Agenda item

To be presented by Sarah Wright, Ridgeway National Trail Officer

Minutes:

Sarah Wright (Ridgeway National Trail Officer) informed Members of an audit of Wendover for the provision of off-road cycling. This was part of a funded project called the ‘Ridgeway Riding Route’ but also includes recommendations beyond the scope of the Ridgeway Partnership’s remit. The audit looked at the existing Wendover Neighbourhood Plan 2020 and the Aylesbury Garden Town Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan 2019. It was found that tourism is an important part of the community and residents were in favour of encouraging cycling as a form of sustainable travel to reduce traffic, congestion and pollution. Moreover, Wendover’s surrounding terrain allows for a variety of trails for mountain bikers ranging in difficulty. Sarah Wright explained that the poor on-road provision and road safety concerns are a barrier to accessing Wendover and connecting off-road routes. Members were also made aware of the proposed off-road cycling routes, including the Buckinghamshire Greenway, with the intention to be non-traffic and locating Wendover as a key settlement within those routes.

 

The audit also focused on partnership with stakeholders and Sarah drew Member’s attention to Chiltern Railways and their interest in offering cycle hire from their stations. This service is similarly offered by OTEC providing bike hire services for pick up and drop off at London train stations. The audit noted this as a potential area for growth alongside developing the provision for electric bikes, such as charging points. The Members were informed of the Plus Bike Scheme by Network Rail to encourage cyclists to utilise trains through Youtube videos. Councillor Alan Turner explained that Buckinghamshire Council is meeting with Chiltern Rail to discuss improvements to the station in Prince’s Risborough and it will be a good opportunity to promote cycling infrastructure such as pumps.

 

Members were shown the existing provision for cyclists in Wendover, including facilities such as cycling tool stations, benches, and crossing points. Sarah explained that more work needs to be done in terms of the road environment, as cyclists are pushed into difficult road conditions around the town centre. One recommendation was utilising Back Lane to cater for cyclists, as it has low levels of traffic. The audit also noted the importance of ensuring that access points from Wendover to the trails are accessible to cyclists. Members were also informed as to how businesses can engage with cyclists such as providing cycle parking nearby to where their customers will be sitting. Examples include the Cherry Tree in the Chilterns, who had cycling racks, a tool station and tyre pump.

 

Sarah invited Members to comment on the report and cycling in Wendover. Members were supportive, but concerns were raised over tarmacking bridleways or restricted byways, due to its negative effects on the environment, aesthetics, and lack of consideration of the needs of other users. Alison Heath (British Horse Society) informed Members of a potential surface called rubber crumb. It has been used in Milton Keynes and has the benefits of being porous and environmentally friendly. Sarah confirmed that the report is a draft and will take Member’s feedback into consideration before it is finalised. Information and recommendations on suitable surfaces will be included.

 

Andrew Clark asked how the scheme can progress and how it can be implemented. Sarah explained that the audit has produced a broader set of recommendations beyond the remit of the Ridgeway Partnership and suggested that the Members distinguish between ones that the Ridgeway Partnership can cover and ones that can be taken forward with other partners. Sarah also presented Members with possible funding sources, such as the HS2 Community and Environment Fund and HS2 Business Grant Stream.

 

Richard Jennings (Cycling UK) raised concern over the lack of coordination between cycling schemes, such as the Wendover Cycle Way Improvement Scheme. Jonathan Clark notified Members of the council’s Strategic Transport Team, whose officers were aware of the audit report. Buckinghamshire Council are currently developing a county-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWHIP) which will be consulted on later this year and can provide a platform to draw the schemes together. Any updates on this will be brought to the November Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum and Jonathan will look into inviting a representative from the council’s Strategic Transport Team to a future meeting.

 

Karen Haining (member of the public with an interest in horse riding) requested that education needs to be a part of any promotion, to inform cyclists of responsible behaviour, especially on multiuse routes. Sarah confirmed that multiple organisations, including the bike hire companies, train stations, and Wendover Parish Council are making sure promotion comes hand in hand with education. The Members noted an addition to the report to include working with local schools to include off-road cycling with the cycling proficiency test.

 

Allison Heath (British Horse Society) flagged an issue of some gates on the National Trail not meeting with British Safety Standards. Sarah agreed that any concerns will be addressed immediately.

Supporting documents: