Issue - meetings

As part of the Surrey Transport Plan, a Surrey Cycling Strategy was approved by Cabinet in December 2013. The Strategy set out a role for Local Committees to oversee the development of Local Cycling Plans. This report suggests next steps for Reigate and Banstead.

Report and Annexes 1 and 2 attached

The Committee APPROVED the online publication of a Reigate and Banstead Cycling Plan as set out in the report, and that any significant changes be brought back to the Local Committee for approval.

REASONS:
A Reigate and Banstead Cycling Plan will support the Local Transport Strategy and the Surrey Cycling Strategy.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: David Sharpington, Cycling Programme Manager.

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

Member Discussion – key points:

·         Members noted that the pathway is not wide enough for a pedestrian regarding the scheme A217 between the M25 junction and Fir Tree Road - Conversion of footway on east side to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists. The Cycling Programme Manager will provide a response to the Divisional Member for Tadworth, Walton and Kingswood and the Divisional Member for Merstham and Banstead South.

·         Members asked what is the process for new suggestions. It was clarified that any significant changes will come back to the Local Committee. The cycling plan page enables comments to be submitted but on an anonymous, no-reply basis. Should someone want a response to an issue there are links to the usual County Council reporting channels.

·         Members asked whether any surveys done regarding how many children take bikes to school in cars in order to take part in ‘Bike-It’ events and also that children are cycling on the pavement without adequate supervision.

·         The Cycling Programme Manager said that as part of Bikeability Level 2 cycle training, pupils are taught to ride on the road and have to walk if on the pavement. It is illegal to cycle on the pavement; however it is not safe for children on roads such as the A217. The police are able to use their discretion in enforcing the law.

The Local Committee (Reigate and Banstead) APPROVED the online publication of a Reigate and Banstead Cycling Plan as set out in the report, and that any significant changes be brought back to the Local Committee for approval.