Cycling advice
Collection of advice for people who cycle or are thinking about cycling.
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 Biomedical Campus Cyclists:
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
Collection of advice for people who cycle or are thinking about cycling.
Created by Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 0 threads
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) has secured up to £400m of funding for the second stage of the City Deal.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 3 threads
What makes a good school street?
Where should we have school streets in Cambridge?
How can we campaign for school streets?
Created by Jim Chisholm // 1 thread
We need a front page link to sections about bike maintanace (links to YouTube videos) and tips for novice (or returning riders) Cycle Streets/ Bikeability etc (there were articles about maintence in old newsletters.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
Proposals for a Cambridge Great Park have been made through the local plan process.
Taking in the Gog Magog hills, the banks of the River Cam and Midsummer Common, the park would encircle the city and it is hoped could be enjoyed by generations to come.
The group behind these proposals (BCR Infinity Architects) would like to know our thoughts about the park and cycling connectivity to and through the park.
You can learn more about the proposals in a recent Cambridge Independent Article: https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/public-asked-for-ideas-for-new-cambridge-great-park-9106437/
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
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.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 5 threads
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?
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
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.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
This is a hostile roundabout. It has been fiddled around with over the years, to add advisory cycle lanes, lights, pedestrian crossings, etc.
The area needs a fundamental redesign, to replace the roundabout probably with a protected intersection design.
It is outrageous that a health site such as Addenbrooke's has such an unsafe and anti-cycling junction as its main entrance.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
"Daily parking wars make Red Cross Lane dangerous"
See: https://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/146/nl146.pdf
Need to improve this area for cycling and walking.
Red Cross Lane and Greenlands are marked for 20mph and they're very narrow streets barely two cars wide.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 3 threads
The government has announced it will hold a consultation on the introduction of the battery-powered scooters to British roads.
What are the implications for people cycling, walking and scooting?
What is Camcycle's position/policy about e-scooters?
sound+fury // 1 thread
A bill is being put forward to sentence any cyclist convicted of dangerous cycling to a 14 year prison term.
Created by wookey // 1 thread
One of the Greenway radial routes is Linton, Abingtons, Babraham, Babraham P&R, Addenbrookes.
It is being consulted-on in sections:
* Addies <-> Babraham P&R,
* Babraham P&R <-> Babraham research roundabout
* Babraham research roundabout <-> Linton
There's a whole bunch of locations reported for this Cambridge Cow sculpture exhibit.
I've already spotted one that gets too close to a dropped kerb in Station Square. More eyes needed to look through all the proposed locations.
Created by Chris Howell // 1 thread
This is a suggestion to create a Dutch style cycle map for the area around Cambridge and get the waypoints and routes marked on the ground to help navigation by bike, and then use it to measure progress on creating better routes.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 37 threads
We're moving forward on our policy project. This thread is to discuss the various policies and move them towards publication.
Created by Richard Moss // 1 thread
For discussing swept path analysis matters
Created by wookey // 1 thread
Nightingale Avenue should be a major cycle route between the biomedical campus (via Red Cross Lane) and Queen Ediths in general and places beyond. It is the natural route for many people, for example between Trumpington/Shelford/Sawston and numerous schools, Cherry Hinton/Arm etc. It is already quite well-used but could be much better with some dedicated infrastructure.
Created by Cllr Ian Manning // 8 threads
I've recently moved to be the Lib Dem lead on the County Council's Highways & Infrastructure committee.
I want to start working through in detail bad and good TM examples with officers to understand whether it's specific sets of contractors that are poor, whether they aren't compliant with the current policy and/or whether I agree with our officers about whether they are.
For this I need a Cambridgeshire wide list of both good and bad, with locations - so it would be good to get some from Cambridge and other nearby Cycle Campaigns.
Created by Robin Heydon // 2 threads
GCP should be applying for the second Tranche. This was discussed at the May monthly meeting where we created a list of possible schemes. This issue is designed to both create additional items for this list, and also expand on the needs of each of these items.
Created by Sam Webster // 2 threads
Cambridge Biomedical Campus Transport Needs Review report came out a couple of weeks ago. Whilst some of it is good, I think the cycling stuff is poor in general:
I propose complaining about the standard of the cycling part of the report.
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
We are planning a treasure hunt for the 2019 Cambridge Festival of Cycling in September.
The idea is to produce a pocket-size, attractively-produced booklet with a suggested route and clues to solve, items to collect and so on, which will be sold for a modest price. There would be a prize.
This topic is a place to discuss ideas for this. I (David Earl) will be taking the lead in getting this together. Roxanne and Anna are seeking funding partners.
If you'd like to help, please say so in the thread.
Just one thing though - please don't put clue suggestions or answers here! If you do chances are people taking part will have read them, which rather spoils the fun.
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 Aldo // 1 thread
In the coming weeks we, UoC Students from the Cambridge Hub, are going to do a survey on Mill Road in order to find out how people get to Mill Road and how they interact with it. The survey will be compared with the survey done last November in order to build momentum for the car-free Mill Road project.
We would love your input. Please give suggestions below.
For the survey, click on the link below.
Deadline for edits is this friday.
Created by Nick Flynn // 1 thread
A list of carpenters, cleaners, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople who can attend jobs in Cambridge without needing a car parking space (for example those arriving by cargo bike) would be a useful resource.
It could be used by people who cannot offer car parking, or those who would prefer to choose someone who can arrive by sustainable transport.
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 12 threads
Project Orange is an attempt develop our general strategy during the year 2013.
It involves
1) Should Cambridge Go Dutch (or Copenhagenize)
2) A more assertive stance in our interactions with agencies: Demanding of them to make feasible what seems infeasible
3) focus on a regional area 10 miles (15 km) around Cambridge and a dartboard network structure to connect villages,
4) the development of a Bicycle Infrastructure Assessment Tool (BIAC) which will allow us to grade and praise provision
5) Priority over sideroads as part of a Dutch-style approach
5) Development of Visualisation Tools for major projects (Chisholm Trail, Newnham to Newmarket Rd, Mitcham's Corner)
Martin Lucas-Smith // 4 threads
London Cycling Campaign has reorientated its policy towards a 'Go Dutch' approach.
This aims to learn from best practice abroad rather than continuing with the 'hierarchy of provision' that, in 20 years in the UK, has arguably failed to deliver meaningful change.
This is an overarching issue for conceptual discussion of this issue.
Created by Matthew // 2 threads
On 1 January 2026, historic routes in England that aren’t properly recorded will be lost to the public forever. We are looking for people to volunteer their time to help us identify and register these routes before it is too late.
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 ?
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 Al Storer // 1 thread
The new road between Addenbrooke's Road and Robinson Way has some poor design features.
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 Jim Chisholm // 1 thread
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.
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?
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 24 threads
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.
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 (CEO) // 3 threads
The government has announced it will hold a consultation on the introduction of the battery-powered scooters to British roads.
What are the implications for people cycling, walking and scooting?
What is Camcycle's position/policy about e-scooters?
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
"Daily parking wars make Red Cross Lane dangerous"
See: https://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/146/nl146.pdf
Need to improve this area for cycling and walking.
Red Cross Lane and Greenlands are marked for 20mph and they're very narrow streets barely two cars wide.
Created by Finlay KM // 1 thread
Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) is currently in the process of developing a new wayfinding system for the communal, external spaces within the campus. This system will include new maps and signage to improve navigation in public spaces for staff, patients and visitors to the site and help to reduce stress when visiting the campus. In order to fully understand how the campus is currently used and the key issues, we would like to gain your invaluable input.
Note that the new wayfinding system will be focussing on the public space rather than the internal space of individual buildings, please limit your feedback to your experience of finding your way through the external public space on campus. Thank you in advance.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
A children's hospital is planned for the Biomedical Campus (Addenbrookes) and is planned to open in 2025.
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 Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 2 threads
Camcycle's time and energy is consistently taken up removing exclusionary barriers (e.g. Biomedical Campus, A14 active travel bridges, Warren Road). We need to consider long-term ways to prevent new barriers going in and remove existing ones which prevent people of all ages and abilities cycling.
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 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."