Decision details

(1)  To note the highly valuable and informative work undertaken by the Citizens’ Panel, and to thank all participants for their involvement in this pioneering study.

(2)  To adopt the four principles to guide decision making on any new active travel schemes being developed in B&NES.

(3)  To note the views of the Citizens’ Panel in relation to the Claverton Down to Valley Floor Cycle Route.

(4)  To confirm the preferred course of action for this route from the options presented:

·  Note the recent commencement of the e-scooter expansion to include this intervention.

·  Revisit all options for traffic reduction on the route from valley floor to Claverton Down, and using the co-design techniques learned through the Liveable Neighbourhoods work and the principles outlined, work with stakeholders to identify a comprehensive strategy to reduce car use and enable safer active travel options.

·  Recommence the Transport Improvement Programme in the Claverton Down area, previously paused to avoid abortive works.

·  Progress with a programme of investment to improve walking and cycling links, following the approach advocated by the Citizens’ Panel.

The route between the valley floor and Claverton Down remains a key strategic connection in an integrated and connected Bath cycle network, and as such was identified in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). There are a number of employment and education sites at the top of the hill, and as take-up of e-bikes and e-scooters increases, there is likely to be an increasing benefit to providing a safe, segregated (LTN 1/20 compliant) route for cycles, e-bikes and e-scooters to pass up the hill.

However, the hill is very steep and it is clear from the review by the independent Citizens’ Panel that there are still relatively few people who feel confident tackling it via active modes (although some indication that this will change with the advent of e-bikes and e-scooters). The three routes available up the hill also have various constraints and none are wide enough to provide a segregated cycle lane the whole route up the hill without removing the road as a through-route for cars in either or both directions.

·  E-bikes

·  Former Dramway

·  Direct Park and Ride Services