Agenda item

This report informs the Executive Member of the alternative proposals considered to provide a comprehensive cycle route along the whole length of Beckfield Lane.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member gives approval to proceed with detailed design and consultation on the toucan crossing and short link to the existing cycle track as shown in Annex B of the officer report.

REASON:                  To provide measures which would improve pedestrian and cycle crossing provision and complement the existing cycle facilities on Beckfield Lane.

The Executive Member considered a report, which detailed alternative proposals to provide a comprehensive cycle route along the whole length of Beckfield Lane.

Previous consultation had highlighted strong opposition to the original off-road cycle scheme on the grounds that there would be no physical separation between cyclists and pedestrians, potential conflict with vehicles and cost. Officers had therefore examined a number of alternative proposals including:

·        A toucan crossing and a 50m section of off-road track to link with the existing facilities north of Ostman Road.

·        An off-road cycle track on the east footway between Ostman Road and Beckfield Place.  

·        20mph speed limit (signs only).

·        20mph speed limit zone (with traffic calming).

·        Advisory cycle lanes with no carriageway widening.

·        Advisory or mandatory cycle lanes with carriageway widening.

The advantages and disadvantages of each of these proposals compared to the original proposal were also detailed in the report.

The Executive Member confirmed receipt of late representations from Councillor Simpson-Laing, which he had read.

Councillor Horton, one of the Local Members, detailed his opposition to all off- road cycle options but appreciated the potential benefits of a toucan crossing outlined in Annex B. He referred to the possible use of narrower width on-road cycle lanes, which appeared to work well elsewhere. He also went onto refer to concerns in relation to possible conflict between cyclists and pedestrians in the vicinity of the shops and to vehicle parking at the Ostman Road junction.

Representations were also received from a resident of Beckfield Lane who referred to the pedestrian/cyclist conflict with off road cycle tracks as raised by the Older People’s Assembly. She stated that elderly and vulnerable residents were intimidated by joint use paths. She indicated that Beckfield Lane should be made safer with a reduction in the speed limit, which would benefit all users.

Officers confirmed that they would examine the concerns raised by the Local Members.

The Executive Member referred to the accident problem on this section of Beckfield Lane and to the need to take some action to address this problem area. He confirmed that the Officer recommendation had the advantage of providing a safer end to the off road cycle path that currently existed. He went onto point out that if the current problems with cycling on the footpaths and high accident levels continued that further action may be required.

The Executive Member then considered the following options:

Option One – authorise construction on the original proposal shown in Annex A;

Option Two – approve an alternative scheme to proceed to detailed design and consultation (Annexes B to F), plus any other changes to the proposal that the Executive Member considers necessary before progressing;

Option Three – abandon the idea of developing further cycle facilities along Beckfield Lane.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member gives approval to proceed with detailed design and consultation on the toucan crossing and short link to the existing cycle track as shown in Annex B of the officer report. ^1.

REASON:                  To provide measures, which would improve pedestrian, and cycle crossing provision and complement the existing cycle facilities on Beckfield Lane.