Elections

Cambridge City Council elections, May 2022: Market

Summary: Elections to Cambridge City Council, May 2022
Polling date: Thursday 5th May 2022
Ward:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • Nicola ELLIOTT  (Green Party)
  • Sam HUNT  (Conservative Party)
  • Katie PORRER  (Liberal Democrat)
  • Hollie WRIGHT  (Labour Party)

Questions for Market ward candidates (8 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 

# Question 1

Residents and visitors to Market Ward have long been targets for cycle theft. How do you propose cycle theft could be reduced?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

There needs to be a multi-faceted approach to reducing cycle theft. 1. Adequate facilities for locking up bikes, with Sheffield stands (or other) securely attached into the ground. 2. CCTV coverage, particularly in areas that are less busy. 3. More police engagement when people report a stolen bike. 4. And although this will not solve the problem, public education on best practice for securing bikes to ensure they are as safe as possible.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

This is a problem across the city and also affects Market residents who leave their bikes at the station to commute, so I welcome the proposed improvements to the cycle parking at the station, which the Lib Dem group have been pushing for over several years. As ward councillor, I have been working with the police to highlight resident concerns and to push for effective and swift responses to reports of theft. I support better information about how best to secure bikes, proper secure cycle racks in public areas and in workplaces to encourage this mode of travel, and covered, secure parking in all new developments - which I have argued for at planning committee regularly as Camcycle are aware.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

As a victim of cycle theft myself, I know how frustrating and disappointingly wide-spread this issue is in Cambridge. As a city that prides itself on its cycling culture, it is a real shame to see. I completely support domestic cycle parking – this does not necessarily mean giving up kerbside parking for cars, as car parking itself is a large issue in Market. Increasing on-street parking, safe-box storage options installed throughout the city and residential areas. I would ensure that the City Council's Cycle Parking Standards are fully enacted to see better cycle parking facilities in the ward for both residents and the many visitors to Cambridge City Centre.

# Question 2

The anti-terrorism barrier on King's Parade has had the welcome effect of providing a much-improved environment for walking. How would you improve the scheme to make the barrier better for cycling (and improve access for blue-badge holders at the same time)?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

The barrier has made the area behind great for pedestrians, but this obviously causes difficulty for cyclists to manouvre through crowds. The barrier needs to have separate gaps for cyclists in both directions, and more delineation and signage to remind all road users that it is a shared space and to expect cyclists in the road. I agree that there needs to be easier access for blue-badge holders, which the current manually-moveable gate does not allow for. I would propose an automatically moveable barrier to allow those with permissions through.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

We have argued against the current imposing structure and for its replacement with a more appropriate and suitable barrier to achieve the same effect for several years now and have raised this at area committees and at council committees at the Guildhall. The current barrier has pinch points around each side which restrict the width and make it difficult for cycles to pass, and is particularly bad for cargo or adapted bikes. This also forces bikes on to the pavements rather than allowing them to cycle through on the main carriageway which causes more congestion and potential conflicts with pedestrians. The current barrier was intended to be temporary but progress has been slow or non-existent in planning for a replacement so if re-elected I will continue to push for this. Any new barrier needs to be more flexible, stopping cars but allowing cycles (including those of wider width) to pass through. For blue badge holders, I would like to see a barrier that could be lowered to allow access with the relevant pass or permissions.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

Currently, the opening left is too small for cyclists to pass one another. Being a popular tourist destination, it is also difficult for cyclists to navigate through crowds on busy days. To improve the current provisions, I propose a space opened on both sides for a flow of cyclists in both directions – with clearer ground signalling for which direction cyclists and pedestrians are to go. I would support a proper public consultation on the ‘permanent’ design, including local residents and interest groups like yourselves.

# Question 3

The city council plans to overhaul the Market Square, where many local residents do a substantial portion of their weekly shops by cycle. What priority will you give to ensuring that (a) improved cycle access and (b) increased cycle parking are included in the redevelopment of the square?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

I know that many residents and market stall-holders did not feel listened to throughout the consultation process, so I would make sure to listen to the views and needs of the traders and residents. As a market user myself, I can see that there is a requirement for additional cycle parking, not less, so I would give priority to adding to the cycle parking available, with spaces for both regular bikes and cargo bikes etc.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

This was one of the first issues raised by the city Lib Dems when the original plans for the Market Square redevelopment were published nearly three years ago – the lack of new cycle parking and the proposed removal of some spaces near to the market resulting in a net loss. Lib Dem city councillors have consistently highlighted the need for better and more convenient cycle parking in the city centre, including near to the Market Square, to allow for better access for shoppers and visitors, and this must remain an important part of any redevelopment of the square.

Over the last three years, I have been working very closely with the market traders on the redevelopment plans and, if re-elected, I am happy to commit to continue making cycle parking a high priority when I sit on the stakeholder group and speak at committees about this redevelopment. This would include spaces for adapted and cargo bikes as the Market Square is used by families and those with disabilities and their needs must also be met in any parking provision.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

I will lobby hard for cyclists to be heard in the proposed overhaul – including pressure groups like yourself sitting in on planning consultations. Increased parking around the Market area is a priority given current overcrowding, and signposting for cyclist versus pedestrian areas – which currently do not exist – should be combined with safer pavement to road drops to make cycling accessible and safe in the Market centre.

# Question 4

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (now the Vision Zero Partnership) aimed to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to cyclists by 40% between 2015 and 2020, but it actually rose 2% during that time. Too many people are being hurt on our roads.

What do you think would most improve safety for people walking, cycling, using mobility aids and riding horses on the roads in your area? Which routes and junctions need the most urgent improvement?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

These are terrible statistics. Although Cambridge is known as a cycling city, I am always surprised at how inadequate our roads and even cycle paths are at accommodating this sustainable and affordable mode of transport and promoting the safety of cyclists, and all other road users. Cambridge as a whole, and Market Ward in particular has a lack of segregated cycle paths, with cyclists sharing space with cars or pedestrians. I would propose properly segregated off-road cycle routes wherever feasible. The corner of Trumpington Street and Pembroke Street is particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists and would benefit from a pedestrian crossing. Additionally, a lot of the ward is very inaccessible to those with mobility aids due to poor quality of pavements and lack of dropped kerbs. I would propose a lower speed limit on the roads in the centre of town and push for improved public transport routes in order to reduce the number of cars on our roads.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

It is obviously really concerning that this number rose by 2%. The goals of Vision Zero clearly need more effective policy interventions if they are going to be achieved. I note that Liberal Democrats in Cambridge brought in the existing 20mph speed limits in many parts of the city in 2014 and we support current moves through the county council to expand these further in conjunction with communities. Within the city, we also believe the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ goals of reducing the number of car journeys will support the Vision Zero.

I am most concerned about the smaller roads around the city centre for cycling and pedestrian safety and this is why I welcome moves to reduce car use in the city centre as there is little space for segregated cycle routes. I welcome the recent improvements around Downing and Pembroke Streets to make junctions better for cyclists, supported by Lib Dem ward and County councillors last year. The recent trial speed camera that I had installed on Maids’ Causeway will also help reduce traffic speed on a section of road which has multiple crossings and no segregated cycle lanes, and which connects with Midsummer Common, a well-used cycle route across the city.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

Firstly, it is my view that traffic policing of all road users – including cyclists, drivers, and e-scooter users – should be covered more thoroughly throughout market, based on the danger posed by each group as outlined in the Camcycle position paper on responsible legal cycling. However, improved infrastructure is also key – the area surrounding East Road leading into Petersfield ward is particularly dangerous for cyclists, so I am keen to improve the mixed pedestrian-cyclist lane bordering Parker’s Piece. For cyclists with poor equipment (i.e. no bike lights or broken breaks), there should be information on how to access bike services and equipment that's budget-friendly.

# Question 5

Cambridgeshire County Council’s draft Active Travel Strategy says that our region’s transport network must put public health at its core. It points out that almost a third of 10 and 11 year olds in Cambridgeshire are obese and rates of cycling and walking are lowest among the over 40s.

What role do you think cycling can play in improving local residents’ health and wellbeing? What specific changes are needed to help the youngest and oldest residents in your area choose active modes, including walking, for more journeys?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

I certainly agree that cycling has an important role to play in public health. This is through helping residents to be active, and of course also in improving air quality and looking after the local environment, which benefits everyone, including those who are unable to walk or cycle for mobility or other reasons.
There is a problem across Cambridge that cycling routes are not up to standard. Cycle routes need to be segregated from traffic (and I would argue from pedestrians), and wide enough that everyone including the youngest and oldest cyclists can use them with ease. The network needs to be connected (not piecemeal across the city) and accessible all day (well lit) and all year (not muddy).

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

I am a big supporter of encouraging walking and cycling to schools and of the School Streets trials that are happening at various schools in Cambridge. I believe that if children start walking and cycling young, this can create a life-long habit. My child attends St Matthew’s school and I have been a parent volunteer on the barrier on Broad Street every week for a year now, where we close the road whilst the children arrive or leave school to facilitate walking and cycling. This also helps avoid the high levels of air pollution around the drop off and pick up areas and which are damaging to health, particularly for children.

More generally, cycling participation, for those who are able, and for all ages, has the capacity to much improve health. Increasing safety in cycle usage is key. We support the GCP’s investment in cycling provision, both through schemes dedicated mainly to cycling (Chisholm Trail, cross city cycling schemes, Greenways and future Cycling Plus) and through the incorporation of more generous and dedicated cycling provision in wider projects such as Milton and Histon Roads and the future radial busway projects. We are proud that much of the funding for these developments has come from the City Deal, negotiated from central government by the city council when under Lib Dem control. Contingent on local consultation, we also support many of the low traffic neighbourhood schemes across the city, which provide the calmer street environment which is more conducive to starting to cycle from home. More of these may become possible if policy is adopted across the whole city to discourage car journeys.

In Market ward, Lib Dem ward councillors have already supported residents in making permanent the traffic management changes in Newtown. I also think that cycle parking should be promoted in the same way as car parking and for the recent Park St Car park redevelopment, I have arranged for the local cycle parking areas to be added to their website so that it’s not just alternative car parking provision and buses that are available to users.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

A combination of road safety including more appropriate signage and enforcement of driving malpractice, more defined and colour-coded bike lanes, and public awareness campaigns including advice on budget equipment are key to bringing awareness to the health and climate benefits of cycling in Cambridge. As for walking, restrictions on vehicles in the city centre to make it a more pleasant place to be a pedestrian is welcome.

# Question 6

In June 2021, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority agreed to act on the Independent Commission on Climate’s recommendation to reduce car miles driven in the region by 15% by 2030.

Suggested actions needed to achieve this goal include installing safe cycle routes from new developments, working with employers to increase uptake in sustainable options for commuting, improving existing cycle infrastructure and encouraging the use of e-bikes. What changes do you think are needed to help people in your area reduce car mileage?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

Lockdown showed many employers that their employees can be equally or more productive working from home – we need to keep reinforcing this message - jobs that can be done remotely should be under a hybrid working model wherever possible. Additionally, employers should be required to provide secure covered bike storage and showers on site in order to facilitate active travel choices. Further, as many people travel into Market for work, the bus network needs to be improved to reach more surrounding areas, be more frequent, better connected, much cheaper and to continue later into the evening and morning, and to be timed to line up with train times.
Cycle routes need to be well connected and well designed so that even the most vulnerable road users feel safe using them. All new developments around Cambridge need to plan for cycling provision and much of our existing network needs to be made fit for use.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

As I sit on both of the City planning committees, I have argued consistently for priority for pedestrians and cycles at new developments, as Camcycle are aware. I have also pushed for cargo/adapted bike spaces in residential and business parking, and for appropriate secure sites for all cycle parking.

I also speak up for car club spaces in all new developments, as I believe that this is one of the most useful things that we can do in the city to reduce private car ownership. However, the provision of car club spaces needs to reach a critical mass before people will feel comfortable relying on this and we are not there yet, in my opinion.

In summary, all the suggested actions in this question are important. However, this kind of improvement also needs supporting in the bigger picture by a transformation of public transport, which is only feasible both through funding for a bigger bus network operating over longer hours, with more frequency and more inclusive ticket pricing and measures to reduce the current congestion which prevents their efficiency. This is the agenda which the GCP’s ‘Making Connections’ is working on, which we support.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

In order for Cambridge to meet local targets of reducing road deaths to zero and national targets for 50% of urban journeys to be made by walking and cycling by 2030, it is essential that we work towards establishing a "Green Travel Area" in Market Ward. It is integral that any positions are holistic and consider the transport network of Market at large. Motor traffic that is just "passing through" (except for buses and emergency vehicles) could be removed within this area with access by car only for residents, deliveries (during limited hours), licensed low-emission taxis, blue badge holders and, importantly, visiting car park users.

# Question 7

National charity Cycling UK's manifesto for English elections includes the following asks:

1: Create safe space for cycling: put the delivery of a connected network of routes at the heart of transport and development plans;

2: Improve delivery: ensure schemes meet the government’s cycle design standards laid out in LTN 1/20 and the Gear Change policy;

3: Make neighbourhoods more attractive for cycling & people: for example, by making 20mph the default for residential and shopping streets, and increasing secure cycle parking;

4: Enable rural & urban communities to cycle: integrate cycling and walking with public transport, make cycle training available for all and improve access to local green space.

Will you support this manifesto? What policies would you champion in your area to increase levels of walking and cycling?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

I fully support this manifesto and would champion it if elected to the council. In order to encourage more people to cycle, it is vital that there are safer and more segregated cycle routes (from cars and pedestrians) as well as safer bike racks.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

As per my answers to your other questions, I am happy to support these aims and to use this as a checklist for policy going forward. My record on planning committee consistently demonstrates my commitment to LTN1/20 as a material planning consideration on new sites.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

I fully support Cycling UK’s manifesto, and plan on enacting as many of the points as possible if elected councillor. Specifically, 20mph default zones, consulting and trialing lock-box parking, and integrating any cycling plans with a holistic ‘transport for the city’ model is a priority for me. I also propose more awareness campaigns and city cycling guides to let new residents and visitors know of the cycling map of the local area before venturing out.

# Question 8

What is your personal experience of walking and cycling in your area? What barriers do you think local people face that may prevent them from choosing active travel for everyday journeys?

Nicola ELLIOTT
(Green Party)

Cycling is my main mode of transport to get to work, to the shops or out for leisure. Although known as a cycling city, I am always surprised at how inadequate our roads and even cycle paths are at accommodating this sustainable and affordable mode of transport. Bike lanes need to be taking precedence over parking spaces. As running a car becomes increasingly unaffordable, it is the time to persuade more of our residents to choose public transport or bikes as their main mode of transport across the city. Unfortunately our poor (and expensive) public transport network, poor road management and high incidents of bicycle accidents are not persuading residents to leave their comfort zones. The lack of connectivity of cycle paths is an off-putting factor, as is knowing where you will be able to safely leave your bike at your destination.

Sam HUNT
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Katie PORRER
(Liberal Democrat)

I do not own a car so I walk everywhere or use public transport. My child cycles but I find that many roads do not feel safe as there is no segregated cycleway on many of them. For example, on Mill Road, where buses and cars pass very close to the pavement. As my answers above demonstrate, I believe that we need to change how our city works, to allow for safer cycling and walking and to reduce the air pollution. These are currently barriers to participation.

I also support encouraging more businesses to provide safe and secure cycle parking as well as promoting this to staff (and am involved in looking at this at my own work as part of their staff wellbeing strategy). I also feel that anyone with a cargo or adapted bike lacks parking facilities in many areas and this discourages use, and I speak about the need to improve this regularly at committees.

We are very lucky that in Cambridge we already have a large proportion of residents who do cycle, but this can and should be increased both for health reasons for the individual and to reduce air pollution levels for everyone, and to make Cambridge a truly sustainable city.

Hollie WRIGHT
(Labour Party)

Since arriving in Market 4 years ago, I have solely used cycling and walking as transport in and around the area. It is scary, especially when you’re not used to the roads, and there need to be more friendly guides for beginner cyclists or visitors/new residents in order to stay safe. For example, Hobson’s Street is incredibly dangerous for cyclists who are travelling directly towards cars and buses who are infringing in their lane. Clearer boundaries need to be marked both on ground and via signage to ensure drivers are aware of the space that cyclists occupy and their responsibility to keep them safe.

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.