2 threads
Cycling and Walking provision at Cambridge Science Park is poor. Lets try and get it fixed
Created by Guy Hill // 1 thread
If it is not bad enough in a cycle city that the Great Northern Road, the new road to Cambridge's main train station and cycle parking, does not have a segregated and safe cycle paths, the new development is now being proposed which will prevent a segregated cycleway from access to the Station a Devonshire road.
Does anyone agree that there should be a segregated cycle access to the country's largest cycle park?
Created by Paul Bearpark // 1 thread
Objections to U&Cs outline planning application need to be submitted by 10 April. There seem to be some interesting ideas for improving cycling infrastructure but a lot that could be improved upon.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This junction is currently very poor. Cyclists end up doing awkward manoeuvres and visibility is not good.
It is possible this could be improved as part of the Chisholm Trail.
How could this junction be redesigned to make it best practice?
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've noticed a few of these around Cambridge where there's a "no through road" sign but it's a through road for cyclists and pedestrians. As there's a post already, if the council had a ready-made stock of plates saying "except cycles", "except pedestrians", a single operative could affix the plate below the sign to made it correct. It is highly deceptive and not serving those using non-motorised transport if they go the long way round not realising they can get through a quicker route.
Created by Simon here // 2 threads
Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?
I cycle past this junction a lot, and sometimes the lights are red so I wait and look at the lanes and wonder why they're like this.
Created by Gingineer // 1 thread
I work near the station and the area out the front of the new building has short term cycle spaces for the shops there. These spaces are specifically for the retail units (ratios of this is in the planning application I understand). so the racks have to be installed and wont be policed by the retail units (such as the ones by Microsoft which are for employees) yet they fill with commuters who should be using the cycle park.
I have been thinking that Cambridge CC needs to agree a system (bye law?) to create short term racks. The colour should be different and signage provided but for racks that need controlling like this it is essential to stop antisocial cyclists piling up bikes.
Of course its difficult to police, and a heavy handed approach should be avoided but I see a growing issue across the city where racks for specific short term purposes are created but then filled with long term cyclists who should accept if they are parked all day that the extra 2 minutes walk for them to a proper cycle park is reasonable to expect. Otherwise this puts people off cycling the short distances as they fear they wont get a rack or will spend a lot of time scrambling for a spot.
Cyclists could be stickered and if caught again then fined. Or clamped to the rack with a fee to unlock (yes I know that sounds like it defeats the object but it should work after a while).
Created by GG // 1 thread
For a long time I have wondered about a crowd-sourced cycleability map.
In this, people cycle along a link (accepting the first question of how to define the beginning and end of this) then give it a thumbs up or down. After enough people do this, then others can see how popular it is.
Some people wonder about subjectivity but I think this should be less of a problem with more voters.
The reason I am asking is because this method could apply to a potential commercial project for a Council which wants to drive around 100km of rural roads and use a panel of 4 experts to grade meaningful segments on a 1 to 7 scale according to their suitability for HGV movements.
Any views on whether this is already done within an app I am not aware of, or could be it done by anyone as an add-on to something else, or is it something CamCycle could offer as a commercial package (there may well be more than one local authority looking for this sort of thing)
Created by wookey // 2 threads
Out of the A1307 Linton Greenway consultation has come a plan for the section between Addenbrooke's roundabout and the Babraham P&R, which the county/GCP are keen to move forward. There was an initial invite-only consultation event on Thur 31st Jan for local residents/residents associations to comment.
Created by Roxanne (Cycling Campaign Officer) // 1 thread
Huawei plans to develop R & D superhub at the 550-acre Spicer's Site in Sawston.
Created by Jon Warbrick // 1 thread
The County Council have a consultation running on "improvements along Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, to make it safer and more attractive for walking and cycling" between Hills road and Perne Road.
The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 June. There are two consultation events at Rock Road Library, 69 Rock Road, Cambridge on Tuesday 21 May and Tuesday 21 May.