Bedfordshire County Council's cycling strategy

Adopted 1998 and revised 2005

1. Why have a Strategy? |

2. Background|

2.1 National Policy
2.2 The Bedfordshire Local Transport Plan: 01/02 – 05/06
2.3 Current levels of Cycling in Bedfordshire
2.4 Bedfordshire's Select Committee for Community & Environment on Cycling & Walking: Best Value Review, August 2000
2.5 Policies & Initiatives through which Cycle Stand is pursued
2.6 National Cycle Routes in Bedfordshire
2.7 The National Byway

3. Recent Progress|

3.1 Strategy
3.2 Infrastructure

4. Health and the Environment|

4.1 Benefits of Cycling
4.2 Sustainable Development (Community Plan's and Local Agenda 21)

5. Road Safety|

6. Cycle Training |

7. Vision |

8. Objectives |

9. Policies|

C1 Cycle Network Development
C2 Advanced Stop Lines
C3 Cycle Audit
C4 Maintenance
C5 Cycle Parking
C6 Cyclists' Safety
C7 Cycle Training. Contact Ann Rowland on 01234 228344 for more information.
C8 Cycling & Employers
C9 Planning Obligations
C10 Integration with Public Transport
C11 Consultation
C12 Promotion of Cycling

10. Action Plan|

11. Targets & Monitoring|

Appendix |

1) Summery of the Draft Bedfordshire County Council document "Desk Study of Strategic Cycle Routes in the Major Conurbations in Bedfordshire", November 2004
2) BCC guidance "Travelling to School in Bedfordshire - Cycling", 2005

This document and cycle parking guidelines may be downloaded via the related links at the bottom of this page.

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1. Why have a Strategy?

In 1998, Bedfordshire produced its first cycling strategy, to focus attention on making the most of this form of travel. Since then, there has been considerable investment in strategic cycle routes and the Sustrans National Cycle Networks.

"Cycle Stand" promotes action by Bedfordshire County Council and other partners, as encouraged by the National Cycling Strategy. To achieve action, it has been recognised that co-ordination is required between all those involved and it is important that clear priorities are established for the effective long term promotion of cycling. This revised version of Cycle Stand will bring the strategy in line with current national policy and outline the actions to make it happen.

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2. Background

2.1. National Policy
In July 1996, the Government published the National Cycling Strategy. This aimed to double cycle use by 2002, from a base of 1996 cycling levels, and to further double cycle use again by 2012. It recommended that highway authorities develop local cycling strategies and as a result Cycle Stand was written and adopted in 1998.

The Government issued a Transport White Paper in July 1998 entitled, 'A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone', which strongly promotes sustainable travel. The White Paper endorses the National Cycling Strategy targets and need for local strategies.

In April 2004, the Department for Transport produced a Public Consultation Draft titled 'Policy, Planning and Design for Walking and Cycling, Local Transport Note 1/04'. The document provides National Policy Context detailing the importance of land use planning to enable cycling, and considers the cyclist as a priority within the demands of other users in carriageway space. Five core principles are reinforced including convenience, accessibility, safety, comfort and attractiveness, which underpin the foundation of this updated version of Cycle Stand.

In June 2004, the Department for Transport published the booklet 'Walking and cycling: an action plan'. The booklet outlines best practice with respect to planning, infrastructure, safety and travel behaviour, and is intended to be used by various organisations in promoting cycling.

2.2 The Bedfordshire Local Transport Plan: 01/02 – 05/06
The Government's White Paper on the future of transport requires all local highway authorities to produce 5-year Local Transport Plans (LTP). These Plans cover all forms of transport and co-ordinate and improve local integrated transport provision. Local Transport Plan's contain a programme of schemes to be implemented over a 5-year period and is supported by a number of additional documents which set out in greater detail the county-wide strategy on specific transport issues. Cycle Stand is one of these documents.

2.3 Current levels of Cycling in Bedfordshire
The County Council installed eleven automatic cycle counters in the urban areas of Bedfordshire in 2002/2003. Six counters are located in North Beds, three in Mid Beds, & two in South Beds urban areas. The average flow of bicycles a day for each of the eleven sites was calculated and then the average of the eleven locations taken to produce a figure of 160 bicycles counted daily.

Three automatic counters exist in the rural parts of Bedfordshire; all associated with National Cycle Network routes. The average daily flow for each of the three locations was worked out and then the average of the three sites calculated to provide a total of 53 bicycles counted per day.

2.4 Bedfordshire's Select Committee for Community & Environment on Cycling &Walking: Best Value Review, August 2000

In August 2000, Bedfordshire's Select Committee for Community & Environment highlighted the importance of recognising the different types of cyclists and their differing needs. The seven types of cyclist identified are utility, family, tourer, time trial, mountain biker, novice, and child cyclist.

2.5 Local Transport Plan 01/02 – 05/06 & subsequent LTP 06/07 – 11/12
District Council Local Plans

Mid Beds District Council: Mid Beds Cycle Route Mapping Exercise, 2000

Bedfordshire & Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership, formed April 2002

Draft Road Safety Audit Policy, 2005

Road Safety Strategy, 2004

Business Travel Initiative, June 2004, funded by European Social Fund

Draft BCC 'Outdoor Access Improvement Plan', 2004

Bedfordshire's Community Plan

Improving Bedfordshire Services, County Council's yearly corporate plan

Draft Document produced by Bedfordshire County Council (BCC) 'Desk Study of Strategic Cycle Routes in the Major Conurbations in Bedfordshire', November 2004

Consultation Draft BCC 'Travel Plans & New Development: Guidance on Preparing Travel Plans'

Consultation Draft BCC 'School Travel Policy', due to be published June 2005

Bedfordshire's Select Committee for Community & Environment on Cycling & Walking: Best Value Review, August 2000

Bedfordshire County Cycle Forum

Bedford Cycling Strategy Group

Mid Beds Cycle Forum

2.6 National Cycle Routes in Bedfordshire
The National Cycle Network is promoted by Sustrans - the sustainable transport charity which works on projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

The NCN forms an important part of our strategic network particularly in urban areas. The National Cycle Network will help to provide links for journeys by bicycle to work, school, retail outlets, bus and rail stations, hospitals and the countryside through the urban centres and between the towns and outlying rural areas.

The County Council is working closely with Sustrans, district authorities, landowners and the community towards implementing the three NCN Routes in Bedfordshire:

National Route 6
Milton Keynes to Luton via Leighton Linslade, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, and continuing south to Harpenden

National Route 51
Milton Keynes, through Marston Moretaine, Bedford, Willington and Blunham where it connects to NCN 12 at Sandy.  

National Route 12
St Neots through Tempsford, Blunham, Sandy, Biggleswade, Arlesey and Stotfold towards Letchworth.

In August 2004 National Cycle Network route 51 from Milton Keynes to Sandy was completed and the leaflet above was produced by the Forest of Marston Vale with funding from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

2.7 The National Byway
The National Byway is a 3,500 mile long network of leisure cycle routes signposted around Britain on lightly trafficked existing country lanes. In spring 2005 signs were erected in Bedfordshire to link to neighbouring Counties Bucks and Cambs. The route enters Mid Bedfordshire via Milton Keynes on the west side and then travels through North Bedfordshire to Gamlingay on the east side of Bedfordshire.

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3. Recent Progress

3.1 Strategy
Bedfordshire County Council has undertaken a 'Desk Study of Strategic Cycle Routes in the Major Conurbations in Bedfordshire', draft document, November 2004. The Study contains information on existing strategic routes and proposed strategic routes for Bedford & Kempston, Dunstable & Houghton Regis, Leighton Linslade, Sandy, Biggleswade, Flitwick, and Ampthill. The document takes account of the previously published study commissioned by Mid Beds District Council in 2000 titled 'Mid Beds Cycle Route Mapping Exercise'. Public consultation has taken place within Bedfordshire on the Desk Study and it is intended to function as a 'working document' to be revised through the consultation progress on a yearly basis.

The Desk Study priorities are to develop strategic routes within urban conurbations, between urban settlements, between urban and rural areas, and connecting rural villages.

3.2 Infrastructure
A total of 238km of strategic cycle route has been identified in Bedfordshire. The following information gives a breakdown of the lengths in km and the % completed to date:

Area	Total % Complete	Total Built (km)
Ampthill	74%	8.7
Bedford	83%	63.4
Biggleswade	61%	13.9
Dunstable Houghton Regis	49%	40.2
Flitwick	54%	9.0
Leighton Linslade	58%	22.8
Sandy	70%	11.4
Sustrans (rural)	58%	68.8
Total	63.4%	238.2

Bedfordshire County Council (March 2005)

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4. Health and the Environment

4.1 Benefits of Cycling
In November 2004 the Department for Health published the White Paper 'Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier'. The document focuses on 'health as a way of life' and the promotion of sustainable forms of transport such as cycling is a part of the overall aim of the White Paper. Cycling is:

• Environmentally friendly - cycling causes very little pollution and helps to reduce traffic congestion.
  
• Low cost - there are low maintenance costs, no running costs or fares to pay. The need for car parking is also reduced.
  
• Healthy - the British Medical Association (BMA) recommends cycling as one of the most effective methods to improve general health and fitness.
• Sociable - it allows people to share an interest in health and recreation.
  
  Saving time – taking exercise whilst getting to a destination quicker.
• Parking – you can park your bicycle at almost any location.

4.2 Sustainable Development (Community Plan and Local Agenda 21)
Sustainable development is the underlying theme for Bedfordshire's Community Strategy, (as it was for 'A Local Agenda 21 Strategy for Bedfordshire 2000'). The concept of sustainable development is based on the premise that the world is facing serious environmental, social and economic problems that are, for the most part, inter-related. By tackling these we should aim to improve the quality of life for people today, in a way that does not negatively affect people's quality of life in generations to come.

Characteristics of a sustainable area would include a minimal use of natural resources and a minimal production of waste and pollution. People would be able to lead healthy lifestyles and have access to leisure and employment opportunities. Encouraging people to cycle is a very positive way in which to promote sustainability.

One of the most significant issues facing Bedfordshire today, and one which is being focused on within the County's Community Strategy, is that of housing growth through the Sustainable Communities agenda. The promotion of cycling within the growth areas is a key challenge and opportunity.

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5. Road Safety

In February 2004, the Bedfordshire Road Safety Strategy was launched. The document highlights the need to raise the profile of cycling in Bedfordshire. The Road Safety Strategy outlines the importance of junction improvements such as Advanced Stop Lines and this will be acknowledged in the Policy section.

An initiative set up to deal with casualties caused by speeding is the Bedfordshire & Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership which was formed in April 2002. The measures used include fixed and mobile cameras for speed enforcement, and fixed cameras for red light signal enforcement.

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6. Cycle Training

Bedfordshire County Council offers an off-road bicycle control course with trained volunteers to year four pupils (8-9 years old) during term time. The course does not prepare children to ride on the road but is designed to teach basic bicycle control. In year six (10-11 yrs old) the County Council uses trained volunteers to train pupils on-road to attain a National Cycling Proficiency Certificate. After the road safety section have sent leaflets to all Middle Schools to circulate to pupils encouraging them to join a course, every Middle School is supplied with an "On Yer Bike" promotional video and all Middle Schools should be showing the video to year six pupils in winter term.

Where a school has been unable or unwilling to facilitate training, a video titled 'Parents Guide to Cycling' has been used where parents train their child and then attend a test organised by the County Council to attain a National Cycling Proficiency Certificate. The video and support material is given to all year six pupils who undertake the course and is also available to pupils above year six who want to gain a Certificate. Cycle courses are also provided for individual needs on a one-to-one basis, or in groups where required. 

Bedfordshire County Council Cycling Policy promotes cycling to school as part of its commitment to developing and promoting sustainable transport initiatives for the journey to school (BCC School Travel Policy being developed for June 2005). It is recommended that schools wishing to promote cycling to school do so as part of a School Travel Plan in order to ensure that all of the correct measures are in place to encourage safer cycling.

Bedfordshire recommends that unaccompanied children have undertaken the appropriate training at year six and that children below this age are accompanied on the journey to school. Further information on cycling to school can be found in the guidance 'Travelling to School in Bedfordshire - Cycling', which offers information for both parents and schools and is expected to be published in March 2005.

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7. Vision

"Bedfordshire's vision is to create an environment and culture in which cycling is seen as a natural choice of travelling because it is convenient, accessible, safe, comfortable and attractive."

Bedfordshire County Council is committed to promoting cycling and raising the profile of cycling in the County.

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8. Objectives

Objective 1: A higher proportion of journeys to be made by bicycle, particularly journeys to work and school.

Objective 2: Create safe, direct and attractive conditions for cyclists.

Objective 3: Promote the positive role of cycling as a healthy activity as well as a practicable alternative to the private car.

National Cycle Network Route 51, Danish Camp, Willington, Bedfordshire (2003)

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9. Policies

The revised edition of Cycle Stand is ring bound so that future Policy updates can be added to the 2005 version after consultation and Committee approval has been gained.

Strategic Cycle Network
The BCC Draft document 'Desk Study of Strategic Cycle Routes in the Major Conurbations in Bedfordshire', current edition November 2004, will continue to be reviewed and updated based upon the priorities set out below.

Policy C1: Cycle Network Development

Development of high quality cycle networks with priority given to urban areas, links between urban areas, and links within and between rural settlements. High priority will be given to network development to employers, education establishments, public transport interchanges, retail centres and other main attractors. Leisure routes which serve utility cycling trips as well as recreational purposes will also be a high priority.

fIn 1996, the 'Cycleway Design & Maintenance Guide' was published by Bedfordshire County Council to provide details of cycling infrastructure. The document is now out of date in terms of current best practice regarding cycling provision and various other national design publications have been produced since 1996. An updated version of the Highway Design Guide has been commissioned by the County Council, which is due to be published in 06/07, and will outline up to date guidance for cycling infrastructure to be used by County Council staff and the incumbent engineering consultants thereby superseding the 1996 document.

The Highway Design Guide (HDG) is intended to address design for cycling and although Cycle Stand is not a design manual, there are a couple of design issues which require clarification through Policy Notes whilst the HDG is still being finalised, and these include:

i. Shared Use Facilities for Pedestrians & Cyclists

ii. Width & Colour of Cycle Lanes

Policy Notes

i. Shared Use Facilities for Pedestrians & Cyclists

The Draft Local Transport Note 2/04 'Adjacent and Shared Use Facilities for Pedestrians and Cyclists' due to be published in 2005/2006, delivers current national guidance on the status of Adjacent (segregated) facilities and also Shared Use Facilities. The document is clear in stating that in the first instance the design process should consider cycle provision within the carriageway, and all other on-road solutions need to be exhausted before contemplating adjacent or shared use facilities.

Bedfordshire County Council supports a hierarchical approach where facilities on-road are examined as a priority, however, it must be acknowledged that there will be instances where the infrastructure and needs of the user must be taken into account such as provision for school children.

Whether a facility is segregated (adjacent use) or un-segregated (shared use) should be based on site specific factors and each situation assessed on its individual merits such as:

• available width
• predicted level of pedestrian use predicted level of cycle use
• likely presence of disabled users
• gradient and speed of cyclists
• layout of adjacent cycle links

LTN 2/04 states that "usually where a footway has been converted to form an adjacent facility, the cyclists should be next to the carriageway, however, where there are frequent bus stops and few private drives the footway may be better located next to the carriageway".

It is important to acknowledge that each location must be assessed taking account of factors such as:

• the visibility between driveways and the path
• existence of bus stops
• the assessed risk of cyclists falling into the carriageway
• the need to link to existing cycle facilities and access points
• parking layout

ii. Width & Colour of Cycle Lanes

Cycle Stand is not a design guide therefore the following outlines absolute minimum widths:

Off-road widths

LTN 2/04 recommends for adjacent (segregated) cyclist/pedestrian facilities absolute minimum of 2.5m for sections not exceeding 6m.

In general if there is less than 3m available it advises shared use. LTN 2/04 proposes an absolute minimum of 2m width for a shared use facility.

On-road widths

Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure: The Institution of Highways & Transportation, (1996) states that:

Mandatory cycle lanes, solid white line, absolute minimum of 1.2m

Advisory cycle lanes, broken white line/vehicles may enter the cycle lane, absolute minimum of 1.2m

Contra-flow cycle lanes, absolute minimum of 1.5m

Colour of cycle lanes

There is no national guidance with regard to the colour of cycle lanes. For the purposes of continuity Cycle Stand would like to propose preferences to be followed as a general rule within Bedfordshire from this point onwards:

a) Green cycle lanes for adjacent (segregated) facilities

b) Green cycle lanes for on-road facilities

Policy C2: Advanced Stop Lines (ASL)

Advanced Stop Lines are waiting areas in which cyclists can position themselves ahead of traffic at the red phase of signalised junctions. All cycling schemes in Bedfordshire within future programmes will include Advanced Stop Lines at signalised junctions and within traffic signal upgrade schemes, where practicable and accepted by safety audit.

Cycle Audit

Guidelines for Cycle Audit & Cycle Review, The Institution of Highways & Transportation, (1998) details the procedures necessary to adopt a holistic approach to designing cycle friendly infrastructure, and a means of reviewing structure to ensure best practice.

Policy C3: Cycle Audit

All major transport and highway schemes and significant land use development schemes will be subject to a cycle audit undertaken by the incumbent engineering consultant.

Maintenance

In 2004 Bedfordshire County Council produced its Highway Maintenance Management Plan in accordance with the national guidance document - "Delivering Best Value in Highway Maintenance - Code of Practice for Maintenance Management". The Code of Practice for Maintenance Management for Cycling has been put together with the help of Transport Strategy so that a list of cycle routes is now in place with the regime required to maintain that route.

Policy C4: Maintenance

To review the list of cycling schemes on the maintenance list on an annual basis to ensure that the type of maintenance required is sufficient and takes place at appropriate intervals. New cycling schemes in existing infrastructure and new developments should be added to the existing database when completed.

Policy C5: Cycle Parking

The County Council will provide adequate cycle parking through an annual rolling programme in town centres, public transport interchanges, schools, village centres, leisure facilities and other major attractors. County and District Councils will equip their office locations with sufficient cycle parking. Employers will be encouraged to provide cycle parking at workplaces. Provision of cycle parking will be required as a part of planning consent for new developments.

Cycle Parking Standards listing detailed design requirements will be adopted and published either in the format of a stand alone document or within the new Highway Design Guide, due to be published in 06/07.

Policy C6: Cyclists' Safety

Measures to improve conditions for cyclists will be utilised where appropriate. Measures such as traffic reduction & management, traffic calming, speed reductions, junction treatments, carriageway redistribution, and signing strategies will be incorporated into cycling provision. Continue campaign work to promote the importance of wearing high visibility clothing, helmets, fitting and using lights and a bell.

School Travel Policy

As stated previously in section 6, the County Council is developing a 'School Travel Policy' due to be published in June 2005 and will cover all elements of Cycling to School. Details regarding the Safer Routes to Schools projects and School Travel Plan initiatives will be set out, as well as Cycle Training recommendations.

Policy C7: Cycle Training - Child & Adult Training

The County Council will provide Cycle Training to Children at all Middle Schools in Bedfordshire, where possible, and Adult Cycle Training as requested.

Cycling & Employers

In June 2004, Bedfordshire County Council employed a Business Travel Advisor as a part of the Business Travel Initiative with the help of the European Social Fund. The Initiative provides business travel management training through an 'advisor' to small to medium sized local businesses. The advisor based at County Hall is training businesses to assist them in developing travel plans. In addition to the work above, the County Council has a Green Travel Co-ordinator who manages the County Council's Green Travel Plan and is also developing a draft document "Travel Plans & New Development: Guidance on Preparing Travel Plans".

Bedfordshire County Council offers a cycling mileage rate of 20p per mile which is available to employees who use their bicycle for council business.

Policy C8: Cycling & Employers

Continue to establish and promote a programme of Cycle Friendly Employer Initiatives in local authorities and private companies.

Planning

Bedfordshire County Council is in the process of producing a draft document titled 'Travel Plans and New Development: Guidance on Preparing Travel Plans'. The draft guidance has been compiled by the County Council, District Councils, Luton Borough Council and Highways Agency, with a view to ensuring that Travel Plans are considered at the outset of new development proposals.

Policy C9: Planning Obligations

The County Council will secure cycling improvements, wherever possible, through planning obligations with the assistance of the two District Councils and one Borough Council in Bedfordshire.

Policy C10: Integration with Public Transport

Facilitate integrated journeys for cyclists, involving more than one mode of transport, through partnerships with public transport operators, and ensure that cyclists are accommodated at all public transport interchanges including 'Park & Ride' facilities.

Policy C11: Consultation

Continue to provide existing cycling forums and local residents with current plans regarding cycling improvements and promotions. Continue cycle forum attendance from higher management, councillors, police and road safety officers, and other relevant parties.

Policy C12: Promotion of Cycling

Develop and promote a programme of initiatives aimed at publicising the health, environmental and economic benefits of cycling and the current cycle network in both urban and rural areas through:

• Cycle maps
• Travelwise promotions
• Safer Routes to Schools
• School Travel Plans
• Green Travel Plans
• Incentive schemes
• National Campaigns such as 'Bike Week'
• Leisure cycling Continue to work closely with local cycling campaign groups to promote cycling.

Cycle Map of Bedford & Kempston produced by the Cycling Campaign for North Bedfordshire, 2004.  

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10. Action Plan

Table 10.1 below details the Action Plan to coincide with the new Local Transport Plan, 2006/07 – 2010/11

 

Policy	Action	Year 1 06/07	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5
C1 Cycle Network Development	Construction of the strategic cycle network Review existing Bedford & Kempston cycle network, including signage and cycle parking provision in order to compile a programme of implementation Provide more on-road measures Develop signage network for major conurbations in Mid & South Beds Continue the development of NCN's dependent on funding Link schools, workplaces & Rights of Way bridleways to the NCN's Joint working with other organisations Staff training both client and consultant	P P P P P P P	P P P P P P	P P P P P P P	P P P P P P	P P P P P P
C2 Advanced Stop Lines	All new developments to include ASL's, subject to safety audit New schemes to install ASL's subject to safety audit Review of existing signalised junctions to identify key locations for ASL's	P P P	P P P	P P	P P	P P
C3 Cycle Audit	Cycle Audits to be undertaken on all major schemes as indicated in the brief Review Cycle Audit procedure	P	P P	P	P	P
C4 Maintenance	Update existing computer database which contains maintenance regime data and add information on new routes Assess Rights of Way maintenance budget to maintain rural routes Increase maintenance where required	P P P	P P	P P	P P	P P
C5 Cycle Parking	Compile current cycle parking standards as a stand alone document or within HDG Audit existing cycle parking facilities and improve standard of facilities Establish prioritised annual rolling programme of new cycle parking locations Work with Police to reduce cycle theft	P P P	P P P	P P	P P	P P
C6 Cyclists' Safety	Casualty Reduction Partnership to continue to deal with reducing speed related casualties Use of traffic reduction, traffic calming, speed reductions, junction treatments, carriageway redistribution, 20mph zones to improve cycling conditions Publicity to raise awareness regarding cyclists' safety through Safer Routes to Schools Projects, School Travel Plans, & Road Safety campaigns Cycle maps to contain literature about safety precautions cyclists should take	P P P P	P P P P	P P P P	P P P P	P P P P
C7 Cycle Training	School Travel Policy (due to be published 2005) to contain information regarding Cycle Training
C8 Cycling & Employers	Continue to progress County Hall Green Travel Plan (GTP) Work alongside other statutory organisations to develop their GTP's Provide training & advice to small and medium sized businesses through the Travel Business Initiative Finalise and publish the document 'Travel Plans & New Development: Guidance on Preparing Travel Plans' Supply companies with information and advice on Travel Plans	P P P P P	P P P P	P P P	P P P	P P P
C9 Planning Obligations	Publish new Highway Design Guide Finalise and publish the document 'Travel Plans & New Development: Guidance on Preparing Travel Plans' Welcome packs to be given to residents in new developments containing details on public transport information & Cycle Maps Ensure good inter-departmental, and district council communications to update cycle forums on current new development proposals	P P P P	P P	P P	P P	P P
C10 Integration with Public Transport	Regular inter-departmental discussions to keep abreast of current issues Liaison with public transport operators to make sure public transport interchanges have sufficient cycle parking facilities Lobby at a local and a national level to improve conditions for cycle carriage on trains	P P P	P P P	P P P	P P P	P P P
C11 Consultation	Involve Cycle Forum members at an early stage of the design process Increase awareness of the importance of cycling with Members, Local Councillors, Town & Parish Councils Continue to ensure Cycle Forums are attended by higher management Continue to utilise the expertise of Cycle Forum members in delivering cycle schemes & health benefits Re-establish the South Beds Cycle Forum (linked with Luton Cycle Forum)	P P P P P	P P P P	P P P P	P P P P	P P P P
C12 Promotion of Cycling	Prepare an annual programme of key campaign events with a budget on a yearly basis Revise Bedfordshire's County Cycle Map Promote 'Access to the Countryside' and leisure cycling through the actions listed in the draft Outdoor Access Improvement Plan, 2004: Integrate existing Rights of Way with Cycle ways and Highways Programme of 'quiet lane' development for country roads Promote access to countryside directly from urban areas Links to the National Cycle network Promote completed cycle routes Continue partnership work with local Primary Care Trusts to develop joint initiative such as leaflets. Use of the internet to provide up to date information on the cycling network	P P P P P P	P P P P P	P P P P P	P P P P P	P P P P P P

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11. Targets & Monitoring

Bedfordshire County Council is committed to the use of targets which are realistic and measure the priorities set up within Section 9: Policies.

Target 1: Using 2003/2004 baseline automatic counter data from eleven counters throughout the County, reported in the Fourth Annual Progress Report July 2004, it is proposed that the Council works toward a 3% growth in cycling levels per year over six years. A 3% increase per year will yield a 20% increase in cycling over six years. Monitoring will be carried out on new schemes, using manual counts where appropriate.

Target 2: Survey work will be commissioned on an annual basis to determine travel patterns and behavioural attitudes to cycling in and around Bedfordshire's Strategic Cycle Network.

Target 3: It is accepted that cycling accidents are under reported, however, the information collected on cycling injuries is important in locating where problems may exist on the ground. The incumbent engineering consultants will be required to report annually on cyclist accident collision data as a part of the Road Safety Plan Process.

Target 4: To increase the total length of strategic cycle routes to 238 kilometres by March 2012.

Target 5: Allocate a yearly budget to provide new cycle parking in key locations throughout the County.

Target 6: All new schemes to include Advanced Stop Lines at signalised junctions, where practicable and accepted by safety audit.

Appendix 1

Summary of the Draft Bedfordshire County Council document 'Desk Study of Strategic Cycle Routes in the Major Conurbations in Bedfordshire, November 2004

Section 5 Suggested Programmes of works on Strategic Routes

The following tables show a programme of works to complete the Sustrans routes and the strategic routes in the major urban conurbations of Bedford, Dunstable and Houghton Regis and Leighton Linslade. Also included are the four largest Mid Beds Towns of Sandy, Biggleswade, Flitwick and Ampthill. Estimates are based on a desk study and ball park figures so feasibility studies and estimates will need to be gradually carried out to firm up the programme.

Appendix 2

A School Cycling Policy should be considered as part of a school travel plan to ensure that all of the correct measures are in place to encourage safer cycling.

What should feature in a school's Cycling Policy?

Here's a checklist of things you need to think about...

Liability for bicycles on the school premises: Schools are not liable for property on their premises, and are therefore not liable for pupil's cycles being stolen or damaged by a third party. Schools should however make this clear to parents. Schools that provide storage facilities could, however, be said to have assumed responsibility for the safety of the bikes while on the premises and might be liable for damage or theft of a bike if the parent could prove that the school (or its employees) was negligent. In these circumstances, a school can avoid this liability by making clear to parents, preferably on the storage facility itself, that it is not responsible for the safety of pupils' bicycles while they are being stored.

Source: www.teachernet.gov.uk/management|

Pupil safety on the school journey: Schools are only responsible for safety on the school journey where they have specifically arranged transport. For walking bus schemes the liability is covered through the county's own liability insurance. For school transport provided by the local authority the County Council is responsible, at all other times safety is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Schools cannot legally prohibit cycling for the school journey, but they are entitled to prohibit bikes from being brought onto the school grounds.

Cycle Permit scheme: This should set out the rights and responsibilities of cyclists (and their parents), rules on cycling behaviour and guidance on helmet use.

Cycle storage: Pupils won't cycle to school if they or their parents feel bikes can't be stored safely, so providing safe secure cycle storage is a key part of any pro-cycling scheme.

Other storage: A further incentive is created by the provision of storage facilities where pupils who cycle can leave helmets, lights and outdoor clothing.

Training: Cycle training must be part of any strategy to get more children cycling to school. It is recommended that unaccompanied children cycling to school have undertaken an appropriate cycling training course.

For children below the age at which on road cycle training is given it is recommended that they have undertaken off road skills training at lower school and are accompanied by their parents on the journey to school.

Safety: Schools should consider recommending helmet wearing and other appropriate clothing such as high visibility garments or light coloured clothing.

Cycle maintenance: A Cycling Policy may require pupils to get their bikes inspected for roadworthiness before bringing them into school. One way of encouraging pupils to look after their bikes properly is to offer cycle maintenance classes at school and make an area of the school available for cycle repairs. Owners of bikes judged not to be roadworthy could have their cycle permit withdrawn temporarily.

School Cycle Parking Permit/Information for Parents
(Schools should adapt this to their own circumstances)

Cycling to School – Important Notice to Parents
While this school wishes to encourage an increase in the number of pupils cycling to school we strongly recommend that pupils wishing to cycle to school have undertaken the necessary training through cycling proficiency courses either arranged through this school or elsewhere in the area.

The final decision as to whether your child is competent to negotiate such hazards as may present themselves on the route from home to school and back must be yours and yours alone. The school does not accept liability for any consequences of that decision.

For children who are below the age at which on road cycling training is offered (year 6) or who have not undertaken the necessary training and still wish to cycle to school we recommend that these children are accompanied by their parents.

This school supports pupils who wish to walk or cycle to school since it improves their health and fitness, reduces traffic outside the school making conditions safer for everyone and benefits their general development. If you wish your son/daughter to cycle to school, would you please complete the form below as a commitment to our school cycling policy and also so that we can monitor the numbers of children cycling to school even on an irregular basis.

Although the school provides appropriate cycle storage parents are advised to take out appropriate insurance cover as the school's insurance does not cover loss or damage to bicycles.

Cycle Helmets
Pupils are advised to wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet and use appropriate reflective clothing and bike lights when visibility is poor.

Conditions for Cycling to School
1. All bicycles must be in a roadworthy condition.
2. Cyclists must ride sensibly and follow the Highway Code.
3. It is recommended that approved cycle training be undertaken, where available.
4. All bicycles must be locked securely in the approved cycle parking area.
5. Cyclists must dismount when entering the school grounds.

This school reserves the right to revoke this permit in the event that these conditions are ignored.

Name of Pupil…………………………… Date of Birth…………………………..

Cycle make……………………………….. Model…………………………………

Cycle colour……………………………… Features………………………………

I accept the above conditions and request permission for …………... ……………(my child) to cycle to school and to be given access to the available cycle parking.

 

Signed…………………………………… Date……………………………………