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 Camden Cyclists:
Created by John Chamberlain // 1 thread
From June 1st for several weeks, Calthorpe Street will be one-way westbound for motor traffic to allow replacement of a gas main. We have negotiated with the contractor and Camden to allow contraflow eastbound cycling through the works, but please take care; this may be rescinded if there are any issues. At a later stage, Kings Cross Road will be closed southbound at the junction with Calthorpe Street.
Created by Simon Munk // 2 threads
The Royal Park says:
"The Royal Parks is embarking on an exciting and ambitious journey to develop a Movement Strategy that will influence movement and transportation throughout our parks and London.
What is the Movement Strategy?
The Movement Strategy will set a long-term vision for how park visitors will move within, access and subsequently experience the parks.
The strategy will include a comprehensive exploration of all movement and access related issues and opportunities that are relevant to the parks both now and into the foreseeable future.
This will include (but is not limited to) increasing safety for all park users, reducing the impact of vehicle-based traffic and reducing conflict between different modes.
How will it be developed?
To develop the strategy, we will utilise an evidence-based approach to explore all current and future movement opportunities. Input from key stakeholders, including the general public, will be a critical component in exploring possibilities, conflicts and issues that will inform the creation of the strategy.
Engagement Phase One – Now Open.
We are seeking input from key partners including the general public, Transport for London, neighbouring boroughs and all interested parties. This input is a critical component in exploring possibilities, conflicts and issues that will inform the creation of the strategy.This discussion paper sets out the draft aim and principles for our Movement Strategy. These summarise our aspirations and provide the basis for developing a series of bold projects and proposals across all eight parks."
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
Camden Council has prepared a draft Vision and Urban Strategy for Holborn and they are running a public consultation open to local residents, businesses, workers, community groups, and everyone else who has an interest in the area. Their primary aim is to produce a Planning Strategy document to guide Camden's Planning Committee's decisions on construction projects in the area.
We intend to submit a response by the Cycling Campaign because it clearly interacts with and should complement the Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme for which funding of around £12m has been announced by TFL and Camden. The draft for the Vision and Urban Strategy references the Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme and outlines its main proposed actions including the proposed segregated cycle tracks on New Oxford Street and Theobolds Road, so there is no reason to fear a conflict. But the responses to this consultation may have some implications for the LN, so we should respond stating our priorities.
Both schemes propose the removal of the Holborn gyratory and the closure of its Procter Street arm creating a traffic free space there instead.
Created by John Chamberlain // 1 thread
TfL are consulting on changes to Harrington Square and Lidlington Place. These include new pedestrian and cycle crossings and a two-way segregated cycle track on the north side of the road.
The consultation is at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/harrington-square/ and you can respond via the website or by email to consultations@tfl.gov.uk
Created by Paul Allen // 1 thread
There are currently temporary traffic lights around this junction. Work is expected to be finished on the 15th June 2019.
These roadworks are now for the junction improvements that will provide a cycling route to/from the cycle lanes of Royal College Street (North) to/from Prince of Wales Road via castle Street.
Here are links to the proposed infrastructure improvements scheme:
CCC response and Officer's report: http://camdencyclists.org.uk/2018/03/kentish-town-road-rcs-castle-road/
Status info from Camden Council: http://find.camden.gov.uk/streetworks.aspx?area=kentish%20town%20road
The initial works were for Virgin Media presumably preparing for the main changes.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
This consultation gives some new details relating to the design of the westbound cycle track, the junctions and the crossings consulted on in August 2018.
Created by Mixhael // 1 thread
I know HS2 aren't very cooperative with cycling needs but I was wondering if anyone would have any influence to bear on them with this.
They have closed lane 1 of Hampstead Road before Granby Terrace for no reason I can see. They don't corral deliveries in it, they don't store plant in it, they don't even park in it. It seems to be closed for no reason other than that they can close it.
Motor traffic at this part of Hampstead Road is always speeding as quickly as it can between the bottle-necks of Euston Road and Mornington Crescent. It is unpleasant and dangerous having to merge with fast moving lane 2 traffic. Is there any way we can ask HS2 to allow cycles to pass on lane 1?
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
TfL proposes changes at the junction of Euston Road / Churchway / Duke’s Road
You can reply to TfL at
Created by John Chamberlain // 1 thread
Phoenix Road plus Brill Place connects Eversholt Street with Midland Road and is in principle an excellent pedestrian and cycle link between Euston and Kings Cross/St Pancras stations. But it is not attractive, especially for pedestrians. Camden have money from HS2 to improve it and have come up with a set of ideas which are set out in two large and very thorough reports which are available here and here.
Motor traffic and cycle flows on the corridor are relatively low (see pages 26 and 27 of the Stage 1 report). They show a maximum of 144 motor vehicles per hour in the morning peak (sum of both directions, west of Chalton Street) and 175 in the evening peak, with cycle flows of 24 and 27 (very low). The measurements were done in 2017; motor traffic is likely to be higher now that motors have diverted up Ossulston Street, though Google sends motors via Polygon Road rather than Phoenix Road. For comparison, cycle flows on Ossulston Street were 232 and 230 (a.m. and p.m. peak hour).
So there are not many cyclists using the corridor. This may increase once the Midland Road tracks are open but Eversholt Street is not an attractive route unless you are going to Euston station and anyone making that journey is probably already using Ossulston Street so cycle numbers probably will not increase much.
6 options are proposed, ranging from a minimal treatment which would not affect the road layout (option 1A) to a complete closure (option 4). Option 4 is not supported by Camden so we’ll discount it.
Option 1A retains the current road layout with some greening and reduction of carriageway width to 4.8m. 1B converts it to one-way, alternating westbound and eastbound and should therefore reduce rat-running. Option 2 has closures to motor traffic (modal filters) between Ossulston and Chalton Streets and between Chalton and Werrington Streets. Option 3 adds another road closure between Eversholt and Werrington Streets and 3B is the same but with added measures on neighbouring streets to reduce or prevent traffic displacement. Option 4 is a full closure but is not supported by Camden. In all cases, cycling is permitted in both directions throughout and access is retained for emergency vehicles.
In the Stage 2 report they suggest how the actual street layouts might look. The main issues are whether the carriageway should be linear or ‘meandering’.
From a cycling point of view any reduction in motor traffic is a good thing. We normally would have concerns about the interaction with pedestrians in shared space. However, as cycle counts are low perhaps this is not a major issue here and the improved streetscape might outweigh any concerns. If one of the options 2 or 3 were chosen we should probably ask that the design makes it clear that cyclists are allowed and that also the meandering design might be better as it would signal to cyclists that low speeds are appropriate.
More information plus the online response form is at https://consultations.wearecamden.org/groundwork/greening-phoenix-road/
Meanwhile please feed your comments to us via the threads on this issue, or by email to john@camdencyclists.org.uk . Responses are due by 31st May so we’ll send in our formal response by the 28th.
Created by John Chamberlain // 0 threads
From 18th February to mid June, Guilford Street will be one-way westbound from Grays Inn Road to Grenville Street for the replacement of a 32" gas main. Eastbound traffic will be diverted via Theobalds Road and Roseberry Avenue but cyclists will be better off using Tavistock Place and Ampton Street (CS6). Note that Guilford Street is already permanently one-way westbound west of Grenville Street. At the same time, a raised junction will be installed at Guilford Place.
Update 22/5/19: Works now extended till end May and new closure due to work on the Great Ormond Street Hospital building. As well as a new gas main, works include electricity and water.
Update 5/6/19: Works complete as far as Guilford Place but still one-way from there to Grenville Street.
Created by JonC // 1 thread
Cyclists going straight up the Finchley Road from Swiss Cottage to Golders Green have to cross two lanes of fast A41 traffic, where the Hendon Way turns off to the left.One possible solution would be for cycles to remain on the left and have a facility to use the pedestrian crossing across the top of the Hendon Way. Recommended route via Ardwick Road/Burgess Hill is not efficient and involves crossing 2 lanes when rejoining Finchley Road.
TfL Enquiry Ref: 13049465 Cycling on Finchley Road CRM001:0373000000770 23/02/2019
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
New End School is situated in Hampstead village to the north east of Hampstead tube station. It’s address is Streatley Place – a narrow pedestrian alleyway accessible by all vehicles from Heath Street via New End (Road) or from Back Lane on foot.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
St Cross Street
St Cross street runs from Farringdon Road, across Saffron Hill to Hatton Garden. It is currently one-way westbound between Saffron Hill to Hatton Garden.
The consultation proposes two-way cycling all the way through while reducing the short section between Saffron Hill and Farringdon Road to one-way eastbound for motor vehicles (with a cycle contraflow lane).
Saffron Street
Saffron Street connects Saffron Hill with Farringdon Road and currently the western end (as far as Onslow Street) is one-way eastbound.
The consultation proposes two-way cycling all the way through while Saffron St is closed to motor traffic between Saffron Hill and Onslow Street in order to safely facilitate two-way cycling, and to create an improved environment for pedestrians.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden’s Clean Air Action Plan has been produced as part of our duty to London Local Air Quality Management. It outlines the action we will take to improve air quality in Camden between 2019 and 2022.
Apologies for very late posting
Created by Simon Munk // 4 threads
At approximately 12km, this route would connect the town centres of Tottenham Hale, Seven Sisters and the Nag's Head, making it easier for people to make local journeys and use local services. The route would use both main roads and quieter back streets.
Created by John Chamberlain // 0 threads
Howland Street is closed to motor traffic from Thursday 31st for several weeks. Cyclists will still be able to use it except for 2 days, probably 7th and 8th Feb, when it will be completely closed. On these days use the signed diversion via Grafton Way and Whitfield Street or walk through.
Created by John Chamberlain // 0 threads
Maple Street cycle lane closed for a few days from January 29th, cyclists will need to use the main carriageway.
Created by John Chamberlain // 0 threads
Stanhope Street is closed for installation of a new water main and other utilities. Cyclists can divert via Augustus and Varndell Streets (short and easier than walking through).
Update (May 2019): Duration now extended to October and closure extended to run from Augustus to Varndell Streets.
Update (October 2019): Closure of northern part extended to 21/11/19
Created by John Chamberlain // 0 threads
Stanhope Street is closed at Robert Street for installation of the new water main. Cyclists can walk around the closure.
Created by John Chamberlain // 0 threads
From January 17th until early 2020 Park Village East will be closed to motor traffic at the northern end for Thames Water to install a new 42 main. This is due to HS2 construction. It is currently possible to cycle through and the good news is that the road is temporarily two-way with effectively a modal filter at the north end! I wonder if we can persuade Camden to make the arrangement permanent.
Update 1/6/19: Roadway now fully closed off and access only by narrow footway.
Created by John Chamberlain // 1 thread
From January through June 2019, Gloucester Gate will be closed to all traffic including cycles. It is possible to get through on the footway (by dismounting). We are trying to get a better solution in place but in the meantime the only other options are to use Albany Street and Chester Gate (southbound) or Prince Albert Road and Macclesfield Bridge (westbound).
Update 7/6/19: Gloucester Gate has now re-opened to two-way traffic. So cyclists can now enter and leave Regents Park here, but, unfortunately, so can drivers.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on proposals to improve the public realm and reduce bus journey times along Hampstead High Street and its junction with Heath Street.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on changes that originate from a desire to remove through motor traffic from Anglers Lane.
This rat-running motor traffic comes from the west via Prince of Wales Road (PoW) and is headed north up Kentish Town Road (KTR). Camden says that this traffic should remain on Prince of Wales Road and use a newly instated left turn into Kentish Town Road.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on improving safety for pedestrians in the vicinity of Hampstead School in Westbere Road.
See StreetView from Lichfield Road (Barnet) towards Westbere Road Camden showing Hampstead School on the left and the 20 mph sign
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
In the consultation Camden states that they propose measures to improve the public realm and reduce bus journey times through the junction of Heath Street, East Heath Road and West Heath Road in Hampstead.
We note that buses 268 and 603 run along Heath Street through this junction.
They list the following problems:
- The staggered arrangement of East Heath Road and West Heath Road means that it is difficult to turn right or travel straight ahead when exiting West Heath Road
- pedestrians crossing the northern arm of the junction over Heath Street have to cross away from the their desire line
- southbound traffic on Heath Street is held while pedestrians cross East Heath Road
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by Andrea Casalotti // 1 thread
Here is an ambitious plan for a Bicycle Boulevard from Shoreditch to Fitzrovia, along Old Street, Clerkenwell Road and Theobalds Road, open only to bicycles, buses and motor traffic for local access only.
a. It is now the most cycled route in London, showing that it is the desired EW route.
b. It is of variable width, therefore trying to accommodate bikes, buses, and through traffic in a consistent and safe way is impossible. In other words, a compromise will be a botch job.
c. There will not be mixing of buses and bicycles: bicycles will have a dedicated two way cycle lane on the South side of the street.
d. The Boulevard stops being a mega- EW-rat-run. Motor traffic will have to use Pentonville/City Road.
More details here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yw9mkHhGZaVBKYJs6FxyhC1Z4nNYVl-IFH-aR1ScK9U/pub?start=false#slide=id.p
See: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/kingscross
Deadline: 24 March 2014
Note: the most significant place in this proposal is the Gray's Inn Road/York Way route, where Deep Lee was killed in 2011.
Drop-in sessions: 4 and 11 March 2014
Time: 16:30 – 19:00
Venue: King’s Cross Neighbourhood Centre, 51 Argyle Street
CCC were consulted in advance and do not like the proposals. Our main objections are that these proposals:
1. fail to meet TfL’s own 2005 Cycle Design Standards, on many points,
2. put cyclists on the pavement at an extremely pedestrian-busy junction,
3. fail to narrow the traffic heading into York Way down to one lane early enough. It narrows, already, to one lane once it reaches the bus stops in York Way, so it is perverse not to narrow it before the junction, thus freeing up space for a cycle lane to take cyclists safely through the junction.
We have other more detailed objections which we will post later.
There is a campaign to get Google (who are currently building their new HQ in the King's Cross development) to provide this much-need bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. See http://googlebridge.kccp.org.uk/ .
Created by Colin Wing // 2 threads
This is the proposed route of Quietway 16 in Westminster
Nominal deadline set to clear this from the Consultation Map.
Created by Colin Wing // 3 threads
This is the proposed route of Quietway 88 in Westminster. An alternative option uses the west side of Trafalgar Square instead of Cockspur Street.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Official title: "CENTRAL LONDON CYCLE GRID - PRATT ST AND DELANCEY ST PROPOSED WALKING AND CYCLING IMPROVEMENTS"
This consultation proposes the construction of an important two-way east-west cycle route across Camden Town.
It will run from St Pancras Way along Pratt Street, across Royal College Street to Camden High Street, where a two-way cycle crossing will be provided.
It will then run two-way along Delancey Street as far as Mornington Terrace.
A later consultation on the continuation of this route to Regents Park is promised.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 3 threads
The North-South Cycle Superhighway is already under construction between Stonecutter Street and Elephant & Castle.
TfL, together with Camden and Islington Councils, is now consulting on proposals to extend it north up to King’s Cross.
The proposal is that it should continue north on Farringdon Road to Greville Street where northbound cyclists would turn onto a quiet back-street route to King’s Cross.
Southbound cyclists from King’s Cross would turn off the back-street route onto Farringdon Road at Ray Street via a new signalised junction and continue south on a stepped cycle track.
Detailed proposals
Section 1 - Farringdon Street (between Stonecutter Street and Holborn Viaduct)
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/afgdegdg8t9
Section 2 - Farringdon Street (between Holborn Viaduct and Charterhouse Street)
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/afgdasrcgrm2908
Section 3 - Farringdon Road and Saffron Hill (between Charterhouse Street and St. Cross Street)
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/rcgrthth5w6
Section 4 - Farringdon Road and Saffron Hill (between St. Cross Street and Ray Street)
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cg25ty5cy
Section 5 - Farringdon Road, Ray Street, Herbal Hill and Warner Street
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cg5eh4h
Section 6 - Warner Street and Phoenix Place
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cv45h646
Section 7 - Pakenham Street, Calthorpe Street and Cubitt Street
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/c5hv365j753j
Section 8 - Ampton Street, Sidmouth Street and Tavistock Place
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/vch34yv3u
Section 9 - Tavistock Place and Judd Street
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/qgc245y
See also this related scheme for the treatment of the Euston Road junction and continuation northwards: http://camdencyclists.cyclescape.org/issues/2057-midland-road-and-euston-road-judd-street-junction-north-south-cs-link
Created by John Chamberlain // 1 thread
For the last year Torrington Place and Tavistock Place have had segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the street. This consultation is about making the current trial arrangement permanent. The current lightly segregated tracks would mostly become stepped tracks and there would be other improvements to junctions as well as increased space for pedestrians. There is a lot of local support but also significant opposition, mostly from residents of Judd and other streets where motor traffic volumes have increased. We think this can be corrected by the (separate) proposed changes to Judd Street and at Brunswick Square.
It's important that all cyclists and others in favour respond using the website below. Otherwise we are in danger of losing this flagship facility. You don't have to live in Camden but you do need to provide an address and postcode.
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 Jean Dollimore // 3 threads
From time to time, we receive consultations on Play Streets and rather debating each one as it comes in, I think it could be helpful to have a policy as to whether CCC want to respond as a group and the position we should take.
Play Streets are achieved by the occasional closures of a stretch of road to enable children to play (e.g. twice a month for a couple of hours).
The road closures are usually operated by local residents using ‘road closed’ signs, advanced warning signs and barriers.
Play Streets are not directly connected to cycling. But, as they may give people an idea that it would improve the area to have longer term road closures, I would like to support such schemes.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Hawley Road (+ southern end of Castlehaven Road) runs one way eastbound and is on the north side of a small clockwise gyratory on Kentish Town Road, Hawley Crescent and Camden High Street. Hawley Road is just to the north of Regents’ Canal.
The Camden Lock area has recently been redeveloped to provide a new school for Hawley Primary as well as housing. During this development the southern footway and adjacent parking places were closed.
The scheme under consultation tidies up and widens the southern footway and permanently removes the former parking places.
Henry Lancashire // 1 thread
Info from survey:
"The London Borough of Brent and Sustrans are working together to explore ways in which the Kilburn High Road and surrounding area shown could be improved. Together we want to better meet the needs of the community to make it a more desireable place to walk, cycle and enjoy being in.
...
London Borough of Brent and London Borough of Camden will submit a joint application to Transport for London's Liveable Neighbourhood programme in November 2018, which will incorporate suggestions made by the community."
Brent Cyclists are forming our own response, to be sent by end of October 2018.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on: The direction of motor traffic flow i.e. – should it remain as it is now (eastbound between Gower Street and Judd Street and westbound between Gower Street and Tottenham Court Road) – or change to westbound through the entire stretch between Judd Street and Tottenham Court Road They also ask support for further improvements (including stepped tracks and widened footways) subject to funding being available.
[Deadline extended by Camden Council to 6 January 2019.]
Created by linus // 1 thread
Westminster council are doing two important things at the moment. There is a consultation on "Oxford Street District" here: https://osd.london
The other thing WCC are doing is going to close Riding House Street with the Camden boundary at the junction of Cleveland Street by installing bollards across the road. The street has already been closed for over a year and it has had no negative impact. Camden have already done this at Fitzroy Square and Warren Street and it has been very positive. We need to do more of the same.
The issue of through traffic -- including Torrington Place -- needs to be dealt with as a matter of urgency. All areas of Fitzrovia are above the legal limit for NO2, except for Crabtree Fields open space. (Sample readings: 55 µg/m3 - legal limit is 40 µg/m3. NO2 pollution on Oxford Street east is 66 µg/m3 & on Euston Road it is 84 µg/m3.)
Camden has so far refused to entertain the two road closures I have suggested - Torrington Place and Goodge Place.
I am now going to suggest the following road closures to Camden and Westminster to make Fitzrovia "access only".
Close Goodge Street at Westminster boundary at junction with Goodge Place; close New Cavendish Street at the junction with Cleveland Street, and finally close Clipstone Street at the junction with Cleveland Street (this would also require Cleveland Street to be one-way north bound).
I believe it will not impact on access to all streets by motor vehicles for deliveries and drop-offs, etc. But it will eliminate entirely motor through traffic across the Camden/Westminster border and mitigate the effect of Gower Street northbound traffic turning into Torrington Place. This would also cut down on traffic along Grafton Way which also a victim of WEP.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden is consulting on improving safety for pedestrians in the vicinity of Hampstead School in Westbere Road.
See StreetView from Lichfield Road (Barnet) towards Westbere Road Camden showing Hampstead School on the left and the 20 mph sign
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Fleet Road is a one-way street with heavy motor traffic and no protected cycle infrastructure. This means that people cycling through the area face unpleasant interactions with motor vehicles as well as needing to make diversions to reach destinations in the area,
Created by George Coulouris // 1 thread
We've launched the campaign for a major upgrade to the cycle tracks on Tavistock Place/Torrington Place. The campaign is fronted by this video:
http://camdencyclists.org.uk/camden/campaigns/ssl-upgrade/index_html
This issue provides a forum for discussion by (a) CCC committee and (b) campaign activists. Please create threads as necessary.
Created by Jean Dollimore // 1 thread
Camden proposes the following measures:
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
London Cycling Campaign's Space for Cycling campaign
Has a clear message - what can we learn from them?
Created by George Coulouris // 7 threads
This issue is intended to act a repository for material that can be used to back-up the LCC's 2014 Local Election Campaign 'Asks'. There are 6 'asks' that were finalised and agreed at the LCC's AGM on 19 October 2013:
1. Safe routes to schools
2. Areas without through motor traffic (AWTTs)
3. Protected space on main roads/major junctions
4. Safe cycle routes via parks and canals (Greenways)
5. 20mph speed limits
6. Liveable town centres
so we'll have 6 threads under this Cyclescape issue where we can collect explanations, discussions and most importantly concrete illustrations of what is meant by each ask.