Issue - meetings

It is proposed that the section of the paved footway between Monmouth Street and Kingsmead Square is converted to a cycle track, to allow it to be used by both cyclists and pedestrians, providing important links in the Strategic Cycle Network for Bath.

In order to convert a footway to cycle track, the footway must be removed under Section 66(4) of the Highways Act 1980 and a cycle track ‘constructed’ under Section 65(1) of the Act.  No physical construction is necessary but there needs to be clear evidence that the power has been exercised.

Note: The papers were not available at the time of despatch and will be despatched under separate cover in due course

Councillor Tim Warren made an ad hoc statement in which he thanked Councillor Roger Symonds for his support for cycling; but saying nevertheless that he felt the proposals being considered would be dangerous, and a waste of money.  He felt that cyclists should dismount to give way to the large numbers of pedestrians on the square.

Councillor Roger Symonds thanked Councillor Andy Furse for the statement he had made earlier in the meeting.  He promised to take on board the suggested amendments to the proposals.  He stressed that he saw no reason why the square should not become a shared space.  The Council put pedestrians and cyclists at the top of their priorities, but in Kingsmead Square and Monmouth Street motors currently had priority.

In the light of Councillor Furse’s suggestion, he moved a different proposal from the one shown in the report.  The effect of the new proposal would be to safeguard pedestrians as they crossed the square.

Councillor David Bellotti was delighted that the proposals would reduce car usage in the vicinity of the square.  He was however concerned that young children might still be at risk from speeding cyclists, so he was very pleased to support the “clearly defined pedestrian route”.  He seconded the proposals.

Councillor Roger Symonds observed that the raised table was for future consideration but that the clearly defined pedestrian route would greatly enhance the safety aspects of the scheme.

On a motion from Councillor Roger Symonds, seconded by Councillor David Bellotti, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that the footway between Monmouth Street and Kingsmead Square is converted to a cycle track, together with a clearly defined pedestrian route across Monmouth Street and future consideration to include a raised table.