Transport Delivery Committee

Date 24 June 2019

Report title Cycling Charter Progress Report

Accountable Director Sandeep Shingadia – Director of Development and Delivery Accountable Claire Williams – Cycling and Walking Employee Development Manager [email protected] 0121 214 7984 Report has been Lead Member for Safe and Sustainable Travel considered by Councillor Diana Holl-Allen

Recommendation(s) for action or decision:

TDC is recommended to:  Note the progress to date of the TfWM led initiatives of the Cycling Charter Action Plan. 1. Purpose

1.1 To report matters relating to the performance, operation and delivery of TfWM led initiatives within the West Midlands Cycling Charter Action Plan.

2. Background

2.1. The West Midlands Cycling Charter outlines the key principles that all partners, including the seven constituent Local Authorities, have adopted to deliver the required step change in cycling across the West Midlands Metropolitan area. It represents a shared vision and approach that will increase cycling levels across the West Midlands.

2.2. A detailed Action Plan is currently being delivered with the target of increasing levels of cycling to 5% of all trips by 2023 from the current levels of 1.7% (Census Data, 2011).

2.3. The Cycling Charter is based on the following four principles:  Leadership and Profile  Cycling Network  Promoting and Encouraging Cycling  Funding.

3. Cycling Charter Action Plan progress

3.1. With the aim to raise the profile of cycling and walking, Shanaze Reade was appointed as the first Cycling and Walking Ambassador for the West Midlands on 22 March 2019. A launch event took place with Mayor Andy Street on 22 May 2019. The event included engagement with members of the public to help shape the role of the Ambassador.

3.2. WMCA and the 7 local authorities developed a West Midlands strategic LCWIP (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan) which was adopted by WMCA Board in March 2019. This plan outlines a prioritised programme of investment.

3.3. £23m of Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) has been allocated to develop and deliver a cycling and walking infrastructure programme. £2m of this allocation will form the Better Streets Community Fund, an innovative community-focused grant scheme which will fund smaller scale, local improvements based on the needs of local people.

3.4. The West Midlands Cycle Design Guidance has been updated for 2019.

3.5. Nextbike have been appointed to deliver the West Midlands Bikeshare Scheme. This will be the first scheme in the UK to integrate with the region’s Swift smart travel card. A pilot of 25 bikes and 5 docking stations were delivered in Wolverhampton City Centre in February 2019 and has been well received.

3.6. TfWM continues to collaborate with Brompton to promote their cycle hire facilities in Birmingham city centre at New Street, Snow Hill, and Moor Street stations.

3.7. In 2019/20 the Network Wide Cycle Parking Programme, which aims to improve cycle parking capacity and quality across the network, will deliver cycle parking improvements at key transport interchanges across the region including Solihull rail station, Birmingham New Street, Pool Meadow and Wolverhampton bus stations. West Midlands Trains will be improving cycle parking at an additional 10 stations this financial year.

3.8. Cycle parking occupancy counts are undertaken by TfWM Data Insight Team. While on average occupancy has remained consistent, with the increase in capacity, usage of the cycle parking is steadily increasing overall. Station travel plans are being delivered by West Midlands Trains which include promotion of cycle parking at the stations.

Average Average Average Average Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Average for 2014 for 2015 for 2016 for 2017 1 2 3 4 For 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 Average 380 397 468 525 618 590 536 524 567 Patronage Average 1346 1474 1740 1980 2279 2279 2279 2274 2279 Capacity Average % 28.5% 27% 26.8% 26.6% 27.1% 25.9% 23.4% 23.0% 24.8% Occupancy

3.9. We continue to deliver our award winning five-point Cycle Crime action plan focusing on key areas of enforcement, engagement, education, environment and evaluation to combat cycle theft at stations. Between April 2018 and end of March 2019, there have been 279 cycle thefts from stations in the region, illustrating a dramatic spike in bike theft when compared to previous years. Although high, cycle crime has risen across the country and is in line with other major cities. In response to this TfWM has developed bespoke action plans for the highest cycle theft stations, led by the Safer Travel Police team. A national cycle crime strategy has been developed by DfT, which will focus our activities. Working with WMT, we are aiming to deliver high visibility bike marking events and campaigns at stations to deter thefts over the course of the franchise.

Thefts of cycles on network (Total number) 2018/19 110 100 90 80 70 2016/17 2017/18 60 2015/16 50 Target 40 30 20 Qtr 1Qtr 2Qtr 3Qtr 4Qtr 1Qtr 2Qtr 3Qtr 4Qtr 1Qtr 2Qtr 3Qtr 4Qtr 1Qtr 2Qtr 3Qtr 4

3.10. A significant number of cycle crime incidents have occurred at Birmingham New Street. To help in address this, the Safer Travel Partnership have delivered overt and covert patrols, the use of a GPS tracker bike, multiple bike marking sessions, with supporting discounting D-locks programmes. Work is also in progress to put in place a new indoor secure cycle storage facility within New Street, which will benefit from CCTV, lighting and pass access control. It is hoped that these measures will have a large impact on cycle crime at that location

3.11. To raise the profile of cycling, a brand for cycling and walking initiatives across the WMCA has been developed and was endorsed by WMCA Board in March 2019. The aim is to provide a consistent experience for the end user, as part of the wider rebranding of the entire transport network.

3.12. Managing Short Trips is a programme of cycling infrastructure improvements in the Black Country. These improvements are designed to create cycle friendly corridors between existing cycle routes, residential areas and local centres. These routes will enable people to take up cycling and walking for leisure or commuting which will have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

3.13. £6.3m was invested in MST schemes since 2016/17:  The Birmingham new mainline canal between Galton Bridge and Bridge Street and and Dixon Street in Wolverhampton;  The between Bridgeman Street and Bentley Mill Way;  The from the Bonded Warehouse, though Wordsley Junction, Glass House Bridge and Leys Junction to Brockmoor Junction Bridge.

3.14. A second tranche of MST schemes was funded by the Black Country LEP with a further £4.2m invested to improve the Birmingham Canal between Galton Bridge and Wolverhampton. The improvements listed below were delivered between 2017-19. Promotional activities have been taking place during 2018/19 including led rides and walks and will continue until September 2019.

 Smethwick: Galton Bridge to Bromford Rd, Towpath  Wednesfield link to New Cross Hospital: Wyrley & Essington Canal to New Cross Hospital & Bentley Bridge  Wolverhampton: Dixon street to Deepfields junction bridge  Dudley: Deepfields Bridge to Factory Junction Towpath  Smethwick: Bromford Lane to Dudley Border  Sandwell: Tame valley towpath improvements at Friar Park  Sandwell Patent Drive to Bannister Road access

3.15. Big Bike Revival. A partnership is in place between TfWM and Cycling UK to deliver the Big Bike Revival programme, a scheme to develop community cycle clubs and encourage cycling. To date, 18 community clubs have been formed in Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Coventry and Sandwell (table below) and several other groups are pending. Birmingham City Council is also working with Cycling UK to develop community cycling clubs around Birmingham with 20 active since 2016.

Area Club Name Wolverhampton Wildside Activity Centre Let us Play The Bike Shed Walsall Walsall Arboretum Community Cycle Club Palfrey Park Womens Community Cycle Club Palfrey Park Mens Community Cycle Club Aaina Community Cycle Club Willenhall Memorial Park Community Cycle club Walsall Bike Project CIC Coventry New Life Cycle Community Cycle Club (Langley Trust) Sandwell Smethwick Beat the Street Community Cycle Club (MST1) Hadley Stadium Community Cycle Club Lightwoods Community Cycle Club Victoria Park, Tipton Community Cycle Club Jubilee Park, Tipton Community Cycle Club Solihull Birmingham Business Park Community Cycle Club Dudley Leap over 50 (Age UK) Brockmoor Community Cycle Club

3.16. On 12 May 2019, Velo Birmingham and Midlands took place across the West Midlands with 17000 people taking part in the closed road cycling event raising money for various charities and using the opportunity to take up cycling for health and wellbeing. Several of the Community Cycle Clubs also took part in the event, taking on a challenge that they would not have considered without the training and support within the clubs. TfWM partnered with CSM, the event organiser, to promote WM Cycle branding across the event, which included flags and banners at the start and finish.

3.17. Living Streets. Living Streets has partnered with TfWM to deliver the WOW – Walking to School Challenge to schools across the region. A Project Coordination Officer is in post and has recruited 41 schools during 2018-19 (see Appendix). A second officer for the West Midlands is currently being recruited and will extend the reach of the programme. The programme includes an online platform to monitor modal share and incentivises uptake of active travel through monthly reward badges. Data collected is shared with local authorities.

3.18. Over 31,000 children have taken part in the programme, with 83% of recorded journeys by active travel, totalling 669,202 journeys taken by walking, cycling or scooting for all or part of the way. The most recent evaluation has shown a 24.2% increase in active travel across the schools participating in the programme.

3.19. TfWM have worked alongside WMCA colleagues and members of the Cycling Charter Steering Group to address the need to encourage more inclusive cycling environments. To improve the accessibility of cycleways a prototype access barrier has been developed by local cyclists and is set to be trailed.

3.20. TfWM are collaborating with WMCA colleagues in Health and Wellbeing to plan, deliver and promote cycling and walking schemes.

4.0 Financial Implications

4.1 The 2018/19 cycling investment per head was an estimated £9.47. This will be updated to reflect final spend from our regional partners once received.

4.2 The additional £23m investment through Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) referenced in section 3.3 will continue to support ambition contained within the Cycling Charter and the Mayor’s Renewal plan to achieve £10 per head.

4.3 The commitment in the Cycling Charter and the Mayor’s Renewal plan is to achieve £10 per head and work continues with partners to achieve this.

5.0 Legal Implications

5.1 Legal and procurement support will be required in relation to the LCWIP especially around collaborative working arrangements between other sectors and any emerging funding arrangements.

6.0 Equalities Implications

6.1 The West Midlands Cycling Charter does not result in any negative disproportionate impact for any of the protected characteristics. However, cycling nationally (and regionally) is unequal with cyclists more likely being male, young, non-disabled and white. To improve wider participation and representation there needs to be a stronger focus on the creation of more inclusive cycling environments (both in terms of infrastructure and cycling route choices) that can cater for cycles of all sizes, including tricycles, trailers and tandems and for all different types of cyclists. Moreover, promotion of cycling activities and opportunities needs to be reflective of the diversity of the region, both in terms of the images used and the way information is disseminated and communicated to West Midlands residents.

6.2 Some people with special needs or physical disabilities may be able to benefit from programmes in the region that use adapted bicycles and they are referred to the organisations that deliver these. ParkRide and Wheels for All are initiatives organised by Midland Mencap and Cycling Projects in various locations across the UK including the West Midlands (Sutton Coldfield, Coventry, Birmingham, and Solihull).

7.0 Inclusive Growth Implications

7.1 Encouraging cycling and walking in the West Midlands LCWIP supports inclusive growth by supporting the following themes:  Affordable, safe, and connected places  Sustainability  Health and Wellbeing  Equality  Economy

7.2 Safer routes for cycling and walking will help provide the people who live, work, learn and play here with safer routes to walk and cycle to where they want to go. Active travel encourages people to combine physical activity as part of their journey which has a positive impact on health and wellbeing as well as air quality.

7.3 A wide spectrum of users can access safer cycling and walking routes including people who use adapted cycles, scooters, motorised scooters, and even inline skaters. The objectives are to get people to use alternative modes of travel and to participate in physical activity.

7.4 As accessible and low cost modes of transport, cycling and walking can help people access their local high streets, jobs and education.

8.0 Geographical Area of Report’s Implications

8.1 Transport for West Midlands will work with the Constituent Local Authorities to manage cross border relationships and align cycling and walking schemes to ensure consistency in access and quality. Approximately 57% of journeys in the West Midlands cross an administrative boundary.

8.2 Several members of the West Midlands Cycling Charter Steering Group have remits that cover the wider WMCA 3 LEP geography. Cycling UK and Living Streets have community development officers hosted within TfWM’s Cycling & Walking Team, they deliver promotional schemes across the region.

9.0 Other Implications

9.1 Improving cycling and walking provisions to increase levels of active travel will have a positive impact on air quality, physical and mental health.

10.0 Schedule of Background Papers

10.1 West Midlands Cycling Charter 10.2 Mayor Andy Street Renewal Plan Appendix – Living Streets – Schools

BIRMINGHAM Stanton Bridge Primary School Alston Primary School DUDLEY Benson Community School Brierley Hill Primary School Brownmead Primary Academy Howley Grange Primary School Christ The King Catholic Primary Hurst Hill Primary School School Priory Primary School Clifton Primary School St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Cofton Primary St Mary's RC Primary School Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Tenterfields Primary School Amblecote Primary School George Dixon Primary School Hurst Green Primary School Heathlands Primary Academy Queen Victoria Primary Kings Rise Academy SANDWELL Leigh Junior Infant and Nursery Blackheath Primary School School Crockett's Community Primary Little Sutton Primary School Marlborough Infant School Ferndale Primary School Moor Green Primary Academy Glebefields Primary School Nansen Primary School Newtown Nelson Mandela School Our Lady and St Hubert Nelson Primary School Whitecrest Primary School Pegasus Primary School Yew Tree Primary School Quinton Church Primary Corngreaves Academy St Judes RC Primary School SOLIHULL Sladefield Infant School Blossomfield Infant School St Albans Catholic Primary School Dorridge Primary School St James' Catholic Primary School Greswold Primary School St John Fisher R C School Langley Primary school St Laurence Church Infant School Meriden C E Primary School St Laurence Church Junior School WALSALL St Saviours CofE Primary School Abbey The Olive School Birmingham Blackwood School Walmley Infant School St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Washwood Heath Academy Darlaston Waverley School St Patrick's Catholic Primary School West Heath Primary WOLVERHAMPTON Woodthorpe Junior and Infant school Bantock Primary School Wyndcliffe Primary School Rakegate Primary School COVENTRY East Park Academy Hearsall Community Academy Elston Hall Primary School Hill Farm West Park Primary School Parkgate Woodfield Infant School St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary Woodfield Junior School School