Agenda item
Brent Cycling Strategy
To review the implementation of the Brent cycling strategy.
Minutes:
The Committee considered a report that provided an update on how the Council was progressing with the implementation of the Brent Cycling Strategy (2016 – 2021), including an overview of the strategy and measures to deliver cycle improvements. The strategy was due to be reviewed in its entirety every five years, that next being 2021.
The Chair invited Mr David Arditti from the Brent Cycling Campaign to address the Committee on the cycling strategy.
Mr David Arditti noted that cycling in Brent could be improved, but that the funding provided by the Mayor of London, had been significant. David Arditti felt that the standards set out in the report needed to be retained and that the Cycling Strategy required more detail with measurable and credible targets. The Committee heard that the proposed designed Cycle Route map had shown some vehicle roads as being cycle routes.
The Committee thanked David Arditti for his address.
Members went on to discuss issues that had been implemented to relieve fears about the dangers in cycling. Councillor Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning, informed the Committee that cycling training had been advertised on social media and in schools. A school program had been discussed that focused on cycling strategies and prioritised routes, with 2 schools having piloted the School Streets off Road program. It was believed that due to generational cultures, people were more comfortable to drive or be driven, but Members heard that the infrastructure created, including Lime Bikes had made cycling more accessible.
Members commented that focus had been made on schools and wondered what support had been explored for employees who wished to cycle to work. Councillor Tatler explained that the information would be shared with the Committee once gathered. A Member commented that engagement with businesses and residents must be more consistent to ensure that strategies were applied.
Discussions continued with the participation of Councillor Johnson, Councillor Nerva and Councillor Kabir, during which several key points, including the following, were noted:
-
The elements of cycling to the tube rather than
driving needed to be reviewed, in terms
of, infrastructure and cycling ports provisions.
- That there were many bike repair shops in the Borough but having more repair and second hand-shops would be desirable.
- The current price that Lime charged for parking bicycles was the same across all Boroughs.
- That the interest shown by other companies in supplying bikes for Brent at competitive charges were being explored.
- The Chair commented that he was pleased to have hangers in place. There had been a long waiting list for residents as the demand for hangers had exceeded supply. Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, reminded members that she was the contact for residents who wanted to be on the waiting list.
- Developing relationships with TFL had continued. The Chair noting, he was concerned that TFL may not understand the message on infrastructure as lifts being funded by them had still been a concern.
Having considered the update provided, the committee agreed to the following actions being referred on to the department for consideration and progress:
1. That a review of the Brent Cycling Strategy for the development of a new Strategy post 2021, include the following considerations:
i. to find as many ways as possible to encourage people to cycle,
ii. the encouragement of groups less likely to cycle, including, women and older people,
iii. accessibility to the public highway and cycling transport infrastructure for people with disabilities,
iv. access to existing Council cycle parking facilities to the general public.
2. That the new Brent Cycling Strategy include new and ambitious and measurable targets, including shorter term objectives, as well as longer term.
3. That the development of the new strategy involve consultation with key stakeholders, including the scrutiny committees.
Supporting documents:
- 8. Cycling Strategy Update - RPRSC 12.03.20 - Report - Final V2 - 02-03-20, item 8. PDF 99 KB
- 8a. Cycling Strategy Update - RPRSC 12.03.20 - Appendix 1 - Final V2 - 02-03-20, item 8. PDF 172 KB