Agenda item

Agenda item

Cassiobury Footpath 30

Report of the Group Head of Corporate Strategy and Communications

 

This report sets out the details of improving the cycle routes within Cassiobury Park, in particular Footpath 30.

Minutes:

Cabinet received a report of the Group Head of Corporate Strategy and Communications, which included details of the improvements for Cassiobury Footpath 30, the options for consideration and results of the stakeholder engagement.

 

Councillor Williams introduced the report.  It was noted that there was broad support for the scheme but concerns had also been raised by the Friends of Cassiobury Park, particularly in relation to the widening of the path.  It was proposed that a ‘cycling protocol’ or code of practice would be drawn up and a ‘share with care’ approach taken to Footpath 30.  Further discussions would take place with Friends of Cassiobury Park to discuss their concerns.  Councillor Williams proposed that recommendation 3.3 was amended to include reference to the discussions with Friends of Cassiobury Park. 

 

Following Councillor Sharpe’s comments, the Mayor invited Mr Peter Jenkins, a representative from Friends of Cassiobury Park, to speak to Cabinet.

 

Mr Jenkins stated that he appreciated the council was trying to regularise cycling in the park.  Cycling had been disallowed in the park except on a few of the paths.  Some people wanted this to continue.  Generally he was in favour of mixed use paths and he regularly walked or cycled through the park.  He congratulated the Group Head of Corporate Strategy and Communications on the engagement carried out on the proposals.

 

Mr Jenkins advised that there were some reservations about making the main path a cycling route and did not want it to become part of the national cycle network and turned into a ‘cycling highway’.  Most cyclists tended to keep to the edge of shared paths.  Feedback from users was that they did not want the path widened and that the current width was sufficient.  He welcomed the suggested code of practice.  He was still concerned about the pinch points along the route and would welcome some form of control.

 

The Mayor thanked Mr Jenkins.  He added that at the cycling forum meetings the cyclists had been concerned about creating a hierarchy of users.  All users should be considerate of others and they had accepted the shared space.

 

The Managing Director suggested that following the further discussions the final outcome should be delegated to the Mayor.  This was agreed.

 

RESOLVED –

 

1.      that the engagement feedback having been considered, the concerns raised as well as the broad support for the proposals, be noted.

2.      that Option 4: Resurface and widen Footpath 30 with an asphalt surfacing solution be approved subject to further consultation with regard to the widening of Footpath 30.

 

3.      that permissive rights be granted for cyclists to use Footpath 30.

 

4.      that the path be made a non-segregated, shared surface, with the promotion of considerate use by all users (supported by better signage and information within the park).

 

5.      that the procurement of contractors to undertake detailed design and build of the scheme be approved.

 

6.      that an important element of the improvements will include better signage on the path and an information campaign on the safe shared use of Footpath 30 and other shared paths within the park be noted.  The information campaign will be informed by best practice, including advice from Sustrans, the cycling and walking charity.

 

7.      that, once implemented, the project team will keep the path under review to monitor how effectively the improved shared surface is balancing the various user needs within Cassiobury Park.

 

8.      that the final decision on widening Footpath 30, following further engagement, be delegated to the Elected Mayor.

Supporting documents:

 

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