Cycling England - Scheme of the Month: July 2008
York District Hospital Travel Plan
York Hospital lies about a kilometre north of the Minster, west of the Wigginton Road radial. A constrained site, it has its back to the York-Scarborough railway line, the grounds of the PCT owned Bootham Park Hospital to the south, and housing to the north.
Despite proximity to the city centre, the hospital is served by only one direct bus service, although two other services run nearby. Car parking is limited on-site and locally. Given the popularity of cycling in York, the Trust promotes cycling strongly in its Travel Plan. The main thrust has been the provision of better, covered, secure bike parking. However, developments on the site eliminated some existing, covered, secure cycle parking areas, and it was only in the early days of the second Travel Plan that the first major new facility - the covered Central Cycle Park - was provided (see photo). It is very popular and the capacity was recently increased to 120. Top-sliced funding from new developments allowed the scheme to proceed, and groundworks were included to permit low-cost future additions. The concept of secure, covered facilities at all four points of the compass is now agreed, and the north end of the hospital is next.
Travel Plan targets:-
- Cycle lockers for 28 bikes were 50% grant aided by the DfT in 2004.
- A salary sacrifice scheme for cycle purchase has operated for just over a year, during which time staff have acquired nearly 150 new bikes.
- The ‘work’ cycling mileage rate is set at the maximum permitted by the Inland Revenue (20pence/mile).
- The provision of an extension to the strategic north-south cycle route through the grounds, linking to existing cycle routes and eventually York Station, is nearly finalised.
In the last survey, cycling accounted for 17% of staff trips and the 2012 target of 21% is now looking very achievable.
For further details please contact Mike Silk, Travel Co-ordinator at York Hospital:
Click here to see our personality of the month feature.
Cycle Parking Template, LB Southwark (June 2008)
One of Transport for London’s key cycling targets is to increase the amount of cycle parking provision on the highway and London boroughs are invited to bid for funding.
Southwark Council and Southwark Cyclists work together to plan and install cycle parking stands throughout the borough. Each stand costs £100 and installation is by Southwark Council staff.
At the beginning of the process we decided that just highlighting areas that needed additional cycle parking could be a hit and miss method; identifying an exact location is crucial. Southwark Cyclists representative, Alastair Hanton, designed a cycle parking template (see photograph), which is made out of an old piece of leatherette. Exact holes have been cut out to identify Sheffield rack spacing for installations both perpendicular and echelon style. The template has markings for two stands. We have investigated different materials to use but found that many were too light and would fly away in the wind whilst a heavier material could be cumbersome to carry on a bike. We use contractors’ spotmarking spray paint to mark the ground. Photos of the location, together with a GIS based map, are then sent to the contractors for installation.
Locations for installations are identified through various different processes; direct requests; requests for suggestions through local cycling groups’ email lists; requests for suggestions to councillors; seeing bikes locked to other street furniture: All locations are identified from the webmapping section of Southwark Council's website which includes photographs of each location. The mat can be a talking point from which many interesting conversations regarding cycling and cycle parking have ensued.
For further details please contact Roger Stocker at LB Southwark:
Roger.Stocker@southwark.gov.uk
You can access Southwark’s webmaps at:
www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/maps/
Cycling and Young People, Derby City Council (May 2008)
Cycle Derby has had huge success in the last eighteen months with regards to working with young people; from cycle training to events, coaching and clubs.
In this time the take up for Level 2 training has risen from 300 pupils per year to over 1500. During the 2007/2008 school year, Derby has prided itself in offering every single Year 6 child with Level 2 Bikeability training. From September 2008, every Year 5 child will be offered Level 1 training following a successful pilot in 10 primary schools.
Derby sees the Bikeability training as a stepping stone for children and adults to becoming regular cyclists. To sustain the levels of interest, Cycle Derby is dedicated to offering as many cycling opportunities it can. After school clubs are currently run in 29 of the 54 primaries in the city, with the remainder signing up for next year. This after school provision also feeds into a BMX club and this year has targeted the Midlands Cyclo Cross league.
School holidays are always a time when children need to be kept amused and so every holiday is catered for with cycle clubs, camps, learn to ride sessions and extra training.
All of the above is clearly having an impact, with a recorded increase of 100% in children cycling to school and every club being filled to capacity.
One of the more recent successes has been the BMX club. Ever since their Bike It officer secured funding from Rolls Royce to boost the struggling club a few years ago, numbers at the club have risen from twelve to a waiting list of over one hundred.
Regular monthly meetings which incorporate top level coaching that caters for an amazing age range from four year olds up to twenty years of age continue to be booked solid. Kids who attend can either bring their own bikes or benefit from the excellent equipment provided by the Cycle Derby team. All ages are given two to three hours of quality skills training followed by an hour of races and any youngster who wishes to do so is given the opportunity to race in the local East Midlands league and all this for free!
Thanks to the backing of Cycling England, Cycle Derby is now developing a brand new National Standard track on the existing Alvaston site, due to open in July.
In anticipation of this, Cycle Derby has already created a structured club which will run weekly, secured even more funding to increase the number of bikes and safety equipment and had discussions with British Cycling to guide up and coming stars through the “talent scheme”. Cycle Derby will continue to hold the free monthly sessions to maintain its policy of providing a sustainable outlet to their ever increasing “after school” clubs and offering alternative cycling to any child who wishes to take part.
Photo credits Sarah Martin-Smith
For further details please contact Mark Smith at Cycle Derby
Waitrose Cycle Trailers, Cambridge City Council (April 2008)
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The Mayor in the WaitroseStore
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Cambridge City Council is supporting the Waitrose cycle trailer initiative whereby customers can pack their shopping into a cycle trailer which is then attached to their bike for them to carry home.
The trailers must then be returned in 3 days.
In return for supporting and publicising the scheme the Cambridge City Council logo and web page will be displayed on the trailers. Also the Cambridge cycle map will be displayed in the Trumpington store, with maps available, and permission for an in-store stall promoting cycling once a year has been given.
The scheme is particularly pertinent considering future developments in the South of Cambridge and the opportunity to inform new residents of the cycling culture in Cambridge.
The Mayor launched the scheme by cutting a ribbon on the 8th January 2008.
Waitrose purchased the trailers with a contribution from the City Council.
For more details contact David Bradford at Cambridge City Council
David.Bradford@cambridge.gov.uk
Closure of Bishop Bridge, Norwich (March 2008)
This scheme demonstrates how a simple closure creates a high quality, cost-effective walking and cycling route using existing roads. Although the bridge enhancement works were relatively expensive and protracted (due to the bridge being a scheduled ancient monument) the actual closure costs were relatively inexpensive – the cost of the stopping-up order and the bollards. Signing use and sign size is to a minimum. The issue of ‘substandard’ railing heights (again because the bridge is a scheduled ancient monument) suggests that the current 1.4m height requirement could be reviewed.
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Bishop Bridge, Norwich
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There was considerable concern about the detour imposed on vehicular traffic and the effect on the adjoining road network. The changes to the road network and traffic patterns, however, quickly settled down. After 10 years it is as if the bridge was always closed to traffic.
Key features of the scheme include:
• Completed in 1998.
• Bishop Bridge provides a crossing of the River Wensum and a route into Norwich city centre from the Inner Ring Road.
• Previously, the route was open to motor vehicles, except HGVs.
• Bishop Bridge has ‘scheduled ancient monument’ status. It was decided to close it to motor traffic, mainly for structural reasons.
• This closure created an ‘instant’ walking and cycling route.
• Previously, 40% of accidents at this site involved pedestrians and cyclists.
• An existing pedestrian crossing of the Inner Ring Road was relocated and converted into a Toucan.
• Bishop Bridge Road (Inner Ring Road) was narrowed in the vicinity of the crossing to reduce traffic speeds and enhance crossing movements.
• Access to the crossing for pedestrians and cyclists is via a ‘jug-handle’ on the north side of Bishop Bridge Road, a cycle slip on the south side of Bishop Bridge Road, and a kerb build-out with flush kerb for cyclists from Gas Hill (Norwich’s steepest hill!).
• Posts and post and rail were used on approaches to the crossing as an alternative to pedestrian guardrail for aesthetic reasons.
• The bridge parapets, being only 700mm high in places, do not comply with current guidance. The requirement for 1.4m high parapets was never seriously considered since the bridge is a scheduled ancient monument. There have been no accidents involving falls from the bridge in the 10 years since the scheme was completed.
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Bishop Bridge, Norwich
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• Approaches to the crossing on the north side are by shared, segregated paths.
• There is no formal segregation over the bridge. However, an informal central ‘carriageway’ with ‘footways’ each side is indicated by flush granite paving strips.
• There is minimal signing and no surface markings.
• Current daily average cycle flow (based on 12 hour counts) is 367
• Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists have been halved since the scheme went in
For further details contact: Tim Mellors at Norwich City Council
Beauty and the Bike, Bike It, Exeter (February 2008)
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Isca College girls discuss and demonstrate “helmet hair”!
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The Beauty and the Bike project was conceived by Emma Osborne, as part of the highly successful Sustrans Bike It project in Exeter. It provides prestigious, fun sessions for secondary school girls to help overcome negative images of cycling and to inspire and empower them to cycle to school.
Sessions are run in school time and offer girls in years 7, 8 and 9 free advice and practical solutions for looking and feeling good when arriving by bike. The project also provides dedicated changing and storage areas for use by girls who cycle to school.
Each session comprises two professionally delivered workshops:
- Looking Good (delivered by the Body Shop or other Partner)
- Feeling Good (delivered by a female role model)
Beauty and the Bike does not promote the wearing of make-up or reinforce media images which pressure girls to look and behave in a certain way. It aims to challenge girls’ inhibitions and to encourage and celebrate their efforts to travel in a way that is good for their health and the environment.
“The sorts of reasons that girls give for not wanting to cycle to school include; not wanting to be seen wearing a helmet, not wanting to “get messed up”, worrying that boys will laugh at them if they fall off, worrying that they will get hot and sweaty. Girls also have concerns about cycling with traffic and are often unaware of the local traffic-free routes…
One of the most powerful messages the female role model can give is to look and be fit and show how confident and happy she is with herself as a result of choosing to travel in an active way.
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Isca girls enjoy The Body Shop products
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The inclusion of makeover/skincare is a “hook” to gain girls’ interest. In Exeter, The Body Shop’s consultants run a “looking good” workshop including discussion on the ethics of make-up manufacture, skin care advice and makeovers. Product samples form part of a Bike It gift pack.
Bike It aims to deliver a balanced programme so that boys don’t feel discriminated against.
At Isca College of Media and Arts (an 11-16 secondary school in Exeter) 54 girls attended three Beauty and the Bike sessions and ten came to the puncture repair session and gave positive feedback. Future work will include more bike maintenance, cycle skills and rides for girls as well as general Bike It activities.
For more information visit the Bike It page of the Sustrans web site.
Guildford Station, Surrey (January 2008)
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East side, Guildford Station
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Partnership working at Guildford station between Surrey County Council and South West Trains has been recognised for its work in meeting increased levels of demand for cycle parking at the station.
In the last year, to accommodate the increasing numbers of people wishing to cycle to Guildford, six double-decker racks were installed at the east side of the station, and the first-ever covered cycle racks were installed at the west side. This means that cyclists approaching the station from the west no longer have to cycle round to the east side. All the facilities were paid for jointly by the County Council and the train operator.
Guildford station was highly commended in the category of “Station of the Year” at the ATOC National Cycle-Rail Awards in London in October 2007. The awards recognise work which encourages bike / train integration.
Surveys point to the growing popularity of parking cycles at stations where investment in improved facilities has been made. At Guildford station, 120 bikes were recorded as being parked in May 2005.This figure increased to 162 by May 2007 and 217 in September 2007, an increase of 81%.
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The works at Guildford were part of a wider partnership across Surrey that involves the County Council and the various train operators in the county. This wider partnership was itself also Highly Commended at the Cycle-Rail Awards for its efforts to improve the scale and quality of cycle parking at many stations across the county.
For more information please contact Daniel Wright, Surrey CC’s Rail Development Officer at daniel.wright@surreycc.gov.uk
New Road City Centre Shared Space, Brighton (December 2007)
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After the improvements
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New Road in Brighton & Hove has been radically transformed into a shared space, offering two way cycle access, cycle parking and one way access for motor vehicles in the heart of the city centre. Adjacent to the Royal Pavilion and local theatres, New Road had improved cyclist permeability into the city-centre and will eventually become part of the National Cycle Network. The scheme was officially opened in July 2007 in typically unique Brighton & Hove style: Dancing in the street.
Brighton & Hove is one of six Cycling Demonstration Towns and is keen to deliver real urban improvements that enhance the relationship between all road users. Designed by Copenhagen based Jan Gehl Architects with Landscape Projects, kerblines, lining and the majority of signing has been removed, with quality granite paving, seating and outside eating and drinking areas increased. The project is the result of a two year design and consultation process, involving a range of local stakeholders and expertise. Relationships with local businesses were key to ensuring the successful increase in outdoor eating and drinking areas, creating a café culture in a calm oasis.
The £1.4m scheme is predominately funded by the
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Before the improvements
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City Council’s Local Transport Plan. Two way cycle access without lining or signing relies on the trust and integrity of all road users to respect each-other, and results from cognitive mapping focusing on where people sit, linger and rest in the area. Work with the city’s disability groups throughout the design process has ensured that as many needs as possible are catered for. For instance, a defined, straight tapping line for individuals with visual impairments at the side of the scheme through the installation of a slight up-stand in the surfacing has been well received. New Road results from a comprehensive city-wide legibility study which focuses in detail on the way that people move around the city from an urban design and transport perspective.
Impact:
Pre and post scheme monitoring reveals substantial increases in cycling with considerable reductions in the number of motor vehicles on New Road:
- 93% reduction in the number of motor vehicles (12,000 fewer per day)
- 22% increase in the number of cyclists (100 more per day)
New Road has become the city’s fourth most popular visitor attraction.
To find out more about New Road and the work of the Brighton & Hove Cycling Demonstration Town project, contact Dean Spears, Principal Transport Planner: 01273 293856, dean.spears@brighton-hove.gov.uk or visit the city’s sustainable travel planning website: www.journeyon.co.uk
Restoring Permeability for Cyclists, Hackney (November 2007)
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After the improvements |
In October 2007 Hackney won the London Cycling Campaign Award for the Best Cycling Facility, for a range of permeability measures to assist cyclists.
A key objective of Hackney’s Cycle Plan is to create quality conditions on London Cycle Network (LCN) and local routes. Hackney has worked on improving its local cycle networks and takes the opportunity to incorporate cycling facilities in PRIDE (Public Realm Improvement and Decluttering Exercise) initiatives.
Most of the improvements are focussed on improving access on cyclist desire lines identified through meetings with key cycle interest groups. This local knowledge is used to target areas where there are obstacles to cycling in order to promote convenient cycle routes.
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Before the improvements
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New sections of cycle track, cycle access at road closures, removal of guard railing, reshaping traffic islands, carriageway resurfacing and new signing / road markings have been elements in three recent schemes. These schemes make clear the boundaries and priorities for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. The signing around these locations has also been improved to indicate the routes to cyclists and other road users.
All of the improvements carried out to existing local links as part of this programme form part of a local network which connects with the LCN. Access for disabled users has been improved through the use of dropped kerbs and tactile paving where appropriate.
For more information, please visit
http://www.hackney-cyclists.org.uk/permeability.htm
or contact Alix Stredwick at:
Road Closure, Terry Avenue, York (October 2007)
Terry Avenue is a narrow road 3.96m wide which runs between the River Ouse and Rowntree Park. The Avenue had become a commuter rat run, used by 1,100 vehicles per day and was used as a linear car park, despite being part of National Cycle Network route 65.
A consultation on the closure of the road, led by York City Council, received a very poor response rate, and the small number of people who did respond rejected the closure. Speeding traffic continued to endanger pedestrians and cyclists, as well as those emerging from the park so a second consulation mechanism was developed. This time a leaflet was sent to 1,800 residents using artist’s impressions and a freepost survey. 80% of respondants supported the closure.
In 1991, the road was closed along the park with two wooden gates with cycle gaps, and the verges “planted” with wooden posts to prevent parking, creating a pleasant traffic free route. Sadly, fairly soon after closure a van crashed through the gates, subsequently one wooden gate was replaced with a metal one and the other with a row of sturdy concrete bollards.
The scheme cost around £5,000 creating 0.6km of traffic free route cost-effectively. The Avenue is used by many hundreds of people walking, jogging and cycling each day. It is now a great place to unwind after a hard day in the office. It also links to the Millennium Bridge across the River Ouse. The trees which border the road, which used to get hit by lorries, now form a green canopy. It does occasionally flood which makes for exciting cycling!
Before Closure – a linear car park After Closure and posts – a linear park
For further information please contact Tim Pheby, who worked on the scheme while at the City of York Council.
tim.pheby@transport-Initiatives.com
New Layout On Felixtowe Road, Martlesham, Suffolk (September 2007)
The Felixstowe Road 'Cyclists Priority Route' is an innovative scheme for Suffolk, but is a well tried method elsewhere, especially in the Netherlands where they have recently been installing more of this layout on quieter roads not endowed with a separate cycle track. Similar layouts have also been used at other sites in the UK such as Lowestoft (also in Suffolk), Barking, Scunthorpe, Faversham, Peebles, and Peterborough.
This scheme, installed in July 2005, has a 6.5m carriageway width, split between two 1.5m cycle lanes and a single 3.5m central traffic lane. The road is subject to a 30 mph speed limit and carries some 4500 vpd, including over 150 cyclists.
The Council has monitored the road and found no problems or incidents to date. About 30% of previous through traffic has diverted to other routes, (mainly the A12 bypass in this case).
Traffic speed is a crucial deciding factor when considering this type of scheme: At 20mph or below the 'quiet lanes' or 'shared space' concepts can work well with limited, if any marked facilities as all road users are going slowly enough to anticipate each other
s movements and give way informally as necessary. At 40mph and beyond dedicated space is normally required. However, between these speeds, at 30mph there is flexibility and room for innovation. There is some need for demarcation of space and on narrower roads the 'shared-space-cycle-lanes' approach works well.
It is important to recognize that each site is different and needs to be assessed individually. A limiting factor to suitability is traffic flow: if it's continuous in both directions then this layout may not deliver any benefits. Felixstowe Road has around 4,500 vpd (concentrated in the peaks) and this is about the maximum desirable flow.
Before the scheme
Click here for more information
Innovative Cycle Crossing, Leicestershire (August 2007)
This crossing helps cyclists travelling to East Midlands Airport to cross the busy A453 safely. The new link will also form part of National Cycle Route 15, connecting East Midlands Airport with Nottingham and Lincolnshire, as well as eventually linking Leicester to the airport via National Cycle Route 6.
In order to overcome limited visibility on this derestricted road, Leicestershire County Council has installed the first CATS (Cycle Activated Traffic Sign) crossing in the world. The crossing uses pressure pads to activate a sign with flashing amber lights and a ‘SLOW DOWN’ message for traffic approaching on the A453. If a cyclist rides over the pad (or waits to cross) at the same time as an approaching car is detected by the sign’s radar, the sign is activated. The lights warn drivers so they slow down but the cyclist at the CATS crossing is unaware that a sign is being activated down the road and so proceeds with the same level of caution.
This unique application of the technology, which was designed by Leicestershire County Council engineers and funded by East Midlands Airport at a cost of £85,000, received the Design award at the annual ‘EMMAs’ (East Midlands Merit Awards), hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers.
The crossing went live in September 2006 and initial results during speed monitoring exercises show a 10% reduction in average speeds when the CATS are activated. This means most vehicles are travelling at just over 40 mph past the crossing. Monitoring will continue and, although a full user survey has not yet been carried out, the feedback so far has been excellent.
For more information please contact Ian Vears at
Morecambe Promenade (July 2007)
Sun, sea, and cycles were the order of the day in Morecambe recently when scores of people arrived by bike to join in the fun at the official launch of cycling on the town's promenade. The event was organised by Lancaster City Council's Cycling Demonstration Town (CDT) Project Team to celebrate the change in the promenade byelaws which has enabled the five mile stretch of stunning views and fresh sea air to be opened up to cyclists.
As one of Cycling England’s six “Cycling Demonstration Towns”, Lancaster City Council has received £1.5m of Government funding, to show how increased investment in cycle facilities and promotion can raise levels of cycling.
The opening up of the promenade is seen as a major step forward towards the aims of the CDT project - to double the amount of cyclists in the district by 2008. A year in to the project and figures already show that cycling across the district is on the increase and Morecambe promenade is no exception now that cyclists are being encouraged to share its use, with an increase of 20% compared to the same time last year. The promenade offers a more cycle friendly environment than the alternative route on Marine Road, which is heavily trafficked at peak periods.
The bylaw previously in place excluded cyclists from the promenade. However, extensive consultation was carried out with the various user groups and other interested parties and the bylaw was amended to permit cycling along the full 5 mile length of the promenade in April 2007. The necessary work to facilitate cycle use has also been implemented. The general principal of a “minimalist” approach was adopted. Care was taken to ensure that the route was not over-engineered, potentially distracting from the quality of the environment and distinctive artwork that is found along the route at present.
There is an automatic cycle counter in place to record cycle use along the promenade route. This data will be useful to monitor the effects on cycle use since the bylaw was amended and should also be useful to demonstrate cycle use increases as an output from the CDT project.
For further details contact:
Gary Bowker, Lancaster City Council
Email: GBowker@lancaster.gov.uk
Web links:
http://www.cyclingengland.co.uk/dt_lancaster.php
http://www.celebratingcycling.org/default.asp
Take a Stand (June 2007)
In partnership with four local authorities, Life Cycle UK runs 'Take a Stand'. The scheme offers two free Sheffield cycle parking stands to small businesses, not for profit organisations and community groups. The recipient is responsible for installing them on their own premises in a location agreed with Life Cycle. Launched in 1997, the response has been overwhelming and shows no sign of stopping. Follow-up studies show that the scheme has reduced bike theft and increased cycle use. Demand is typically driven by cyclists themselves, and Life Cycle will sell additional stands if needed. The stands are held in stock by a local building contractor. An initial visit is made to the site by bike to agree the locations, and the stands are dropped off subsequently by van to 10 locations at a time. Over 100 organisations were supported in Bristol during the LTP period under the scheme.
The scheme has been taken up (with Life Cycle's support) by several other local authorities, most recently by Norwich City Council. Transport for London also runs a Take a Stand scheme, to Life Cycle's model, across the Capital.
TfL’s version of Take a Stand has been hugely successful having delivered 1042 stands to benefit over 2000 cyclists since November 2005. It is open to any business regardless of size and participating organisations also receive a copy of TfL’s Workplace Cycle Parking Guide. Alongside this is offered 'Challenge Funding' which is a match-funded scheme to provide support measures, such as showers, to promote and improve sustainable transport options, including cycling.
As part of a wider range of activities that promote cycling to work, organisations that employ 250+ staff can take advantage of TfL’s New Way to Work 'Corporate' Scheme. With funding available of up to £20,000, this provides 15 days consultancy advice and will deliver a working Travel Plan for the organisation. The plan is then used to establish a Quick Win package of measures based on the mode that will make immediate impact. Small & medium organisations receive help in the form of the New Way to Work 'Enterprise' scheme, which also offers support, guidance and marketing materials.
A guide is available from Life Cycle UK which explains in detail how Take a Stand works and which provides practical advice on setting up a similar scheme. Copies can be ordered from www.lifecycleuk.org.uk or contact Peter Andrews at peter@lifecycleuk.org.uk
To find out more about TfL's WTP service speak to one of their Relationship Managers on 020 7918 2928.
TfL’s Workplace Cycle Parking Guide is available at www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/Workplace-Cycle-Parking-Guide.pdf
Promoting Cycling with Young Families (May 2007)
Cycle Trailer Tryout Scheme
People may give up cycling when they have young children. However trailers allow parents to cycle easily with up to 2 children and carry luggage.
To promote cycling and help tackle car congestion during the school run Cambridge City Council Cycling Officers have set up the ‘Cycle Trailer Tryout Scheme’ giving parents the opportunity to try out a cycle trailer before committing to the expense of buying their own trailer.
How does it work?
Parents are encouraged to borrow a trailer for one week via participating Playgroups and Nurseries who join the scheme over a four-week period. Staff are shown how to easily fix the trailers to a bike and are familiarised with the trailers before going through this process with each parent who borrows a trailer. Each time the trailers are returned Staff run through a checklist to ensure that they are still in good working condition.
Parents borrowing a trailer are provided with a trailer manual and a ‘parent pack’ containing a local cycle map, safety information, a feedback form, and