Issues
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.
You can create a new issue using the button on the right.
Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Cambridge Cycling Campaign:
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20/01979/PRI03M - change of use, new dwelling
Prior approval for a change of use from Class A1 to Class C3 to become a dwelling. | 153 High Street Chesterton Cambridge CB4 1NL
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20/01501/PRI0 30 - change of use - 68 new dwellings, Huntingdon Rd
Prior Approval notification of proposed change of use from B1(a) (offices) to Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to create 68 dwellings. | National Institute Of Agricultural Botany Huntingdon Road Cambridge CB3 0LE
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20/01426/FUL - 87 2 bed apartments, assisted-living, Maris Lane
Construction of 87 2bedroomed apartments, flanking a new public park to the south of Anstey Hall in order to provide assisted-living accommodation for people over 65. The Listed house will be adapted to serve as the central facilities for the retirement community. | Anstey Hall Maris Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 9LG
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20/01368/FUL - Two 2bed dwellings, Trefoil Terrace, Budleigh Close
Erection of 2no 2bed semi-detached dwellings with associated external works and drainage, with access via existing parking area at Trefoil Terrace. | Trefoil Terrace Budleigh Close Cambridge CB1 3BJ
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20/01318/FUL - Three 3bed houses, Coldhams Lane
Demolition of existing single storey bungalow and erection of a terrace of 3no. 3bedroom houses along with new parking arrangements and associated works. | 248 Coldhams Lane Cambridge CB1 3HN
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20/01101/FUL - Two dwellings, Marshall Rd
Subdivision of 1 Marshall Road, Cambridge to form two dwellings | 1 Marshall Road Cambridge CB1 7TY
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20/01329/FUL - 9 person HMO, Mill Road
Change of use from staff accommodation to Large HMO (9 person). | Flat 111 - 113 Mill Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 2AZ
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20/01847/PRI03O - 2 bed house plus study units, Newnham Rd
Prior Approval notification of proposed change of use from B1(a) (offices) to Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to create 1no 2bedroom plus study unit. | 32 Newnham Road Cambridge CB3 9EY
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20/01273/FUL - new 1 bed dwelling at 95 Cherry Hinton Rd
Erection of new one bedroom dwelling on land to the rear of 95 Cherry Hinton Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 7BS
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20/01355/FUL - demolition & construction of 9 dwellings, Newmarket Rd
Application for demolition of existing and construction of 9 dwellings and associated external works.
P4 of Design and Access Statement states: 'Covered & secure cycle spaces are illustrated on the drawing and under current standard guidelines for new residences. They are generally near the entrances to each flat or available for visitors.'
However, 'Sheffield hoop under stair' is only indication I can see on site plan, so looks as though they are light on detail here and difficult to see if sufficient provision will be made for cycles.
Documents here:
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Coldhams Lane Roundabout
What can be done to make the Coldhams Lane roundabout safer for all road users?
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20/02072/PRI03O: Prior Approval notification. Change use offices to 33 dwellings
Prior Approval notification of proposed change of use from B1(a) (offices) to Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to create 2 studio apartments and 31 x 1bed units.
509 Coldhams Lane Cambridge CB1 3JS
Cambridge
Application reference : 20/02072/PRI03O
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Abolition of Cambridge Joint Area and Joint Development Control Committees
Constitution and Ethics Committee
Date/Time: 22 Apr 2020 - 14:00 to 16:00
Virtual Meeting
The County Council's Constitution and Ethics Committee is asked to recommend the changes to the County Council Constitution, as set out in the report, to full Council:
i) the abolition of the Economy and Environment and Highways and Infrastructure Committees;
ii) the introduction of the Environment and Sustainability and Highways and Transport Committees;
iii) revisions to the terms of reference of the General Purposes, Adults, Children and Young People, Commercial and Investment, Communities and Partnership and Health Committees;
iv) the abolition of the Cambridge Joint Area Committee by the end of July 2020 following the discussions set out in paragraph 3.3 of this report;
v) the withdrawal from the Joint Development Control Committee for Cambridge Fringes by the end of July 2020 following the discussions set out in paragraph 4.4 of this report; and
vi) increase the membership of General Purposes Committee from fifteen to seventeen.
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20/01972/OUT Netherhall Gardens / Farm - up to 200 dwellings
Outline application (all matters reserved except for means of Access) for the erection of up to 200 residential dwellings, with associated infrastructure works, including access (vehicular, pedestrian and cycle), drainage, public open space and landscape.
Netherhall Farm Worts Causeway Cambridge CB1 8RJ
Cambridge
Application reference : 20/01972/OUT
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Campaigning during the Coronavirus pandemic
Campaigning for cycling during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. What temporary changes should we campaign for? What longer-term changes should we be pushing for now?
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20/01293/FUL - 6 new 1 bed flats, Cherry Hinton Road
Proposed conversion and extension of an existing HMO with one self contained flat into 6 x 1 bedroom self contained flats.
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20/01261/FUL - extension & construction of new dwelling, Leete Road
First floor rear extension and demolition of outbuildings to the rear & construction of new 1 person single storey dwelling.
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Upgraded cycleway from Cambourne to Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Hardwick is seen as a commuter village for Cambridge but currently there are no cycle paths at all within the village, other than a 2 mile long on-road advisory shared with 40 mph traffic. There is also no cycle path north-south through the village - just over a mile. This is a village of around 1250 homes currently being extended to around 1500 but with little attention being paid to cycling yet.
In the S.106 Agreement for West Cambourne construction (2350 homes), SCDC Planning Reference S/2903/14/OL, Cambridge County Council have included an upgraded Cycle and footpath from West Cambourne to Cambridge passing through Hardwick. This can be seen in the S.106 Agreement Schedule 13 and is shown as Fully Funded in the current Cambridge County Council Transport Investment Plan, Scheme number 123.
Before construction of this goes ahead, will there be consultation with villages and residents along the route and do we have any indication of when this might commence? I note there should be plans available but these plans should be readable, clarified and modified with input from the villages on the route including Hardwick.
In the original plan submitted it seems the cycle paths proposed pass directly in front of 150 or so businesses and residential properties accesses and driveways which would seem to be entirely inappropriate for serious cycle-to-work opportunities.
This route appears to be independent from the Cambridge County Council "Greenways" initiative which also did not engage with Hardwick either
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Contraflow on Park Terrace
The section of Park Terrace behind the hotel is wide enough for a cycle contraflow.
Although people can cycle in front of the pavilion, this is shared use and can be busy with pedestrians. It also means encountering traffic lights involving a wait unnecessarily.
Given that there is space, there seems no good reason not to provide a contraflow - in line with the principle that two-way cycling should be possible unless there is no space to do so.
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20/01640/REM 286 No. dwellings, Cambourne
Approval of matters reserved for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission S/2903/14/OL for 286 No. dwellings including affordable housing, associated hard and soft landscaping and all ancillary works.
Parcels 1.3B, 1.3C, 1.3E, 1.4A And 1.4B Sheepfold Lane Cambourne Cambs CB23 6EA
Cambridge
Application reference : 20/01640/REM
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Allowing motorcycles in bus lanes
The County Council would like to know our opinion on allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes.
Motorcycling has become increasingly popular as it is a cheaper alternative than travelling by car, it provides independence and mobility and reduces journey times and emissions on congested roads.
As part of the climate change strategy action plan, the County Council at its meeting on 19th December 2019, agreed to consult on the use of bus lanes for motorcycles and scooters, collectively referred to as powered-two-wheelers.
Over 30 UK towns and cities permit motorcycles in bus lanes since the original trials in London back in 2009 and 2011 demonstrated reduced journey times and environmental benefits with no significant safety issues for motorcyclists or other vulnerable road users.
We would therefore welcome your views on whether you support the use of bus lanes by powered-two-wheelers, these together with any additional comments should be sent in writing to the undersigned or by email to policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk by 10th April 2020 quoting reference PTWBus.
The feedback we receive will help us understand the level of support for the scheme.
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Coldham's Lane/New St/Retail Park
Hard to exit from New St onto Coldham's Lane. Difficult to negotiate the retail park roundabout.
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Newmarket Road/Elizabeth Way roundabout
This is a large roundabout, with a unsatisfactory underpass, that is in need of a total reconfiguration, ideally involving its removal.
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Bridge Street
The pavement here is narrow. Is there a way of improving the environment for walking and cycling at the same time?
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
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Magdalene pinch point
Drivers ignoring the marked priority at Magdalene pinch point is a regular occurrence when faced with city bound riders. At times this can be very dangerous. Especially when large numbers of riders are forced into a very small gap between the vehicle and the bollards. I should imagine the situation is especially unpleasant travelling with small children. Also difficult to resolve with a wider cargo cycle, trailer or trike.
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Injustices for the peace.
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. -
Sign at end of Ferry Lane
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.
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Disgraceful unloading practices by Tesco, East Road, Cambridge
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/ -
East Road-safe cycle route needed to ARU and Petersfield
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? -
Cycle crossing on Barton Road roundabout
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]
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Eastern Gate
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.
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Fulbourn/Cherry Hinton Eastern Access - City Deal scheme
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."
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Mill Road Congestion
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?
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Right turn from St Andrew's St into Downing Street
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.
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Poor lane marking eastbound at Park and Ride on Madingley Road
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.
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16/0673/FUL Cambridge Union Society redevelopment
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
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Coldham's Lane residential development
Plans are emerging for development on the Coldham's Lane site with implications for the surrounding area including links with Cherry Hinton.
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Make use of flashing front lights illegal again
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.
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Cambridge Science Park Cycling and Walking
Cycling and Walking provision at Cambridge Science Park is poor. Lets try and get it fixed
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The need for segregated route to Cambridge Train Station
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?
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U&C Outline planning Application
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.
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Reallocation of cycle space (driverless buses/pods)
A driverless pod system is proposed is proposed to connect CBC and Trumpington P&R.
see:
http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cambridge/innovate-uk-have-put-up-250-000-to-get-two-cambridge-medical-campuses-serviced-by-driverless-buses-1-4993867
It 'implies' it will use maintenance-track!
"An out-of-hours driverless shuttle service on the fixed path from Trumpington Park and Ride will aim to allevieate congestion on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus."We need to find out more.
A similar system is proposed to connect Whittlesford station and Genome Campus. This should offer possibilites for a new walking and cycling route. -
Coldham's Lane / Cromwell Road junction
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?
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inaccurate "no through road" signs, missing "except cycles/pedestrians"
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.
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Rumble strips instead of paint
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?
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Fixing none optimal lanes
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.
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Short Stay cycle parking
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).
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Cambridge Festival of Cycling
Camcycle is launching the first ever 'Cambridge Festival of Cycling' which we plan to grow into a recurring festival in September each year.
Along with a range of events, we also plan to conduct a month long Cambridge Cycling Survey.
The aims of the festival:
- Increase awareness of Camcycle leading to more members, volunteers and influence, particularly among new audiences
- Encourage more, better and safer cycling, for all ages and abilities
- Increase our income thorough sponsorship opportunities
- Increase engagement with our campaigning activities
- Create relationships with other community groups who can partner with us on festival events. -
Rate my route - software / app ideas anyone?
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)