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A Potential New Cycle Route Linking Thetford to High Lodge in Thetford Forest

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A Potential New Cycle Route Linking Thetford to High Lodge in Thetford Forest Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps A Potential New Cycle Route Linking Thetford to High Lodge in Thetford Forest Robert J. Whittaker February 2017 Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps About Me Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of East Anglia. Keen recreational cyclist. Volunteer with Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity that maintains the National Cycle Network. Group Coordinator for the Sustrans ‘Breckland and Waveney Valley’ volunteer group. Chair of the Greater Thetford Development Partnership Community Sub-Group. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Benefits of Cycling Health & Fitness Loose weight, improve fitness, stay healthier. Help the Environment No harmful emissions. More fuel efficient than driving. Cost & Mobility Cheaper than travelling by car or public transport. Increased mobility for those without access to cars. Beat Traffic Congestion Cycling can be quicker in congested areas. Congestion reduced for remaining drivers too. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps The Local Case Thetford High Lodge Population: 24,340 Cafe and toilets Almost 10,000 homes Over 50 items of 23% of households do outdoor play equipment not have access to a 36 miles of cycle trails car or van. 8 miles of walking trails (2011 census data) Orienteering course Outline permission for Battlefield live 5,000 new homes to be built 2019–2043. Go Ape and Segways River Ouse, major roads and the railway all form barriers to prevent easy access. A few unofficial routes already exist, but some minor improvements, legal permissions and signage are needed. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Thetford Area Action Plan — ‘Thetford Loops’ Promises a number of cycling routes under Policy TH 12 ‘Thetford Loops’. “The Thetford Loops . will be multi purpose, high quality routes for pedestrians and cyclists for leisure and utility trips.” “Breckland Council, Norfolk County Council and MTF will consider how they can contribute to delivery of the Loops, although it is anticipated that some sections will be directly provided as part of developments.” One proposed loop is already impossible because of a lack of action by Breckland Council to ensure an underpass crossing near Olley’s Farm when the A11 was dualled. As far as I can see, Breckland and Norfolk councils have taken no action to implement any of the loops so far. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Breaking New Ground — ‘Brecks Forest Way’ As part of the HLF-funded ‘Breaking New Ground’ project, the ‘Brecks Forest Way’ originally promised: “Walking, cycling and horse-riding are popular activities in the Brecks. Though there are a number of existing trails between Thetford and Brandon. “Led by Norfolk County Council this project will create a multi-use route, with short sections and circular paths, connecting Thetford to Brandon along the Little Ouse valley.” Subsequently scaled back to just a walking route along the full length of the river, with some multi-user improvements to the stretch near Brandon. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Little Ouse River Valley Project Ongoing initiative led by Stuart Wright of Thetford Town Council, with an eventual aim to open up the Little Ouse river to navigation, and make other improvements to increase recreational use of the river valley. Project is still in its infancy, but a Waterspace Study has been commissioned to look at the possibilities and requirements of such a scheme. It is possible that some parts of the proposed High Lodge cycle link could be achieved through this project. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Route Constraints The A11, the railway, and the Little Ouse river all present significant barriers that constrain possible routes. Only real option is to cross the A11 using the Little Ouse Path, and to cross the Little Ouse at Middle Stanch. Forestry Commission is concerned about route inspections — which are required for waymarked trails on its land. To minimize requirement for additional checking, the route should make use of existing trails and public rights of way (which already need to be inspected regularly) as much as possible. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Overview of Proposed Link Route Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Route Detail (Town Centre to Middle Stanch) Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Route Detail (Middle Stanch to B1107) Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Route Detail (B1107 to High Lodge) Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Initial Requirements Permissive access agreements from landowners: Forestry Commission, Crown Estate, Breckland Council (Main issue from FC point of view appears to be resources for ongoing safety inspections of any new routes.) Surface improvements on a short stretch west of Middle Stanch foot-bridge. (200m currently boggy and overgrown.) Some work to create a safe crossing point on the B1107. Supply and installation of direction signs. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps As funding becomes available Surface / width improvements on riverside path from Canterbury Way to A11. Surface improvements or development of alternative route around B1107 crossing. Crossing island on B1107, north of Thetford Golf Club. Development of alternative riverside path between A11 and Middle Stanch. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Next Steps Gather support for plan from local interest groups and stakeholders, including Thetford Town Council, Greater Thetford Development Partnership, & Friends of Thetford Forest. Meet with Forestry Commission to discuss route options. Explore funding options for initial work. Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps Any Questions? Please feel free to contact me for further information, or if you have any questions: Name: Robert Whittaker Address: Email: Website: http://thetfordranger.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @rjw62 Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link.
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