Ramps at Cambridge station to island platform
The wheeling ramps over the line to the new island platform are attracting some criticism.
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:
The wheeling ramps over the line to the new island platform are attracting some criticism.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Vehicles parking and driving in cycle lanes are a serious problem in Cambridge and beyond.
This is a master issue for discussions on this general problem.
(The Downing Street cycle lane has been shown as a key location where this is a problem, though the issue is city-wide.)
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
I've just come across
http://idox.cambridge.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LZDOOTDX07B00
Basically, it's an area which was surveyed in the summer, where we identified that the current cycle parking was rubbish.
They are planning to improve the spacing, and make it secure sheds, but at the cost of reducing the number of spaces, which oddly I inspected the other lunchtime and all were full apart from the "wheelbenders at 30cm spacing", from 178 spaces to 146 spaces. When we did our survey, we felt more spaces could be fitted in, at a better spacing, than what is currently there. There is more detail in the Design and Access Statement regarding the lighting than there is about the actual sheds, how you get in and out of them, and whether you can easily park a bike in them.
This junction is a pain for all users as the only traffic to get through unimpeded is that going to the Grand Arcade car park.
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 Heather Coleman // 2 threads
e.g.
A report in the Cambridge News
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Streets-due-to-be-closed-to-traffic-for-the-race-24022012.htm
The car-centric paper talks about motorists, but there is of course no information for cyclists and pedestrians. These are roads that are closed. To all traffic including cyclists and pedestrians? Will routes across the Commons also be closed to cyclists?
How should those of us who have to work that day in the centre of town get to work? Will it paradoxically be easier for me to drive along the A14 and M11, down the Barton Road, and park my car on West Road, and walk through King's, than cycle through Chesterton and Midsummer Common and through town and try to park my bike on King's Parade?
Improvements proposed by a resident to the safety of the pedestrian crossing at the Trumpington Road/Fen Causeway junction.
Created by cobweb // 3 threads
This junction is one of the most dangerous in the city. For many years, there have been injuries (and a death I believe) and complaints, but nothing has yet been done.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
They propose improving the 20mph signage in the city centre.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
A dropped kerb with and footway extension to 'facilitate' cycle route.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
A proposal to install lighting on the mid points of the footpaths on Parker's Piece.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
A proposal to light the Gough Way cycle/footpath with solar- powered, directional cats eyes. The footbridge will be upgraded soon, so this is the next step. The route is well used.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
A proposal to put in a new cycle path on the southern side of Lammas Land. The comment next to this in the report dismisses it because of the access road. They feel the loss of green space outweighs the need for it.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
This could be important given the traffic calming work that was approved for the section of road outside the rugby ground.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
From the West/Central Area Committee agenda, a proposal to resurface the track from South Green Road to the start of the Grantchester Meadows path. They will consider whether to adopt this on 1st March.
Created by cobweb // 1 thread
In the Environmental Improvements Programme for the West Area Committee, (1st March) they are considering whether to adopt the proposal to ban right turns from Newnham Croft Street.
Created by Heather Coleman // 1 thread
A colleague asked if the gate from Downing to the Downing Site was open again, since he needed to go to Pathology. I said it wasn't, but why didn't he take the route I take, down Norwich St, Panton St, Tennis Court Road. Answer, "because I fell off my bike there, those speed humps are dangerous, and if you go slowly enough not to fall off, it's really slow".
Now I find that worrying. I go my way to avoid the awful traffic jams at the junction by the Catholic Church. I think most people would consider it a safer route. But if some cyclists are being put off going that way, and instead taking the zoo that is Regent St in preference, well, I don't think the traffic calming is doing the job intended.
Too late to fix this here, but we must make it a priority that any future traffic calming in the city or South Cambs doesn't inadvertently act as an anti-cyclist measure and force cyclists onto the much busier main roads which I'm sure everyone would prefer them not to use if there's a better a and quicker route. But if the traffic calming, that was presumably done, in part, to improve cycle safety, has failed, this is a waste of money. The speed humps on Bateman St, unless you do a slalom, you have to cycle over and the ones on Norwich St are viscious. I've just got good at taking them at speed as I've had plenty of practice.
Created by Robin Heydon // 15 threads
New station that will serve the northern part of Cambridge, specifically the Science Park - but also by extension through the guided bus, villages to Northstowe.
This provides a good opportunity to construct another section of the Chisholm Trail (especially a link over the river and on to Newmarket Road). We must also ensure that any footbridge provides facilities for those with bikes AND that there is adequate cycle parking.
The Times is running a campaign for cycle safety.
How can we best capitalise on this in Cambridge?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
The pedestrian crossing joining the pavements here are frequently blocked by parked cars.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This development (a clear case of squeezing a quart into a pint-pot) has no cycle parking.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This attractive, car-free development - heavily used as a cycling and walking route - has gradually turned into an ugly car park in recent months following the temporary removal of enforcement. The County Council are proposing partial re-regulation of parking.
Created by Heather Coleman // 0 threads
An article in today's Cambridge News about the new shops in Orchard Park isn't encouraging reading.
Link to article is
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Build-us-some-more-shops-or-well-all-get-in-our-cars-17022012.htm
The headline says it all. They are proposing shops that will probably only act as "corner shops" so people will all drive along the A14 or Kings Hedges Road to Milton Tesco.
This seems on the face of it, to add to the general anti-cycling design that Orchard Park has had since the first bulldozers went into action. I don't know what others think, or what can be done about it. Presumably a too large supermarket isn't wanted there, as then it would become a magnet for people outside of Orchard Park to drive to, unless, but this is not a suggestion that is possible, it had virtually no car parking, just for the disabled, but lots of bike parking, and good smooth pedestrian paths to all the houses.
A 20mph limit in residential areas of Cambridge would vastly improve safety and enable more people to cycle. What extent should it cover and how can we achieve it?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 2 threads
Planning application here which may be of interest.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
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.
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 // 40 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
Created by David Earl // 5 threads
Greater Anglia has just issued a consultation on cycles at stations and on trains
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
The cycle lanes here are a mish-mash of narrow legacy infrastructure, and are often awkward to use.
Created by Jim Chisholm // 1 thread
Proposals are coming forward for the redevelopment of part of the Cambridge University Pres Site as a single location for Cambridge Assessment. Some public engagement will apparently start in November
Created by Jon Warbrick // 1 thread
The link from Barton Road to the Lammas Land car park (and the car park itself) have been closed to all use by the County Council for some development work. This is a buisy cycle route, and no effort has been put into providing a diversion. Currently most people are cycling across the grass behind the hedge beside the road (though how long this will remain possible if it rains is unclear); an alternative is to use other paths across Lammas Land, but they are narrow, not actually marked for cycling, and it's further.
According to a notice at the junction with Barton Road this work will continue to the start of December. There was and is no warning when approaching from east of the river.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 1 thread
Is it legal or not to ride on either Christ's Lane or Milton's Walk ?
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.