Issue - meetings

There is a report attached on Cycling Strategy. There will also be a presentation at the meeting.

Gary Peacock, Deputy Group Manager- Highways& Traffic gave a presentation to the Panel (supported by Alison Sherwen and Jessica Taylor Fox) which covered the following areas:

·  An update of cycling within Bath & North East Somerset

·  Transport Strategies

·  External Sources of Information

·  Contribution from partners

·  The Capital Programme

·  Cycling links to regeneration works

·  Results

·  Going Forward

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

In response to a question from Councillor Bull, the officer explained that it was useful to have representatives of cyclists and walkers in the same body.

Councillor Bull asked if the investment had encouraged more people to cycle. The officer stated that there has been a 24% increase from 2010/11 – 2014/15.

Councillor Gilchrist stated that the treatment of cyclists on the main roads is a fundamental question. He explained that an officer had previously stated the need to encourage cyclists onto side roads. The Cabinet member explained that there are narrow roads in this area and topographical issues so segregating cyclists is not a bad thing to do.

Councillor Simmonds asked if 106 money would be used in Keynsham to build a bridge over the river. The officer explained that the 106 money has trigger points so the bridge will be built sometime next year, it is in the Capital Programme.

Councillor Simmonds asked about bike racks on buses – the Cabinet member explained that it may be trialled on the front of buses.

Councillor Butters asked about bikes on narrow roads, the officer explained that there is a road safety officer that would need to have a look at the area in question, sometimes signage can help.