Committee Report: Cycling Strategy Action Plan
| Report to: | Environment Panel |
|---|---|
| Date: | 25 January 2006 |
| Subject: | Cycling Strategy Action Plan |
| Report of: | Director of Planning and Regeneration Director of Engineering Services |
| Contact officer: | Ian Rowan - (01942) 404285 |
| Purpose / summary: | Panel will recall adopting the Wigan Borough Cycling Strategy Action Plan on 17 July 2002, and subsequent up-dates on 16 July 2003 and 25 August 2004. The purpose of this report is to inform Members of progress and provide an up-dated Cycling Strategy Action Plan, formulated in line with the Strategy. |
| Alternative options considered and reason for selecting the one recommended: | N/A |
| Recommendation / decision: | Members are requested to note progress and adopt the up-dated Cycling Strategy Action Plan. |
| Key Decision: | This report does not involve a key decision. |
| Implications: | |
| Financial: | Schemes – 100% within Local Transport Plan / Economic Development Zone |
| Staffing: | Within existing levels |
| Policy: | UDP Policy A1E |
| Equal Opportunities – has a Diversity Impact Assessment been conducted? | |
| Wards affected: | Potential to affect all Wards |
| Special Interest Members – which have been consulted |
Tracking/Process:
| Consultation | Ward Members | Partners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | |
| Panel | Overview & Scrutiny | Cabinet | Council |
| 25.01.06 | - | - | - |
There are no Background Papers to this Report within the meaning of Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972.
| Proper Officer | Martin Kimber | Peter Taylor |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 11 January 2006 | 11 January 2006 |
1.0 Background
1.1 Panel will recall adopting the Wigan Borough Cycling Strategy Action Plan on 17 July 2002 and requesting that progress be reported to future meetings. A subsequent up-date was reported on 16 July 2003 and 25 August 2004. The purpose of this report is to inform Members of progress and provide an up-dated Cycling Strategy Action Plan, formulated in line with the Strategy.
1.2 The adoption of a Cycling Strategy is a requirement of Government guidance on the preparation of Local Transport Plans (LTP) and fits with the general aim of encouraging people to adopt more beneficial methods of transport from both environmental and health perspectives.
2.0 Progress on the Action Plan
2.1 The attached Action Plan is the third up-date since the initial plan was created. The plan has been up-dated to take into account the scheme implemented in the last financial year under the Council’s Local Transport Plan (LTP). A number of specific cycling schemes have been implemented, whilst other initiatives such as Travel Plans, Local Safety Schemes and Public Transport Improvements have had positive impacts upon cycling in the Borough.
2.2 The Action Plan also details the Council’s proposed programme of cycling improvement schemes for the current year, including on-going projects and initiatives. Some of the key points of the Action Plan are:
- Development of a quality on-highway network – Work is expected to be complete on Phase 1 of Mesnes Road/Kenyon Road/Bridgeman Terrace later in March 2006.
- Development of a quality off-highway network – LTP2 funding has been secured for off-highway route between Amberswood and Whelley. £125,000 in 2006/07, £150,000 in 2007/08, £250,000 in 2008/09, £350,000 in 2009/10 and £350,000 in 2010/11.
- Cycle Security – A number of cycle stands have been installed within the smaller district centres and parks through 2004/05, with more planned in other parts of Wigan town centre, other district centres and Mesnes Park for the current year.
- Council Staff Travel Plan – A Cycling Policy has been formally adopted by the Council offering incentives such as mileage allowance, cycle loans and parking facilities, to encourage more staff to cycle to work, and to cycle for work purposes.
- Promotion – As part of National Bike Week 2005, the Council organised a successful Ride for Health event. A Greater Manchester Cycle Network Map, both for viewing on the Internet and on paper maps, is being developed by Greater Manchester Transportation Unit in conjunction with other districts in Greater Manchester. Expected to be published in 2006/07.
- Community Involvement – A new Local Access Forum has been established to look at a variety of local transport issues. Consultation held with Highway User Group and Township Forums in 2005 as part of LTP2 process. Schemes put forward considered for inclusion in LTP2 programme.
- Resources – In the previous financial year, cycling projects totalling approximately £27,000 were implemented. £243,000 has been made available this year to implement further improvements.
3.0 Alternative Options Considered and Reason for the Recommended Option
3.1 Not applicable.
4.0 Conclusions
4.1 Members are requested to note progress made and adopt the up-dated Cycling Action Plan.
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