Agenda item

Cycle Lanes Update

To consider an update on the development of a comprehensive cycle network across the Borough.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report, Agenda pages 19 to 24, which provided an update on cycle lanes and cycle safety since the previous report to the Committee in January 2017. David Wilby (Principal Planner, Highways and Transport) attended the meeting to introduce the report and answer Member questions.

 

The report reminded Members that since 2013 a combination of grant funding and developer funding had been used to fund the provision of new cycleways. The funding had been used to deliver the Lower Earley Way Cycleway and work was now ongoing to deliver a cycleway on the A329 corridor. The works included replacing traffic signals, improving bus stops and shelters, improving footways and kerbs and resurfacing the carriageway.

 

The report gave details about the impact of the Lower Earley Way Cycleway which had opened in late 2013. The data collected indicated that there were over 29,000 cycle trips per year which equated to a reduction of over 18,000 car journeys. The A329 cycleway was being delivered in phases with the final phase planned for delivery in 2018. Data available indicated an increase in cycle journeys of 14% on the A329 route compared to 2013.

 

The report stated that Wokingham Borough was a relatively safe place to cycle. Records indicated that there had been 236 accidents involving cyclists over the past five years. 23% of these accidents had taken place in the A329 corridor and it was felt that the new cycleway would help to improve safety and raise awareness of cyclists.

 

The report reminded Members of the Council’s Bikeability training programme for 10-11 year olds. Over the past nine years over 11,000 children had received training and in the past two years over 90% of eligible children had been trained. Officers also provided training for drivers and had run specific sessions for coach and bus drivers.

 

The report also referred to the recent Government guidance relating to the development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. It was intended to develop a plan for the Borough alongside a new Local Transport Plan and in line with the Council’s Greenways initiative.

 

In the subsequent discussion the following points were made:

 

·           Was Government funding available for the development of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan? It was confirmed that Officers had made a bid for Government funded consultancy support and were waiting to hear the outcome of the bid.

 

·           How was data collected to provide performance management on the new cycleways? It was confirmed that three permanent cycle counters had been put in place for the Lower Earley Way Cycleway. Officers were investigating the potential for a similar arrangement for the A329 corridor.

 

·           What were the benefits of the new cycleways in relation to air quality across the Borough? It was confirmed that active travel measures could play an important part in mitigating the impact of vehicle emissions. This was important as the new housing in the Borough would result in additional vehicles on the Borough’s roads.

 

RESOLVED That:

 

1)     the cycling improvements, new initiatives and proposals to develop the cycling network, set out in the report, be noted;

 

2)     the incorporation of the DfT’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Planning guidance, to assist the prioritisation of new cycling and walking schemes, be supported;

 

3)     Officers consider performance measures relating to cycling initiatives as part of the wider review of performance management discussed under the Highways and Transport Update item;

 

4)     Officers be congratulated on their success in securing external sources of funding and delivering the successful Bikeability scheme.

 

 

 

Supporting documents: