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Minutes:
1. Apologies – Cllr
Martin Smart
2. Minutes of the
last meeting – Thursday 4th September 2014 and matters arising.
·
Carter Bridge Ramp (CR). The proposal for the ramp forms part of an outline
condition for the CB1 station development and has been submitted for approval
(13/1041/S73 condition 43) - . https://idox.cambridge.gov.uk/online-applications/files/AFB6473F29E34A9C638B489E48631045/pdf/13_1041_S73-CARTER_BRIDGE_WESTERN_ACCESS_IMPROVEMENTS-1568366.pdf
The proposed design is the
preferred option agreed by the Cycling and Walking Liaison Group in 2012. The Tenison Road Area improvement scheme consultation included
improvements to Devonshire Road and there were further discussions about
whether these could be enhanced, possibly in lieu of the ramp option which was
always seen as a compromise solution. This wasn’t supported by Highways and any
works on Devonshire Road are not currently seen as a high priority for the Tenison Road Area scheme.
·
YHA Cambridge. In terms of the provision of secure
cycle parking to the rear, it has been established that although there is a
gate, the area is not very secure and therefore unsuitable for open racks. All
the approved lockers should be installed shortly and the agreed parking
provision to the front (and pump to the rear) has already been installed.
·
Metal bollards (Guided Busway). Cllr Tucker
enquired what they were for. According to MD these bollards were useful in
terms of being easily lifted, locked and unlocked when maintenance or emergency
vehicles needed access but the design meant that additional reflective strips
could not be added to the bollards themselves.
Reflective paint and solar lights had been installed around the bollards
but there had been no progress on replacing them with a more visible
design. The situation would be improved
in the section to be lit (from Trumpington to the
Station).
3. Promotion grant
funding – update (CR)
The approved funding for the Wintercomfort
and YHA schemes has been spent. Over £3000 has been earmarked for the Accordia projects although there is currently a land
ownership issue involving Clare College and the point where the proposed bridge
lands. An additional cost of £350 was also requested to replace the kissing
gate for a more wheelchair accessible solution.
CR confirmed there was £1189 remaining in the fund. CR
requested that £250 be used for the Grand Arcade free pushchair rental service
as a double pushchair has not been returned. This would leave approx. £600
remaining.
Some doubt has been cast as to the future of the
promotions grant as larger cycling related schemes take priority. Cllr
Robertson thought that the availability of small pots of funding for such
schemes was useful.
Conclusion: The
Steering Group to approve funding of the pushchair and bid for the Accordia kissing gate subject to the land ownership issue
being resolved.
4. County Team
Leader Cycling Projects – update (MD)
Cambridge was successful in its bid for DFT Cycle
Ambition funding in August 2013. Work on improvements to Huntingdon Road has
begun with works on Hills Road to begin at the end of January. This work is to
include ‘floating’ bus stops etc. The Trumpington
Road cycle lane scheme is at the detailed design stage.
As one of the successful cities last time, Cambridge has
been invited to bid for further funds that were announced in December by the
Deputy Prime Minister. There is a narrow 4-week window to make the bid; the
fund being provided on a per capita basis for each city region, on the basis
that the DFT provides £7-8 per head of population over 3 years (making just
over £6m for Cambridge). If successful, this new funding should be in place by
April. MD circulated the list of schemes to be included in the bid (attached).
Cllr Moore highlighted the improvements needed on Hills
Road (beyond the railway bridge and towards the war memorial.) Aside from
re-surfacing, the junction with Long Road is in need of re-engineering
according to Cllr Moore. MD confirmed this was not included in the current
scope for funding but that much would be coming forward with City Deal.
·
Chesterton-Abbey Bridge - Discussions continue with
stakeholders.
·
Quy to Lode. There is
strong local support for linkage improvements. DFT funding will be crucial as
it falls outside City Deal and there is no scope for Section 106 funding.
·
The Tins Bridge (part of route from Cherry
Hinton to Cambridge Station) and options for its replacement/refurbishment.
This has been raised at East Area Committee. According to MD, this would be
within the scope for funding although any improvements would require the
co-operation of Network Rail. On the reserve list of projects for Ambition
grant funding.
·
Addenbrooke’s
roundabout. This relates to an outline condition associated with the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus. A new bus orbital route is proposed within
City Deal which include the Hills Rd and Fendon Rd
roundabouts but delivery will take years. The applicant is in discussion with
County DC officers and agreement was made today for a stakeholder/consultation
event to be held soon looking at the proposals for the Addenbrookes/Hills
Rd roundabout which include mainly improvements for pedestrian access. It was
agreed that, given the proposed project to improve the cycle provision on Queen
Edith’s Rd which is likely to include this roundabout, a financial contribution
would be made to the County Council instead of the works proposed by the
applicant. Cllr Moore stressed the need for engagement with the various
landowners within the CBC as safe access onto the site from the different entrance points for
cyclists and pedestrians.
·
Devonshire Road/Kingston St junction. Cllr
Robertson highlighted the dangers of vehicle/cyclist conflict in this area
which has no traffic lights. Options should be explored, particularly in the
context of the Chisholm Trail. According to CR, this would always be a popular
route to and from the station. Cllr Blencowe confirmed he would not be in
favour of any changes that would result in vehicle congestion on Mill Road
Bridge but agreed that measures to improve safety should be explored.
MD confirmed that City Deal was moving forward. The Perne Road/Radegund Road junction
is currently being monitored in terms of traffic speeds and near misses but the
success of the recent changes will be based on a longer-term examination of
accident rates. Only time will tell. Other smaller-scale improvements will
include the provision of bicycle pumps on the cycle lane of the Guided Busway
towards St Ives and outside the Guildhall as part of the new cycle parking/public
realm improvements. Cllr Moore stressed the need for colour contrast on any new
installations for the benefit of partially sighted pedestrians.
·
Cherry Hinton High Street. Various improvements
are under discussion. Public consultation events are being scheduled 9th
and the 13th March to inform the County’s work on options.
5. City Cycling
Schemes – update (CR)
·
Jesus Green path improvements – completed.
·
Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green improvements to include
free WIFI installed within the lantern heads.
·
Green Dragon Bridge. Public consultation soon to
help tease out support on the various options which include the removal of the
blind corner onto Stourbridge Common, the widening and improving of desire
lines and straightening the ramp. On the Water Street side, the proposal is to
prohibit car parking and provide a level threshold to the pavement. Gates and
bollards at narrowing points are proposed to slow cycle traffic.
·
Fen Road – revision of cycle and vehicle traffic
calming. Officers are moving towards the detailed design phase.
·
City centre cycle parking. Some racks are still
needed on Guildhall Street.
·
Mill Road/East Road junction. Widening the
Palmers Walk footpath up to 1 meter is proposed – negotiation with Anglia
Ruskin ongoing for funding contribution
·
Queen’s Green path. A proposal to re-surface and
extend the footpath to join Silver Street. This should be progressed soon.
·
Lammas Land – solar lighting proposed.
·
Cherry Hinton Hall - dedicated cycle parking.
·
Wyman’s Lane/Castle Street – has experienced
delays but will be taken forward.
Officers aim to deliver much before April however with
the Green Dragon Bridge improvements and Palmers Walk path to be agreed in
2015-16.
6. NW Cambridge
Cycle Connections
Cllr Tucker confirmed a residents meeting was scheduled
23rd January at Fitzwilliam College and that we would report back to
the Steering Group. The potential pinch point on Storey’s Way is considered a
key issue. According to CR, the NW Cambridge development would provide new
transport links and that there was potential for radical change which should
reduce traffic flow on Storey’s Way. MD added that the impact of the
development on Windsor Road’s traffic volumes would remain to be seen.
7. Castle
Street/Northampton Street junction.
Cllr Tucker accepted that the changes were a work in
progress but that he was broadly happy with the design. All welcomed the
retention of the pedestrian crossing access to Kettle’s Yard as this is
particularly beneficial for the ambulant disabled. The Northampton Street
crossing is to be removed. All agreed this was a hostile area, particularly for
the vulnerable and that the changes proposed should make a significant
improvement. Widening of the pavement is not included in the proposals.
8. Date of next
meeting – end of March 2015 (TBC)