Agenda item

The Executive Member is asked to consider proposals for improving the following three key sections of the orbital cycle route:

·        Clifton Green to Crichton Avenue

·        James Street to Heslington Road

·        Hob Moor to Water End

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member agrees to:

i)                    Note that public consultation is currently taking place on detailed proposals for the Clifton Green to Crichton Avenue section as shown in Annex B and that feedback will be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting.

ii)                  Provide in-principle approval for the proposed James Street to Millennium Bridge section of the Orbital Cycle Route (OCR), as shown in Annex E, and authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting. 

iii)                Provide in-principle approval for the proposed Hob Moor to Water End section of the OCR, as shown in Annex H, and authorises Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting. 

REASON:                  The proposals will provide improved facilities for cyclists, completing an orbital route that cyclists will be able to use in accessing a variety of destinations. The proposed measures would also make a significant contribution towards the aims of the Council as a Cycling City.

Consideration was given to a report, which detailed progress on, and alternative route proposals for the key sections of the orbital cycle route (OCR) in the following areas:

• Clifton Green to Crichton Avenue
• James Street to Heslington Road
• Hob Moor to Water End

The Executive Member reported receipt of late comments from Councillor Merrett, which he confirmed, would be considered by Officers when they carried out detailed design work on the scheme.

The Executive Member reported the results of a survey of public opinion, which supported the introduction of a one way system on Gladstone/Milner Street, the introduction of a 20mph zone in the same area and the provision of a vehicle activated sign on Green Lane.

Councillor D’Agorne confirmed his broad support for the James Street to Millennium Bridge section of the route. He explained that his main concern related to the route alignment from Blue Bridge Lane and to his comments, which had been included in the annex of comments in the republished agenda.

The Executive Member confirmed that any additional comments would be taken into account during the public consultation phase of the scheme. He went onto refer to the lack of any comments from Ward Members in relation to some sections of the route and pointed out that he hoped that the community would recognise that reducing the number of vehicles on the roads was worthy of significant investment.

Consideration was given to the following options primarily aimed at reaching defined and achievable route choices for two sections of the Orbital Cycle Route:

James Street to Millennium Bridge

Option One – Provide in-principle approval for the James Street to Millennium Bridge section of the OCR, as consulted upon internally and as shown in Annex D. Also authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting. 

Option Two – Provide in-principle approval for an amended James Street to Millennium Bridge proposal (i.e. with a short section of Heslington Road designated as the OCR but with a local, alternative quiet road route signed through Wellington Street and Wolsley Street) as a response to consultation and as shown in Annex E. Also authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting.

Hob Moor to Water End

Option One – Provide in-principle approval for the current Hob Moor to Water End section of the OCR, as consulted upon internally and as shown in Annex G. Also authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting.

Option Two – Provide in-principle approval for an amended Hob Moor to Water End proposal (i.e. utilising the quiet roads of Hobgate for the designated OCR with a local, alternative route for confident riders signed along Green Lane and through the Milner Street Area) as a response to consultation and as shown in Annex H. Also authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member agrees to:

i)Note that public consultation is currently taking place on detailed proposals for the Clifton Green to Crichton Avenue section as shown in Annex B and that feedback will be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting.

ii)Provide in-principle approval for the proposed James Street to Millennium Bridge section of the Orbital Cycle Route (OCR), as shown in Annex E, and authorise Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting. ^1.

iii)Provide in-principle approval for the proposed Hob Moor to Water End section of the OCR, as shown in Annex H, and authorises Officers to undertake further detailed design and public consultation (including the advertisement of necessary Traffic Regulation Orders), with feedback to be reported to an Officer in Consultation meeting.  ^2.

REASON:                  The proposals will provide improved facilities for cyclists, completing an orbital route that cyclists will be able to use in accessing a variety of destinations. The proposed measures would also make a significant contribution towards the aims of the Council as a Cycling City.