Elections

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Question 6 - we asked:

Cycle routes which are narrow and involve sharp turns and chicanes make routes difficult or impossible for users of adapted cycles, tricycles, handcycles, cargo cycles and cycles with trailers, impairing accessibility for the most vulnerable. Can you think of anywhere in your ward where it is difficult to use a non-standard cycle and what would you do to improve it?

Relevant links (each opens in a new window):

We asked this question in these 9 wards: Arbury, Castle, Cherry Hinton, Coleridge, East Chesterton, Market, Newnham, Queen Edith's, Trumpington.

38 of the 41 candidates (93%) who were asked this question responded as below.

Those candidate(s) which were elected are highlighted.

Eric BARRETT-PAYTON (Conservative Party)	There are some narrow places in the ward but measures to improve them would require more input from the various authorities responsible for them at some expense of resources which appear to be unavailable at present
Manas DEB (Conservative Party)	Increasing number of big pot holes in many parts of Queen Edith’s residential streets are potentially big hazards for adapted cycles, tricycles, handcycles, cargo cycles and cycles with trailers. This could cause serious accidents if not repaired immediately. Elderly residents in Queen Edith’s often use cycle to visit Post office and local shops to buy milk, tea, medicines etc. and very scared of pot holes. If elected as City Councillor, I will work with local County Councillor to repair pot holes with top priority. Our Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor has already provided £950k to County councils to repair existing pot holes.
Donald DOUGLAS (Conservative Party)	I have nearly been involved in accidents at the junction of the cycle bridge and Rustat Road. Cyclists descending the steep down-slope of the bridge have priority and many appear at speed and with no consideration for cyclists on Rustat Road. I don't have a "non-standard" bike but I guess that might be an area of particular difficulty. It would be helpful if that crossing was like a roundabout with priority for whoever was on it first - and cyclists on the bridge were slowed as they approached it in some way. This would be helpful for all cyclists...
Tom HARWOOD (Conservative Party)	Huge portions of the ward have inadequate or non existent facilities for any type of cycle, particularly key bottlenecks that have been neglected for renovation, like high street.
Connor MACDONALD (Conservative Party)	Coe Fen and Grange Road I can imagine are particularly difficult. What's more the Grange Road/Barton Road junction poses specific challenges that stretch into questions of poor design and signage.
Henry MITSON (Conservative Party)	Cambridge, being an historic City centre, has its own difficulties and there is often little that can be done about routes due to listings of buildings in Market Ward. The key issue in Market is road quality. There are numerous places where cobbles are extremely uneven which can cause real difficulties for cyclists. Potholes appearing in our roads must also be pointed out and fixed in a timely fashion if we are to keep Cambridge roads safe.
Phil SALWAY (Conservative Party)	Cycle lanes in Trumpington are generally good, where I have noticed a problem is on Brooklands Avenue. The shared footpath is very difficult to walk along for fear of being hit by a cyclist in either direction and I have seen several cyclists come off their bike when leaving the path to overtake and hitting the small ledge when attempting to get back on the path. Brooklands Avenue is narrow and congested so a cycle path on the road would probably not help any road users. Some signage would be a good idea here.
Gareth BAILEY (Green Party)	One that comes to mind is the bollards between the 2 halves of Fallowfield making it difficult for non-standard bikes to get through. There are also bollards between Anglers Way and Cheney Way which make it very difficult for non-standard cycles. I would push for the removal of some of the bollards to allow for free flow for non-standard cycles.
Jeremy CADDICK (Green Party)	The left turn from St Andrew’s Street onto the Downing Street contraflow is very sharp. I would support moving the traffic island back and adding a green left filter when the lights are on red. This would improve safety for pedestrians and for users of standard cycles as well.
Joel CHALFEN (Green Party)	I use a cargo bike everyday. Wherever cycle routes are on pavements - such as on Cherry Hinton Road or Queen Edith's Way - cycling the bike can be difficult but nor can I ride it in the road. Certainly, it now needs to be recognised that wider bikes are now much more common and accommodation should be made for them by removing unnecessary obstacles. It is the same as for wheelchair and disabled access. I would support every effort that can give consideration to non-standard cycles but again everyone needs to accept that we share our public spaces and whilst cycling can offer the advantage of speed and directness, sometimes there are compromises to be made.
Ceri GALLOWAY (Green Party)	I cycle in most areas of this ward these are examples were vulnerable cyclists are disadvantaged: 1. Parking: I definitely observe the need for more specialist parking for none standards bikes that is clearly labelled as such. There does not seem to be any specialised cycle stands in the city. When parked in the street these bikes (which are often very much more expensive), look vulnerable to theft due to the difficulties owners have locking them up, this must cause stress. Further consideration for non-standard parking is required in all wards. I have long argued for a blue badge parking scheme for cyclists. It is something I personally would benefit from alongside this needs to be coupled with clearer notices to tell able bodied cyclists stating which cycle stands are suitable for disabled users. We need to make sure the ground floor of the new cycle parking multi-storey at the station is only available to those that need ease of parking. While this carpark is not in Trumpington we need to be able to have parking at the end of our journey as well as in Trumpington itself. 2. Missing links: The Hobsons Avenue is one example without a dedicated cycle path and therefore vulnerable cyclists are channelled along a very narrow street barely wide enough for two cars to pass, has a bus and resident car access. Once all the housing is completed this road will be much busier especially because residents and visitors to the community centre and GP services and shops will be required leave by the same route. There is likely to be some parking to drop off for the primary school at peak times. A dedicated cycle link is needed here for vulnerable users. 3. Junctions: There are number of new junctions in Trumpington taking cyclists across busy roads that are stepped in an unhelpful way. For example the crossing on the junction at Consort Avenue returning to the Guided Busway from Waitrose consists of two islands requiring three turns through narrow entrance to get back onto the road, very problematic to most non-conventional cycles and requiring some redesign in future. 4. Uneven cycle paths: There are areas where uneven surfaces in the older parts of Trumpington are unhelpful, funding for relaying surfaces would be useful. 5. The Dutch practice of allowing mobility Scooters on cycle paths would require a much higher standard of cycle paths segregated form other users. I suspect while we have mixed use, Pedestrians and Runners using cycle paths as well as cyclist in Cambridge mobility scooters would cause safety concerns. However I would agree that use of segregated cycle paths would be ideal for mobility scooters.
Stephen LAWRENCE (Green Party)	1) Jesus Green Lock Bridge 2) Bermuda Terrace (both ends) 3) cut-thru beetween French's Rd and Harvey Goodwin Av 4) Cut-thru beetween St Luke's St and Castle park (steps) Most of the problem areas are not specific to the ward, but are on routes to common destinations, eg Rail station. Parker's Piece (eg crossing by Swimming Pool)
Sarah NICMANIS (Green Party)	Coleridge has the benefit of wider streets than say of Petersfield. However, we are back to this issue of inadequately segregated passages for cyclists, as mentioned before with regard to Cherry Hinton Road and Coleridge Road. Creating more clearly-marked cycle routes (shared with the roads rather than the pavements) would alleviate difficulties that users of adapted cycles are currently experiencing in our ward. I think this is a really important issue particularly considering the school-run cyclists who should be listened to and supported considering how they help the terrible congestion situation in Cambridge.
Jenny RICHENS (Green Party)	I would say that Queen Edith’s way is not suitable for non-standard cycles. As stated before it is full of potholes and not suitable for standard cycles, so will definitely not be fit for non-standard cycles. It also frequently has cars parked on it, making dangerous obstructions to the path. I would propose to stop parking along this road, and have a proper segregated cycle path, separate from pedestrians. The path from the High Street to Yarrow road is not well maintained, and mostly mud, so wouldn’t be suitable for non standard cycles. Also it is not lit, making it less accessible. I would improve maintenance and perhaps put in some lighting (maybe the small lights that are in the pavement, like on midsummer common). Daws lane is also unsuitable, as it is full of potholes and floods when it rains.
Lucas RUZOWITZKY (Green Party)	I cant think of any - it's not something I have looked out for personally.
Mark SLADE (Green Party)	I imagine that Grange Road is awkward for these types of cycles and they would take up the entire cycle path on Barton Road. Most the streets running off south from Barton Road are narrow residential streets. While I cannot see an obvious solution, I would willingly work with the Cambridge Cycle Campaign to develop plans and push hard for more City Deal funding to be dedicated to cycling provisions across the entire city.
Mike DAVEY (Labour Party)	There are many places in the ward where non-standard cycles have accessibility problems, not just routes that are twisty and turny. I think solutions also need to include consideration for pedestrians by cyclists as this can also prove a point of conflict. However i do not have a problem with the principle and I would start by getting the main points of ingress and egress to the city resolved, namely through and around Coe Fen and Lamas Land.
Dan GREEF (Labour Party)	As I frequently cycle through Queen Edith’s I am frustrated by some of the potholes that one has to dodge to avoid an accident. These will be particularly difficult to avoid in a adapted cycles, tricycles, hand cycles, cargo cycles and cycles with trailers. Poor parking on verges is a huge problem in many roads within Queen Edith’s and this makes using any type of cycle much more dangerous, with blind crossings for pedestrians. I am also concerned about the height of the speed bump in Blinco Grove which must make cargo bikes struggle to clear. If elected I will work with Queen Edith’s County Councillor to improve our roads and take pressure of our street parking.
Lewis HERBERT (Labour Party)	Subject to funding eg from GCP, we need to revisit the half completed cycle lane works on Ch H Rd east of Budgens roundabout and develop better cycling lanes to Ch Hinton Hall and beyond.
Russ MCPHERSON (Labour Party)	This is a difficult one - if installed chicanes are removed from cycle ways - it makes it very difficult for other users of these lanes; (watch the speed of cycyles on the guided bus way as an example) to be safe; as there are no cars cyclist can get up some amazing speeds along these lanes - thus putting children and families (who also expect these lanes to be safe for them) in danger. But I also understand that it restricts tricycles and larger cargo cycles - I wish I could say I have a 'magic solution' to this but I don't I'm afraid. One improvment that would make these lanes better would be good lighting along these routes perhaps 'solar-cats eyes - which are very effective and also cost effective as they don't need large lamp-posts or very much maintanance and running costs: The lane I can think of would be the one that runs accross Orchard Estate which has these chicanes to stop cycles running directly over the road to join up with the lane on the other side without stoping.
Carla MCQUEEN (Labour Party)	I have concerns over Green end rd to Milton rd however I hope when the Greater Cambridge Partnership gets under way the segregated lanes will help a great deal. Again Nuffield Road is a worry however once the cycle lanes go in I feel this will help a great deal. I have also given some suggestions in below answers around management of these areas that suffer from poor accessibility eg cutting hedges back.
Dan RATCLIFFE (Labour Party)	The corner of North Terrace and Brunswick Walk has long been a tricky spot to navigate for all cycles, and especially non-standard ones although this has got better. The path onto Parkers Piece past Pizza Hut has been a flash point during the University Arms works but I am hopeful that once all the work is completed that will be better. The design of good quality cycling infrastructure is challenging in Cambridge because of the historic nature of the city centre.
Mark READER (Labour Party)	- Mayfield School cut-through (I am unsure what is best here, as a number of residents have complained to me, personally, so I would work with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcome). - Windsor Road pinch point (hopefully the Oxford/Windsor traffic calming will mean that the need for this point will cease).
Patrick SHEIL (Labour Party)	Non-standard cycles offer attractive and interesting alternative modes of transport and are helpful, for example, to those with more luggage than would fit on a bike, or to those who have a need or preference for greater stability, and also to those who have children as passengers. We should promote use of these innovative options. However, existing arrangements around the town are not always conducive. Moreover, it's not just width of thoroughfare that is at issue. There are frequent dips on pathways on Madingley Road. There is also the mini-roundabout and the floodgate-and-bollard system on Bridge Street and the turn-off down Round Church Street. The design of the latter is not ideal and directs cyclists to the left of the road putting them in the path of buses turning left. I would consult on possible remediation with engineers and planners. Generally, i would want to see cycle paths being made wider for the sake of tricycles, cargo bikes and similar. And we should promote the style and ethos of the Greater Cambridge Greenways approach to making thoroughfares for all (https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/transport/transport-projects/greenways/).
Katie THORNBURROW (Labour Party)	As a regular and frequent cyclist, I know of many places in Trumpington that could be improved for standard and non-standard cyclists alike. Each deserves individual consideration, but I would love for the ward to receive a comprehensive assessment of cycling strengths and weaknesses.
Baiju VARKEY (Labour Party)	I believe it is essential and inevitable that, Union Lane and Chesterton High Street and Elizabeth Way from Milton Road roundabout to East Road, should have improvements to accommodate tri cycles, hand cycles, cargo cycles and cycles with trailers. In light of the heavy traffic from Milton Road roundabout to East Road an improvement should be considered.
Rod CANTRILL (Liberal Democrat)	I often see cyclists finding it difficult to cross the river at the end of Driftway in to 'New Bit' on Coe Fen - i would support a new second bridge for cyclists across the river at this point - that is designed in a sensitive way - given the surrounding environment. This is something i have proposed as part of the Greenways project. this would link in with the solar studs and the enhanced lighting Lib Dem ward councillors got the funding for that has just been introduced along this route.
Owen DUNN (Liberal Democrat)	The cut through between Green Park and Nuffield Road has bollards at both ends and the dropped kerb at the Nuffield Road end does not align with the path. It's a bit of a challenge to wiggle a heavy trailer through here! I would remove the bollards at both ends and ensure dropped kerbs at both ends. (I submitted a Local Highways Improvement bid to rectify this but it wasn't selected this time - I'll keep trying!)
Dan HILKEN (Liberal Democrat)	Fewer people in Trumpington use non-standard cycles, except on the N11. I only know a couple of users within Trumpington Village, who gave up, saying that the roads here are too unsafe for non-standard bikes. The roads are rather too big than too small, and the junctions almost impossible for non-standard bikes. A network of safe cycle routes would solve this, but it won’t be easy.
Anthony MARTINELLI (Liberal Democrat)	Many roads in the historic centre are narrow and probably pose problems for larger cycles, but they are difficult to redesign and the only one I can think of near to where I live is Adam & Eve Street. I would definitely be interested to hear from any local campaigners who have noted any other problem areas. On a related note, I think parking for these cycles can also be difficult and I would be supportive of more on-street cycle parking provision.
Colin MCGERTY (Liberal Democrat)	Cycle provision along Cherry Hinton Road needs improvement. This is a busy road with many local shops and cafés which are well used by Queen Edith’s residents. Access should be safer and easier but currently there are no high-quality cycle lanes, difficult junctions, uneven surfaces and many parked cars to negotiate. Councillors are engaging with officers to propose measures that will improve access for both cyclists and pedestrians.
John OAKES (Liberal Democrat)	The Coldhams Lane stretch of road found in my ward is unsatisfactorily narrow, and needs widening, so that proper provision can be made for cyclists and pedestrians. The already-envisaged housing development destined for Marshalls Airport land adjoining this stretch will make widening even more imperative, I would have thought.
Cheney PAYNE (Liberal Democrat)	My partner uses a recumbent tricycle for his commute, and this has really highlighted to me the extra effort those riding non-conventional bikes need to make in order to avoid difficult kerbs and narrow cycle lanes. In Castle ward, the three staggered gates where the Ridgeway cycleway meets Storey’s Way are very difficult for users of non-standard cycles, and they are tight to weave around, especially when pulling a trailer. This area does need some kind of approach to slow cyclists down as the cycle way then hits the chicane on Storey’s Way, but I would replace the gates with bollards wide enough to allow non-standard cycles through.
Shahida RAHMAN (Liberal Democrat)	I supported Cllr Ian Manning in stopping blanks to bring back the barriers at the Green Dragon bridge and removing the Cyclists Dismount sign. In terms of the remaining areas, there is a cut through between Fallowfield and Franks Lane that's very narrow and has barriers -but this would be difficult to remove without fears from residents and opposition from other Councillors because of past issues with speeding motorbikes. The only solution there would really be widening - but that would require land from nearby residents. One or two bollards could be removed from the Fallowfield loop block off. Green Park to Nuffield Road needs improving - Ian and Owen had an LHI bid in to do this, but it was not successful. For the future, if the sewage works moves, we need to keep a close eye on it from a walking and cycling point of view.
Lindsey TATE (Liberal Democrat)	There is a clearly sign-posted cycle route from Brackyn Road to the foot of the Station Cycle Bridge on Rustat Road. This route gets less use than but is a valuable alternative to Davey Road (see below). However, it includes multiple sharp turns and transitions from road to pavement. While it would remain imperfect, the situation could very easily be improved by extending the dropped curb on Corrie Road to line up with the emerging cycle path. Private land ownership is likely to make it very difficult to widen the alley from Corrie Road, however the metalled area in subsequent green space could be widened to allow for the greater turning circle of non-standard cycles.
Tim WARD (Liberal Democrat)	When I was previously a councillor we removed barriers to non-standard cycles in various places across Cambridge, some of the ones in Arbury at my suggestion, and I'm not aware of any quick wins (such as removing pram arms or bollards) remaining. Of course if any were drawn to my attention I would take action to deal with them. Some passages and alleyways are probably intractable as it would not be easy to make out a case for demolishing a garage or a wall just to benefit such traffic, but of course any redevelopment that takes place should be regarded as an opportunity to improve permeability for all cyclists.
Aidan POWLESLAND (Libertarian Party)	I propose to answer this under separate cover in the event I am elected. I would not like to comment on so specific a matter without having attended to it adequately.
Peter BURKINSHAW (UK Independence Party)	Not aware of the problem

Camcycle is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign), The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DL.