Several Boosts to Cycling Locally and Nationally

I write this as a pandemic affected 2020/1 Olympics is in progress in Japan.  We've seen another record start for Team GB with unprecedented success in the pool but not so much success in rowing (imagine writing that a few Olympics ago).  The main cycling events are still to come and the hope of more medals to add to the gold and silver in BMX.  In Olympic terms today is now known as Super Saturday and hopefully it will be for Team GB.

This blog article won't bring gold medals but does report some excellent news for cyclists and walkers both locally and throughout the UK.

Firstly there have been changes made to the Highway Code following consultation exercises during the last year.  The main strand of the changes relate to a hierarchy of responsibility.  This places the most vulnerable road users in a collision - pedestrians - at the top of the hierarchy and those most likely to inflict harm - large vehicles - at the bottom.  Those at the bottom of the hierarchy will have more responsibility to reduce danger to other users, whereas currently everyone has the same responsibility, including children.

The changes, if approved by Parliament, will manifest themselves in terms of priority given at crossings and at junctions and aim to underpin a strategy not only to promote safety, but also to support sustainable transport more.  A key message is that everyone is still responsible for their own safety and that of others.

The changes will come into effect this Autumn.  To read more about the changes and reaction from Living Streets, click here.  To read more about the Government response to the consultation click here.

The article from Living Streets mentions the £338million package to boost walking and cycling following the boom in activity over the last couple of years.  This isn't a totally new £338million but is is around a 30% increase from the £257million budget allocation announced last year.

There are several projects within this including bikeability and supporting e-bike initiatives as well as incorporating the proposed Highway Code changes mentioned above.  To see more detail click the link to an article on the Government website.

Meanwhile a £30 million funding stream referred to as the Department for Transport's 2021/22 capability fund has been announced.  This is allocated to all local authorities in England outside of London for active travel purposes.

Sustrans have welcomed the announcement and details some of the projects that will benefit from the investment in an article that can be read by clicking here.  Those projects include some funding of changes within Burton-on-Trent affecting a local section of NCN 63 so hopefully further blog articles will appear soon with more exciting details.

Further along NCN63 there are some more exciting development plans which have recently been made public.  On the outskirts of Swadlincote off William Nadin Way there is a proposed Urban Park with Walking and Cycling at the heart of it's design.  A previous blog article had updated progress on the section between Swadlincote Town Centre and Burton via Newhall.  The proposed park would form one part of the link.

The park is currently subject to planning permission and this is currently under consideration.  To view the documents and/or comment on the application use this link.  Most information is contained within the Landscape, Design and Access Statement which shows maps and artists impressions of the plans.  This document is detailed and well worth a read.

Funding for the park is to come partly from development money from the adjoining housing estates via Section 106 but also depends on successful bids from British Cycling and Sport England.  To achieve the funding the plans needed to match certain design criteria, hence the ambitious nature of the project. The 4 main parts of the 1st phase are:

• Links to the existing and in progress parts of the National Cycle Network
• A 1.14km cycle route designed primarily for family use.
• A pump track ideal for BMX and scooters.  
• A learn to ride zone - this would be set out like roads but be a safer learning space.

A further phase is planned once established to add landscaping, art trails and extension of the pump track, subject to further funding.

An indication of the plan from the Landscape, Design and Access Statement

The infrastructure itself is very impressive and provides a point of interest and activity on the growing cycle network and will be a significant part of completing NCN63 which will traverse the new developments via several possible routes.  There is potential to link residential communities with the town centre, schools and work places significantly more with this development and encourage Healthier Lifestyles in doing so.

The potential benefits go far beyond this though - it could provide a focal point which would connect residents from existing communities and those from the new developments.  It could also provide a location for a hub of cycling and walking activities that we have advocated and provided in the past.  It's also good to see something that has family use at its heart.  I look forward to seeing this exciting project progress.