tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post3156081176371188545..comments2023-04-15T16:57:59.715+01:00Comments on Travelling the Cambridgeshire guided busway: Busway neglect - latest photos of debrisAndrew Bethunehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02711423177266767155noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-55054411272129678092013-12-01T22:08:45.050+00:002013-12-01T22:08:45.050+00:00I would have thought "punishment" for th...I would have thought "punishment" for the contractors should include all of them having to cycle from Histon to St Ives....or vice versaStephen Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00649392649827111837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-27974320765075728882013-11-29T17:36:58.115+00:002013-11-29T17:36:58.115+00:00Cycled from St Ives after dark this evening and I ...Cycled from St Ives after dark this evening and I could see <b>all</b> the studlights until I got to the tall trees by Fendrayton lakes where freshly fallen leaves had obscured a few. Fendrayton to Swavesey there are still quite a few obscured, and it needs the same treatment.David Parishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17332422302480594681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-59248112752472144102013-11-29T15:49:45.520+00:002013-11-29T15:49:45.520+00:00They were working between Longstanton and Oakingto...They were working between Longstanton and Oakington today, cutting the wide verge between the bus track and the cycle track. I was on the bus and couldn't see if they were sweeping up the debris.<br /><br />I noticed also that there are a lot of leaves obscuring the lights near Histon, just opposite the jam factory.Andrew Bethunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02711423177266767155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-45536999480337021212013-11-29T14:56:38.684+00:002013-11-29T14:56:38.684+00:00Looks like they have started to trim back right to...Looks like they have started to trim back right to the edge and not just around the lights. This happened the day I wrote to them. Still several kilometers to go though, might all be done by Easter!Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-22344528840450254612013-11-26T10:57:41.468+00:002013-11-26T10:57:41.468+00:00I have just written again, stating that cutting ar...I have just written again, stating that cutting around a light is no good, as you approach you cannot see it still!Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-24752604210179800222013-11-21T21:54:48.460+00:002013-11-21T21:54:48.460+00:00Well, it's later this week and even though par...Well, it's later this week and even though part of the busway looks clean they have clearly missed the bit after the viaduct Jon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-16604030197462320462013-11-19T19:22:18.183+00:002013-11-19T19:22:18.183+00:00Today (19 Nov) I received an email from Campbell R...Today (19 Nov) I received an email from Campbell Ross-Bain. This confirms what he sent to Andrew on 14th, but adds:<br /><br />"They (<i>the contractors</i>) have a sweeper attachment on a mini tractor which should give us a satisfactory clean. <b>We hope that this will take place later this week.</b>"<br /><br />I do wonder if the sweeper will be strong enough to break the weeds from their roots!<br />David Parishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17332422302480594681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-59441506612817202932013-11-19T19:21:43.757+00:002013-11-19T19:21:43.757+00:00That's a jobs worth approach to clearing the b...That's a jobs worth approach to clearing the busway! That said it is getting better, but I do agree with you about 4 people spending some time to cut the verges, they would have wrapped up in a couple of days. There only going to spend more time and money at this rate.Jon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-49278939493215134272013-11-19T16:16:47.276+00:002013-11-19T16:16:47.276+00:00That's nice, uncover the light so you think th...That's nice, uncover the light so you think the path is wider than it really is! How about cutting it back to the edge all the way along the busway, a crew of four could have that done in a couple of days, no need to cut the whole the verge.Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-15588455365960155382013-11-19T09:34:04.368+00:002013-11-19T09:34:04.368+00:00I've added another photo (above) which I took ...I've added another photo (above) which I took yesterday, showing what James is talking about - how they've cleared back some of the vegetation to uncover the lights. I agree with James, there are still a lot of lights not uncovered. I'm also concerned that in a short time, leaves and debris will cover the lights again. Andrew Bethunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02711423177266767155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-68900240199579050722013-11-19T08:08:46.478+00:002013-11-19T08:08:46.478+00:00Well it's still the same, debris was swept awa...Well it's still the same, debris was swept away, lights still not uncovered, basically nothing has been done since Friday. They don't even have to cut the whole verge, just uncover the lights!Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-41690194236818262032013-11-15T08:53:18.335+00:002013-11-15T08:53:18.335+00:00David is right, they seem to have cleared debris o...David is right, they seem to have cleared debris on the later parts that have been cut, but not the first bit they did. Now they just have to speed it up, as there is lots of areas the full length to Cambridge that need doing.<br /><br />I had the same email response.Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-14943296760451991762013-11-14T23:05:15.173+00:002013-11-14T23:05:15.173+00:00Andrew,
That sounds very promising!
I cycled alo...Andrew,<br /><br />That sounds very promising!<br /><br />I cycled along this afternoon. The worst bit for debris is still the dip between the viaduct and St. Ives Park & Ride which he doesn't mention - I hope they don't miss that bit!<br />David Parishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17332422302480594681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-74180540319870256952013-11-14T22:56:12.317+00:002013-11-14T22:56:12.317+00:00Nice one thanks AndrewNice one thanks AndrewJon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-73860989972543478652013-11-14T22:26:40.183+00:002013-11-14T22:26:40.183+00:00I've had an email from Campbell Ross-Bain,
Bu...I've had an email from Campbell Ross-Bain, <br />Bus Operations & Facilities Manager at the County Council, apologising for 'the poor execution of this relatively simple task' . <br /><br />Here is what he wrote: 'The specific order to the contractors was to ensure that the grass etc. was cut away from the solar lighting and blown or swept away. We need to check all the lights to make sure they are all functioning.<br />I spoke again with the contractors on Tuesday to state that we were receiving complaints and that the debris had not been sufficiently cleared away. I received an apology and a confirmation that this would be done.<br />I checked the area between the Lakes stop and Swavesey yesterday and found the cutting to be satisfactory. However we inspected the area between the lakes and the viaduct this morning and the photos we have taken match the ones you took on Friday. <br />This is clearly unacceptable. I have been unable to contact the contractors this afternoon and have taken the decision to call in another grounds maintenance contractor that undertakes work on behalf of our Rights Of Way Team, to clear up the area between the lakes and the viaduct. We will be meeting the new contractor tomorrow morning.'<br /><br />So, a very good result now seems to be on the way. Thanks to all blog readers who complained to their councillors or Council officials. Andrew Bethunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02711423177266767155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-38805317303669863682013-11-14T19:39:06.973+00:002013-11-14T19:39:06.973+00:00Got a puncture this evening at swaversey thanks to...Got a puncture this evening at swaversey thanks to those fellow cyclists that offered to help, didn't realise how cold it was it only took 5 minutes and I was freezingJon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-15276818782227555072013-11-13T21:30:48.059+00:002013-11-13T21:30:48.059+00:00Let's hope they listen, I spoke to the busway ...Let's hope they listen, I spoke to the busway team last week after the first cutting job by the contractor and they said it would get sorted! Clearly it hasn't and I wonder if they really careJon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-77836855992600818132013-11-13T19:42:59.935+00:002013-11-13T19:42:59.935+00:00I have also emailed Mike Davies, Cambridgeshire Co...I have also emailed Mike Davies, Cambridgeshire County Council’s cycling projects team leader, who organised the <a href="http://travellingtheguidedbusway.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/starlight-bike-ride-on-guided-busway.html" rel="nofollow">night-time cycle ride along the busway</a> in April to "celebrate the installation of new lighting along the guided busway"<br /><br />At the time Mike said "The solar studs make it brighter and easier for those cycling at night between Cambridge and St Ives. This cycle ride will demonstrate what a great addition the lights are to the route, and will hopefully encourage more people to cycle even when it’s dark."David Parishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17332422302480594681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-56418217756909701512013-11-13T09:09:59.560+00:002013-11-13T09:09:59.560+00:00Paul Bullen reply, almost instant.
Hi James,
I&#...Paul Bullen reply, almost instant.<br /><br />Hi James,<br /><br />I've passed your concerns to the officer responsible and will keep you updated on any progress.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />PaulJamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-31457292677087326062013-11-13T08:42:16.190+00:002013-11-13T08:42:16.190+00:00Good luck with the Council. Make sure you let your...Good luck with the Council. Make sure you let your local councillor know what's been going on.Andrew Bethunehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02711423177266767155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-68229581338524351712013-11-13T08:06:34.930+00:002013-11-13T08:06:34.930+00:00Nearly ended up in the verge after I lost the path...Nearly ended up in the verge after I lost the path, no definition when it's covered in debris and no lights. Had another puncture yesterday, that's 3 in a week and I have brand new GATORSKINS, so this morning I i went by road and I will come back road until I hear better news. I'm also going to invoice The County Council for Tubes, Gas and Tyres!Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-61054090549620432962013-11-12T19:12:07.942+00:002013-11-12T19:12:07.942+00:00Well the busway has still got debri on it but it&#...Well the busway has still got debri on it but it's getting better after the rain this morning and other cyclists riding over the debri, I'm just dreading when they cut the rest of it! However the solar lights are still covered so it can be difficult to see the the cycle lane at timesJon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-52980609999367380172013-11-12T18:31:25.549+00:002013-11-12T18:31:25.549+00:00@james Barlow. Not me mate, that's the first t...@james Barlow. Not me mate, that's the first time I have ever ridden homw with them with them coming home I am 99.99% on my own, sorry mate! I only did it cause I got a puncture and they caught up. I I can't even say my light is bright either being a tight Yorkshire man, I don't have any of that fancy stuff just a cheap light that just about gets me home! But I do sympathise because I suffer the same problem. Some people have lights that I think come from police helicopters!!! :)<br /><br />anyway its still bad but better now its drying up.Kevinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-29896191952742877842013-11-12T11:10:55.217+00:002013-11-12T11:10:55.217+00:00@Kevin, so its your bunch with those super bright ...@Kevin, so its your bunch with those super bright lights, do they not have a dip setting? Whenever someone ever rides down the busway with those, everyone coming towards them get blinded, even worse if helmet mounted.<br /><br />Path was a mess this morning and really hard to find in the heavy rain, my shoe covers were totally covered in cutting debris and not just dirt.Jamesbarlow300https://www.blogger.com/profile/15853243746671251906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76868463409565053.post-32006300911479986312013-11-11T21:18:33.864+00:002013-11-11T21:18:33.864+00:00I have ridden the busway this morning and this eve...I have ridden the busway this morning and this evening and I also noticed that they had cut the verges again! And they still haven't cleared it properly. It's definitely puncture alley! Perhaps I should send county council an invoice for inner tubes Jon summersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14779382928224323067noreply@blogger.com