Comments on: Cottenham to Histon

By: R Whiterod

R Whiterod — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:56:13 +0000

Can I also point out that when the road surface of the B1049 between Cottenham and Histon was replaced some years ago now, the cat’s eyes were never replaced in their ’sockets’. It might appear that we have cat’s eyes in the daytime, but try driving along this dark stretch of road at night in mist and fog!!

By: James Bax

James Bax — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:51:49 +0000

Note to Deborah Read – the text below the name is the comment. I wrote:
“The cycle path from Cottenham to Histon is so appauling that I seldom use it, I ride along the road as I consider it safer! It is not wide enough for 2 bicycles to pass safely, especially in the dark. The surface is cracked and scattered with glass. The lines are also so faded that even with a halogen front light it is difficult to see the edge of the pavement.
The cycle paths from Histon to Girton / Griton to Oakington and Cottenham to Rampton are all fantastic – why has this heavily used route not been improved aswell????”
The issues are ongoing and the path is continuing to deriorate further following the winter months!!
This is a VERY dark piece of road – why has this not been upgraded with the LED lights as found on the cycle path to Rampton and all paths between Girton, Oakington and Histon???
Please can action be take ASAP…….

By: Jane Heath

Jane Heath — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:34:18 +0000

I agree completely with all the comments above which highlight how totally inadequate and dangerous is the so-called cycle path between Cottenham and Histon.
I believe the County Council wants to encourage cycling. We need a comprehensive and radical redevelopment along this route to create a proper cycle path which is viable and safe – and even pleasant – to use. This should be done with conviction, including providing a good degree of separation from the road. We’ve had to make do with the current apology for a cycle path for years – don’t waste money this time on another feeble, compromise solution.
It’s good to hear the Lib Dems are campaigning for action on this route and I support your efforts.

By: Andrew Poulton

Andrew Poulton — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:35:04 +0000

I would just add that i am appalled by the comments of Mr Warren. He should make himself familiar with the rules of the road (cyclists have every right to use it!) and, as Ms Cook says, try using the path himself and see how he finds cycling towards traffic travelling at 60mph while being blinded by headlights. Apart from anything else, he may also find that as a driver it’s pretty horrifying to have a cyclist coming towards you also on what is essentially the wrong side of the road. It is therefore, much safer to travel on the road and do not make, and nor do i need to make any apology for making that choice, even if it means slowing down the like of Mr Warren and causing him the terrible inconvenience of overtaking a cyclist.

Dismayed of Cottenham!

By: Deborah Read

Deborah Read — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:01:34 +0000

With reference to the Lib Dem focus news letter. Never suggest a bypass for Cottenham. This would bring more noise, ( try sitting in a garden in Little Shelford or Horseheath) it would extend the village boundaries which would be filled by industrial units like Ely and the A14 and hurt village businesses. The traffic is only at peak times and because it slow moving is relatively safe within the village. More pedestrian crossings and a policed 20mph speed limit would be better.
James Bax’s comments describing cyclists as a hazard is nonsense. If he can’t overtake a cyclist safely at 20mph might I suggest some driving lessons.

By: Liz Cook

Liz Cook — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:10:48 +0000

I have read all the above comments and commend all those who battle with the poorly surfaced and badly maintained path/cycle route from Cottenham to Histon. The correspondent who complains that cyclists do not use the path on the return journey in particular is clearly not a cyclist or he would appreciate the serious hazards of travelling on a two-way path at night-time facing the glare of oncoming headlights sufficient to blind the cyclist. There is no legal requirement to travel on the so-called cycle path and we, all of us, should be mindful of each other, whichever route we choose to take! On a positive note, a cycle path of consistently appropriate width, properly marked and surfaced would be a huge incentive for cyclists to use it. And why can there not be a cycle-path on the opposite side of the road? With a bit of imagination (and investment) the scrubby grass verge could be used more appropriately to accommodate a cycle path and the dangers of the two-way path would be solved.

The problems at either end of the cycle path are another matter. Quite where the cyclist evaporates to once the designated path ends defies logic. If there is to be a safe route all the way from Cottenham to Cambridge, then there must be sound provision ALL the way. If we want our children to be confident that cycling is an acceptable and pleasing way to travel, they must be safe. At the moment, they are not, with the exception of short stretches of designated cycle path. We need a mandatory route all the way through Cottenham and Histon, right up to the A14 roundabout where there should be adequate cycle traffic lights to guide cyclists safely across the slip roads. At the moment the lights are not even timed to allow cyclists to cross safely – this is a hazard for both the cyclist and motorists.

It is really encouraging that the Lib Dems are campaigning for improvements and they have my utmost support.

By: Andrew Poulton

Andrew Poulton — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:54:07 +0000

I too use this road to cycle from Cottenham to Cambridge everyday. I emphasise the word ROAD here. I do not use the cycle path. It is not a cycle path, it is a rutted pavement with a few lines on it. It is too narrow and in too poor condition to expect cyclists to use it in either direction. For what i would describe as a mid to long distance commute to Cambridge, you need proper surfaces fit for purpose that allow a bike to run smoothly and quickly, thus making the commute more viable for more people.

As it is, the cycle path can potentially do more harm than good because it is so dangerous, in particular if travelling north at night. I don’t do this and i would implore people to cycle on the road travelling north, provided they have sufficient reflective gear and lighting. Because under what circumstances would you normally cycle towards on coming traffic at 60mph that passes within just a foot or two? If said traffic has its headlights on full beam, you are temporarily blinded and unable to see the path in front of you.

What I would like to know from Councillors is what the progress is on the Cottenham – Histon path, as i gather there is money for this now through the “Cycling Demonstration Town” grant award of £3m. I would like to know the progress through whatever process is required to get this moving, how local people can engage and help move it along through their own testimonies, and when work will likely start.

I would be more than happy to contribute to speed up the building of this path. I have genuine fear for further casualties on this road involving cyclists if it is not addressed soon.

By: James Bax

James Bax — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:51:43 +0000

The cycle path from Cottenham to Histon is so appauling that I seldom use it, I ride along the road as I consider it safer! It is not wide enough for 2 bicycles to pass safely, especially in the dark. The surface is cracked and scattered with glass. The lines are also so faded that even with a halogen front light it is difficult to see the edge of the pavement.
The cycle paths from Histon to Girton / Griton to Oakington and Cottenham to Rampton are all fantastic – why has this heavily used route not been improved aswell????

By: Howard Warren

Howard Warren — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:56:56 +0000

It is a shame that cyclists believe that they are the victimised members of society. In my experience they continue to create a hazard on the stretch of road from Cottenham to Histon, This is particularly the case during the winter nights. Many fail to use the cycle path and consider themselves indistructable delaying and causing motorist to cross over to the adjoining lane to avoid them. This is particular hazardous for both themselves and the motorists. In my opinion the cycle path is sufficient wide if the cyclists act in a responsible manner

By: Jane Cook

Jane Cook — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:49:37 +0000

There is a row of houses on the left hand bend as you come into Histon from the north. As drivers coming from Cottenham ignore the 40mph sign, it is only a matter of time before someone is hit coming into, or out of their driveway on this bend – as it impossible for residents to see what is coming from Cottenham round the corner. I think a 30mph limit and flashing sign might help to slow drivers down as they come into the village around that bend.
Also, satnavs seem to direct HGVs coming south from the A10 off through Cottenham and Histon on the B1049 as the shortest route to the M11 or A14 West. I wonder if there is any way of forcing HGVs to go down the A10 right down to the A14, rather than take the short route through the villages?