Decision details

To approve the Surrey Cycling Strategy, following consultation

·      The Surrey Cycling Strategy be approved as set out in Annex 1 to the report submitted. 

·      The role of Local Committees in developing affordable Local Cycling Plans be approved.

·      The continued engagement with central government to press for further funding for investment in cycling provision be approved.

·      Active engagement with the police and other local authorities in a similar position to Surrey on key aspects of cycling safety and regulations, as the basis for dialogue with central government, be approved.

·      The Framework for Coordinating and Approving Events on Surrey’s Highway be approved as set out in Annex 3 to the report submitted.

·      The comments and recommendations of the Communities Select Committee be noted and the response agreed as attached at Appendix 3 to this decision sheet.

Reasons for Decisions:

The 2012 Olympic Games positioned Surrey as a centre for cycling and presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to realise the economic, health and environmental benefits from this.  Through a partnership approach, the Strategy seeks to ensure that the benefits of this legacy result in more Surrey residents cycling for transport and leisure and that all Surrey children have the opportunity to learn to ride a bike safely. 

The issues and challenges in relation to cycling differ considerably in different parts of the county.  For that reason, the Strategy proposes the development of Local Cycling Plans, overseen by the Local Committees, which can properly reflect local circumstances.

A successful legacy also requires that steps be taken to tackle the rising levels of cyclist casualties, to encourage respect and consideration amongst all road users and to ensure that cyclists who come to the Surrey countryside show respect and consideration for local communities.  It also requires that major events that showcase our beautiful county and bring benefits to Surrey continue to be supported, whilst also ensuring that they are properly managed so as to minimise disruption and ensure no individual communities are affected by multiple events.