Lancaster District Cycling Strategy November 2002

Lancaster District Local Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance Note 13 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy

Lancaster City Council www.lancaster.gov.uk

John Donnellon BA MA Corporate Director (Regeneration) Andrew Dobson Dip EP MRTPI PDDMS Head of Planning and Building Control Services

Lancaster City Council Planning and Building Control Service Palatine Hall Dalton Square Lancaster LA1 1PW

November 2002 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

Notes

1) A large print version of the text in this document can be supplied on request

2) All maps contained in this document are reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Lancaster City Council Licence No. LA 078379. 2002.

ii Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...... 1 Cycle parking 16 Green Travel Plans 16 A Vision for Cycling in Lancaster District 1 Integration 17 Background and Context 1 Pedal Power Project 17 The 1997 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy 2 School Travel Plans 17 Status of the Strategy 2 The Council as a cycle-friendly employer 18 Aims of the Strategy 3 Publicity and Campaigns 18 The Council’s role in promoting Cycling 3 Monitoring 19 Other Bodies with an Interest in Cycling in Lancaster District 4 Cycle Tourism 19 Consultation and Partnership Working. 5 4. Improvements to the Cycle The Cycle Strategy and Sustainability 5 Network...... 20 2. Cycle Provision in Lancaster Marsh Route (Millennium Bridge – Edenbreck District ...... 6 Allotments – Lancaster Royal Infirmary) 20 Lancaster City Centre routes 21 Types of Cycle Route 6 Lancaster Canal Towpath 21 Off Street cycle routes 6 Morecambe Promenade 22 On Street Cycle Routes 6 A6-Ashton Road Link 22 Unmarked On Street Routes 6 Heysham Mossgate 22 Public Bridleways and RUPPs 6 Lune Valley Extension to Hornby and Wray 23 The National Cycle Network 7 Local Improvements 23 The North Cycleway 7 The District Cycle Network 7 5. Implementation...... 25 The Lancaster-Morecambe route 7 APPENDIX 1 - REFERENCES...... 33 The Lancaster-Glasson route 7 The Lune Millennium route 8 APPENDIX 2 – BARRIERS TO The route 8 CYCLING AND SOLUTIONS...... 34 The Lancaster Canal 9 APPENDIX 3; NATIONAL POLICY Morecambe and Heysham Promenade 10 CONTEXT ...... 36 Other Cycle Routes. 10 The National Cycling Strategy (Ncs) 36 Gaps in the existing Network 11 The Transport White Paper 36 Cycle Use in Lancaster District 11 Planning Policy Guidance Note 13; Transport 37 3. Corporate Policies to Promote The National Cycle Network 37 Cycling in Lancaster District...... 13 APPENDIX 4; LOCAL AND REGIONAL Overall Objectives and Targets 13 POLICY CONTEXT...... 38 Engineering 14 The Regional Context 38 Cycle Audit and Cycle review 14 The County Context 38 Cycle Networks 14 The Local Plan Context 38 Maintenance 15 Local Agenda 21 38 Planning Control 16

iii Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

Introduction

A Vision for Cycling in Lancaster District 1.1 Cycling is well established in Lancaster District both as a means of transport and as a recreational pursuit. The City has a well used network of cycle routes and an active network of local cyclists groups. 1.2 The government’s Integrated Transport White Paper has set targets for cycling to double by 2006 and double again by 2011, and the City and County Councils have adopted similar targets. define and safeguard a Strategic Cycle Network and provide for 1.3 To build on the progress already enhancements to the network through achieved towards promoting cycling new development. The Local Plan as a mainstream mode of transport also contains policies which resist Lancaster City Council has reviewed development which would have an and comprehensively revised its Cycle adverse effect on a cycle route (T1A) Strategy. The revised strategy will policies which require the preparation deliver the following vision: of business travel plans for major developments (T16A) and policies dealing with Cycle parking (T16). The “A District within which cycling is a popular Local Plan sets a target of increasing mainstream mode of travel the proportion of journeys to work by for local journeys with safe bicycle to 10% by 2006. and accessible routes through its urban centres. 1.6 Policies promoting cycling are also contained in the existing and emerging Lancashire Structure Plans Background and Context and in emerging Regional Planning Guidance. A full list of national, regional, county and local plan 1.4 The Council’s Corporate Plan policies is attached as Appendix identifies a healthy environment as being a theme of vital importance and 1.7 The Lancashire Local Transport Plan seeks to ensure that the principles of for 2001-06 envisages annual sustainability underpins all Council expenditure of £1.25 million on cycling activities. To that end, it identifies facilities throughout the county. It Encouraging Cycling and Walking as proposes policies relating to cycling a challenge for the District and and also a comprehensive list of identifies maintaining and improving proposed measures, targets and the Cycle Network and progressing outcomes for the plan period. The the Cycle Strategy as elements in Local Transport Plan sets targets to achieving this. double cycle usage by 2006 and double it again by 2016. The baseline 1.5 This key corporate objective is re- will be the figure from the 2001 inforced by Policies T23-T25 of the national Census,forecast to be 2% Lancaster District Local Plan which Relevant extracts from the Local 1 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

Transport Plan and other related engagement and stronger corporate Council Strategies are set out in working. Finally a need has been Appendix . identified for the Strategy to be action- oriented with clear definitions of roles, clear targets and timetables and a The 1997 Lancaster District framework for monitoring and review. Cycling Strategy Other contextual changes include

1.8 The Council produced its first Cycle • The publication of the national Strategy in 1997. This Strategy Cycling strategy; defined a District Cycle Network and • set out a number of measures to Local surveys of the views of promote and enhance cycling in the cyclists and cycle usage and, District. Achievements of the previous • The publication of the strategy include; Government’s white paper on the future of transport. • The construction and opening of the Millennium bridge in February 1.10 There is also a need for the status of 2001; the strategy and its linkages with other • The upgrading of the Lancaster- planning policy documents to be Morecambe cycle path including made clear. completion of linking sections to the Millennium Bridge, 1.11 It is important that cycling Morecambe Road, and Westgate; implementation has been achieved and will be achieved in the future • The upgrading of the Lancaster- through effective partnership working Caton cycle path; with public sector agencies, charities, • The provision of new cycle lanes local cycle groups and local and advantage measures for communities. cyclists within Lancaster City Centre; 1.12 Lancaster City Council therefore produced a draft replacement Cycling • The provision of secure cycle Strategy in April 2002, with the aim of parking lockers at bus and rail more effectively promoting cycle use interchanges; in the district as a viable mode of • Increased provision of cycle racks transport. A public consultation within Lancaster City centre; exercise was carried out on the draft strategy involving a wide range of • Provision for cyclists as part of interested parties and individuals and new developments; this Document amends the draft • The introduction of incentives for Strategy to take account of cycle use by council staff; representations received. • Successful cycling promotional events; Status of the Strategy 1.9 The 1997 strategy was ambitious and, 1.13 This Strategy document has now much has been achieved. However. It been formally adopted and the is now more than five years old. Many previous Cycling Strategy is formally of its key proposals have been withdrawn. The Strategy is a implemented. There is a need for an Corporate Policy Document which will updated Strategy to reflect changing influence the priorities of all circumstances, build on existing departments with responsibilities for successes and address problems cycling. It also forms Supplementary encountered. A need was also Planning Guidance to Policies T16, identified for greater community T16A and T23-4 of the District Local 2 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

Plan The Council’s role in promoting Cycling 1.14 The Cycling Strategy will be periodically reviewed, in particular 1.17 The Council has a number of roles with regard to route identification and which relate to improving cycle improvement. provision. Part of the purpose of the Strategy is to ensure that the Aims of the Strategy operation of all of these services is combined to further common 1.15 This Strategy seeks to realise the objectives. vision set out in Paragraph 1.1 (above) to that end it intends to: 1.18 Key Council Services with an interest in cycling include;

• The Forward Planning function Provide the corporate which identifies and safeguards policy framework potential cycle routes through its proposed by Lancaster statutory planning function and City Council to promote identifies potential improvements cycling as a viable mode to cycling provision through new as transport. development proposals; Set out the strategic • The Council’s Access Officer who framework for seeking external funding for cycle has an interest in minimising improvements both from conflict between cyclists and public funding agencies wheelchair users and maximising and through planning functional and recreational routes agreements in association which are wheelchair accessible. with new development; • The Development Control function Co-ordinate all which negotiates provision for programmes of action both cyclists through planning within and outside the applications; Council, which help, • promote cycling. The Engineering Service which maintains the District’s off street Set targets against which highway network, provides cycle the effectiveness of the parking facilities and, as agent for policies and associated Lancashire County Council as the action may be judged. Local Highway Agency, designs Outline potential and and implements cycle proposed cycle routes improvements within the urban within Lancaster district area. which address deficiencies • in the existing network. The Arts and Events service which may have a role in promotional events for cycling. • The Leisure Service which 1.16 The Strategy is intended to contribute manages parks, gardens and to reducing traffic growth generated open spaces through which some by the District’s growing population. It potential cycle routes run and aims to build on the use of cycling which also promotes recreation, both as a means of transport for work, health and fitness in the District shopping, school, social trips and and makes provision for BMX and leisure, and as a recreational activity skateboarding. with health benefits. It specifically targets journeys of less than 2 km.

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• The Council’s Agenda 21 Officer • Cycle user groups such as who has a role in promoting Dynamo and the Cyclists Touring alternatives to the car and Club; sustainable transport; • Environmental and Community • The Council’s Community Safety Groups who have an interest in Officer who has an interest in promoting sustainable transport reducing accident risk and and reducing the impact of traffic; ensuring that the District’s Cycle • The Police who have an interest in Routes are and are perceived as promoting road safety and being safe; minimising accidents; • The Council’s Property Service • Public transport operators, some which has a role in ensuring that of whom make some provision for Council buildings and Council- the carriage of cycles; owned property makes provision for cyclists including parking, • Housebuilders and other changing facilities, etc. developers who have a responsibility to ensure that new • The Council’s Tourism service development is cycle friendly; which promotes the District as a visitor destination and promotes • Other road users who could be the District as a leisure cycling encouraged to cycle where destination and as a stopping off practical and who could be made point on the national cycle route. more aware of cyclists needs; • Businesses and Employers whose Other Bodies with an employees may wish to have the Interest in Cycling in option to cycle to work; Lancaster District • Schools and Colleges who have an interest in encouraging safe 1.19 Whilst the Council has a major role in cycling routes to school and promoting cycling, the Strategy will educating children in cycle safety only succeed if other stakeholders are and maintenance; engaged with the Strategy process. Some of the other bodies which have • Pedestrians who may share off an interest in the Cycle Strategy street space with cyclists and with include the following; whom conflicts need to be minimised by promoting • Lancashire County Council who considerate riding; are the Local Highway Authority outside the urban area and • Businesses who are directly produce the Lancashire Local involved in the hire, sale or repair Transport Plan which is the main of cycles and cycling related funding source for cycle products. improvements; • Sustrans who are the charity which designs, implements and promotes the National Cycle Network which runs through the District. • British Waterways who own the Lancaster Canal Towpath which is potentially a major element in the District Cycle Network;

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Consultation and for other organisations to develop Partnership Working. cycling strategies and policies. • Encouraging cycle hire operations 1.20 As noted above, there are a large where appropriate. number of organisations within and outside the City Council with an • Liaison with cycle retailers. interest in cycling. One approach to • Bidding for funds on a joint basis. developing cycling further in the district is to form a Cycling • Co-operation with neighbouring Partnership. The Partnership could local authorities; apply for funding for projects and pool • Raising awareness of the of resources, and expertise. availability of Cycling Insurance. 1.21 A partnership would assist the Council 1.23 Over and above the Partnership, to engage with user groups to ensure Lancaster City Council will involve the that proposed measures meet the local community in its efforts to needs of cyclists, to engage the public implement the Cycling strategy. This to raise awareness of the cycling may take the shape of particular improvements and encourage people project teams, which will help to who do not currently make use of identify new routes and help to secure cycle facilities to do so. Partnership funding, community commitment and working could also help to make the raise awareness. The Council will road network safer for cyclists and investigate and establish a Lancaster pedestrians and reduce accidents and District Cycling Partnership by 2003. promote cycling routes, cycle use, cycle policies and initiatives. The Cycle Strategy and 1.22 A Cycling Partnership, serviced by the Sustainability City Council could include representatives from some or all of 1.24 Cycling is a healthy and the Council functions identified in environmentally friendly form of Paragraph 1.15 above and some or all transport as well as being beneficial of the other bodies identified in aerobic exercise. As such, it has a Paragraph 1.16 above; Its role could central role in the Council’s Agenda include; 21 Strategy. The Strategy • • A fundamental consultative role on Promotes a modal shift towards the monitoring, review and clean, safe, quiet, non polluting development of the District Cycle transport leading to an Strategy; improvement in the environment and in quality of life. • Regular formal consultation with • relevant groups and individuals on Makes car free lifestyles more provision for cyclists; practical and attractive; • • Consultation on road improvement Enhances community safety by schemes; reducing fear of crime and accident risk; • Supporting positive cycling initiatives where practical and acting as a facilitator and enabler

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2. Cycle Provision in Lancaster District

Types of Cycle Route 2.6 However they are often narrow, afford less protection from traffic than off 2.1 The District’s Cycle Network falls into street routes and are often intermittent four main types of route. These are and dependent on the availability of described below; roadspace. They also provide less protection for cyclists negotiating Off Street cycle routes major junctions. On street routes can easily be blocked by parked cars 2.2 Off Street routes such as the resulting in cyclists having to swing Lancaster-Morecambe path are dangerously into traffic. entirely separate from the road network. They may be hard surfaced Unmarked On Street Routes or surfaced in cinder or gravel and often follow old railway lines and 2.7 Unmarked On-Street Routes include a canals. number of different types of routes including minor roads which cyclists 2.3 Their principal advantage is safety may be directed to use but share and their separation from road traffic roadspace with low levels of vehicular makes them attractive to recreational traffic. These can be particularly cyclists and families with children in effective where combined with traffic particular. They are often able to management measures to allow cycle circumvent major barriers such as egress from cul-de-sacs and closed major roads and road junctions. off junctions. Shared routes can also include shared bus and cycle lanes 2.4 Key disadvantages are limited scope such as the Parliament Street route. for connections with the rest of the highway network, low levels of natural surveillance leading to a perception of Public Bridleways and risk of crime on poorly used routes, RUPPs unattractiveness during the hours of darkness and, in some cases limited 2.8 Cyclists are also entitled to use public sweeping of glass and litter. There bridleways and RUPPs (Roads used can also be some conflict where off as Public Paths). Cyclists are not street recreational routes are shared entitled to use public footpaths. Part of between pedestrians and cyclists; the Lancaster-Glasson route follows a bridleway. Although there is a legal On Street Cycle Routes right to cycle on bridleways most are unsurfaced and maintenance and 2.5 On street routes are incorporated waymarking can be variable in quality. within existing road space and include Bridleways are also used for horse routes on King Street. These are riding which can cause conflicts. The relatively inexpensive to implement principal value of the bridleway and benefit from the lighting, natural network is for recreational off-road surveillance and regular sweeping of cycling. the regular highway network. They also afford cyclists priority over turning 2.9 The District Cycle Network consists of traffic emerging from side roads and a combination of all of the above avoid conflicts between cyclists and types of route. The Network is shown pedestrians. on masterplan.

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The National Cycle Network Out Moss Lane.

2.10 National Cycle Network Route 6 route 2.15 Connections from this route provide from Preston to Keswick will pass links through Lancaster. The line of this Route is currently being surveyed. • To central Morecambe and the This will lead to the development of Promenade area; local ‘link routes’ throughout the district these will connect local • to the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, communities and amenities to the National Network. • to the Asda store on Ovangle Road, 2.11 The National network does not at present propose an east west link • to the White Lund Industrial from the Irish Sea ferry port of Estate, Heysham to routes in the Yorkshire Dales although the Lancaster and • via the Out Moss spur to the Morecambe track and Lune Valley Westgate area; routes could provide a corridor of search for such a route. • to on street cycle routes in the Westgate area and The North Lancashire • Lancaster and Morecambe Cycleway College.

2.12 Lancashire County Council has 2.16 The key missing link is a direct link developed, promoted and signed a through to Morecambe seafront and recreational route running through the onward connections for Bare and Forest of Bowland Area of Heysham. Outstanding Natural Beauty from Whalley in the Ribble Valley to 2.17 Table 1 below shows that in July 2001 Bentham. The cycleway uses existing around 450 cycles per day used the rural roads and is predominantly a Lancaster-Morecambe route making it recreational route. the second best used route in the District. The District Cycle Network The Lancaster-Glasson 2.13 The existing District Cycle Network is route shown on the attached Masterplan. The network radiates from Lancaster 2.18 The Lancaster-Glasson route runs City Centre and the Millennium from Lancaster City Centre along St Bridge. Its key elements are the George’s Quay and New Quay Road following; and along a Bridle Track and an old railway line along the Lune Estuary to The Lancaster-Morecambe Glasson Dock. This route is route predominantly cinder surfaced and unlit. It runs through predominantly 2.14 The Lancaster-Morecambe route is an rural areas and is predominantly a entirely off road, hard surfaced and lit recreational route. route using the former railway line from Lancaster to central Morecambe adjacent to the Morrisons store. A spur links the route with Westgate via

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recreational. 2.19 Linkages include 2.23 The route connects with • a spur to and Lancaster Station, • Lancaster City Centre; • connections to the Luneside • the Kingsway area; employment area and • the major villages of Halton, Caton • connections with the network of and Brookhouse and rural lanes south east of Lancaster. • the Crook o’ Lune beauty spot. The potential also exists to develop 2.24 Key missing linkages on this route linkages with the Lancaster Canal – include a connection with the Glasson Branch to create circular Lancaster Canal in the City Centre, recreational routes. links to the Lansil Industrial Estate and Citrus House on Caton Road, 2.20 Missing linkages include a traffic free links to the Ridge and Newton route through the Lune Industrial residential areas, links with the Estate and a connection to the Lancaster Canal at the Lune Lancaster Canal in Lancaster City Aquaduct (a pedestrian connection Centre. only exists at present), and links to the 2.21 Table 1 shows that cyclists along St Health and Fitness Leisure Club and George’s Quay fell from around 260 the Lancaster Business Park. per day in 1998 to 120 a day in 2002. 2.25 For recreational cyclists there is also a This however is the on street section missing link north from the existing of the route and local knowledge end of the track to the upper Lune suggests that recreational use of the Valley where connections could be path is concentrated at the Glasson made with the Lancashire Cycleway end with the on road sections and and with National Cycle Network poorly surfaced section around routes in the Yorkshire Dales. Freeman’s Wood being a deterrent to use. It is also worthy of note that a 2.26 The Lune Valley route is growing in major employer located on the route, popularity with the installation of Forbo Kingfisher, closed between the public art works and new surfacing dates of the two surveys. It is also and lighting. Table 1 shows that use possible that these figures reflect the of the route increased by 137% fact that cyclists no longer use the between 1998 and 2001. pedestrian river crossing at Carlisle Bridge The Lancaster University The Lune Millennium route route

2.22 The Lune Millennium route is an 2.27 The Lancaster University route is a entirely hard surfaced and lit route part on street and part off street route. following a disused railway line linking It runs on street along Bowerham Lancaster with Bull Beck east of Road and through the Hala area. Caton. This route has recently been From Hala a hard surfaced off street enhanced through the Lune route cuts along Burrow Beck and Millennium Park proposal with public across fields to Bailrigg Lane from art along the whole length of the path. where it follows minor roads into the This route is both functional and University Campus.

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route running the full length of 2.28 This route is predominantly a Lancaster District. Many cyclists functional transport route used by staff currently use the canal towpath and students at the University. It also unofficially. Table 1 records that connects with around 50 cycles per day use the • the Booths Supermarket at central section. British Waterways Scotforth, however, have concerns about safety and conflict with other users in certain • schools in the Moorside area, areas. The Council is negotiating with • St Martin’s College, British Waterways to maximise the use of the Canal by cyclists. The • Williamson Park and Lancaster towpath is predominantly unsurfaced Leisure Park, and unlit. • the White Cross Employment Area and There are numerous potential linkages from the Canal including • the Lancaster Canal. • The route will also connect with • south to Garstang and Preston, the proposed Lancaster University/Bailrigg Business Park. • to Glasson Dock,

2.29 The southern off road section of this • to Galgate, route is popular, successful and well used. The northern section along • to Lancaster University, Bowerham Road however involves a number of steep hills. Bowerham • to new residential areas south Road can be busy, congested and west of Lancaster, obstructed by parked cars. This part of the route is therefore not • to Lancaster Royal Infirmary, particularly satisfactory as a major north-south link. • to the White Cross employment area, 2.30 Missing linkages include connections across and around Lancaster City • to Lancaster City Centre and the Centre to the Millennium Bridge. Lune Riverside, There is also no route which serves existing and new residential areas • to the Freehold, Ridge and east of the A6 or any link to the major Newton residential areas, employment centre of Lancaster Royal Infirmary. • to the Kingsway site,

2.31 Table 1 shows that around 330 cycles • to the Lune Millennium route, a day used the path in 1998. The very low figure recorded in 2001 may • to the Lancaster Business Park, reflect the fact that the survey was not Citrus House and the Lansil undertaken during term-time and also industrial areas, that the weather at the time of the survey was poor. • to , North Lancaster and Halton, The Lancaster Canal • to Beaumont College, The Lancaster Canal Towpath is potentially of enormous importance as • to the Vale of Lune Rugby a cycle route as a level traffic free Ground,

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• to the major villages of Slyne, • the Poulton area, Hest Bank and Bolton-le-Sands, • Morecambe Town Centre, • to the new Safeway Supermarket in Carnforth, • the Central Resort Area of Morecambe which includes the • to Carnforth Town Centre and the Tern Project, the , the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, Midland Hotel, the Winter Gardens the proposed Freeport Factory • to Carnforth High School, Outlet shopping centre and

• to the proposed Carnforth • the West End. Business Park, 2.34 Missing linkages include a link to • to the caravan sites in the historic Heysham village, to the Port Capenwray area, of Heysham which is both a ferry port and, together with the Heysham • to the Hall field study Power Stations, a major concentration centre, Pine Lake and Tewitfield, of employment and to the proposed community woodland at Middleton • to the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Wood. To the north, there is a missing Outstanding Natural Beauty link through to the Lancaster Canal at Hest Bank via the health club at Teal • and ultimately north to Kendal and Bay. the Lake District. 2.35 Table 2 below shows that around 300 cyclists per day use the central Morecambe and Heysham section of the Promenade, levels of Promenade use which are comparable with much of the existing cycle network and clear 2.32 Despite high levels of unofficial use, evidence of demand for cycling on the Cyclists are currently prevented from Promenade. using Morecambe and Heysham by a byelaw which states “No person shall ride, drive or park any vehicle drawn Other Cycle Routes. or propelled by any mechanical power or ride any bicycle, tricycle, cycle 2.36 In addition to these core existing and mobile, skateboard or similar machine potential routes, there are a number of on any part of the promenade”. If small scale cycle routes. These conflicts with pedestrians could be include; effectively managed, the Promenade • On street cycle lanes along King has the potential to provide a level Street in Central Lancaster; traffic free route from Hest Bank to Heysham. • Provision for cyclists through bus priority measures in Lancaster 2.33 Linkages could include north of the ; • On street cycle lanes running the • Happy Mount Park, length of Westgate in Morecambe; • the shops at Prince’s Crescent in • Cycle lanes along the Caton Road Bare, frontage of the Lancaster Business Park; • Morecambe High School, • A short length of on street cycle lane on the A6 in Carnforth.

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Gaps in the existing Location May July 2001 Network 1998 St George’s Quay 258 122 2.37 Although the existing and potential Long Marsh Lane 73 routes described above provide cycle West Road Bridge 6 access to most of the urban part of Meeting House La. 147 the District, there are a number of Aldcliffe Road 92 gaps in the network which this Penny St Bridge 464 255 Strategy will address. The main gaps Quarry Road 114 54 are; Nelson St 65 84 • Routes through and around Moor Lane 97 96 Lancaster City Centre; Ridge Lane Bridge 100 94 Caton Road 50 67 • A connection between the Lune Valley route 96 228 Lancaster Canal and the 305 103 Millennium Bridge; 481 34 Millennium Bridge 533 • Connections to Heysham and the Ashton Rd (by RLI) 71 134 Port of Heysham; King Street 142 Ashton Rd(Pointer) 69 36 • A connection from the Lancaster- Morecambe track to the Bare Greaves Road 280 142 area; Bowerham Road 94 91 Lune Street 158 • A route serving South Lancaster Dalton Square 100 east of the M6; Morecambe Route 472 Torrisholme 18 • A connection between the Skerton Owen Road 88 area and the Millennium Bridge; Hornby Road 46 Canal (Moor La) 46 Cycle Use in Lancaster University Route 336 95 wet District

2.38 A survey of the main cycle routes in Table 1; Daily Cycle Flows (both directions) in Lancaster District 1998- the urban area was carried out by 2001) Lancashire County Council in July 2001. The results are shown in Table 1 (above) The weather for the survey Ped- Cyclists Cyclists estrians as % of was generally good with intermittent all users showers. High peak hour flows Heysham 316 174 35% suggest a high level of use of cycles Bare 299 97 24% for journeys to work. Particularly high flows are observed on the Lancaster- Central 2221 287 11% Morecambe route, on the Lune Valley route and on the Millennium Bridge SOURCE:LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL with many on street routes showing Table 2; Daily Cycle Flow (both directions) declining numbers. on Morecambe and Heysham Promenade 20th August 2001. 2.39 The survey also took place at the end of the School year and it is possible SOURCE;LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL that higher flows are experienced when schools are busier.

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2.40 A separate survey of use of and a half-hour period. The surveys Morecambe and Heysham were carried out in the holiday Promenade was carried out on the season, which means that the balance weekend of August 20th 2001. The between leisure and commuting is results are set out in Table 2 below. unclear.

2.41 The survey was carried out over six

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3. Corporate Policies to Promote Cycling in Lancaster District.

3.1 Whilst the provision of new and improved cycle routes will the most Objective 3 To ensure that policies visible output of the Strategy, the to promote cycling and Strategy takes a holistic view. An meet the needs of analysis of the factors which deter cyclists are fully people from cycling and a range of integrated into all possible solutions is set out in relevant plans, Appendix 2. These are worked up into development briefs, a number of corporate policies to be strategies and funding bids and given full implemented across the Council and weight in considering across the District. These are planning applications. statements of corporate intent and are not land-use policies. These policies Objective 4 To encourage are set out below. They emphasise recreational cycling the City council’s commitment to cycling and are strongly linked to 3.3 The Strategy aims to achieve the following overall targets good practise advice contained in Annex 2 of the National Cycling Strategy. TARGET 1 To ensure that at least 15% of pupils of 10 Overall Objectives and years or older in Targets Lancaster District cycle to school by 2010 3.2 The overall Objectives the Cycling TARGET2 To reduce rate of cycle Strategy are set out in below. thefts in district by 20% by 2010. TARGET 3 To increase the Objective 1 To maximise the role of proportion of journeys cycling as a mode of to work by cycle to at transport and reduce least 8% by 2003, 10% private car use. by 2006 and 16% by 2012 Objective 2 To develop safe, convenient, efficient TARGET 4 To ensure that funding and attractive transport bids include significant infrastructure, which plans and schemes to encourages and benefit cycling in line facilitates the use of with funding walking, cycling and opportunities. public transport and integration between TARGET 5 To investigate and them. establish a Lancaster District Cycling partnership by 2003

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Cycling Strategy.

TARGET 5 To deliver 20 km of new CORPORATE POLICY 2- cycleway by 2010 CYCLE REVIEW; TARGET 6 To ensure that within THE CITY COUNCIL WILL UNDERTAKE the urban area all major A STRATEGIC REVIEW OF ITS centres of employment, EXISTING ROAD NETWORK, TO BE town and local centres, COMPLETED WITHIN FIVE YEARS, TO schools, hospitals and ASSESS LOCATIONS AND ROUTES ON leisure centres and THE BASIS OF THEIR COHERENCE, major residential areas DIRECTNESS, SAFETY, are accessible via the ATTRACTIVENESS AND COMFORT District Cycle Network FOR CYCLISTS. by 2012 3.6 Lancaster City Council in partnership TARGET:7 To implement “Two with Lancashire County Council and Tings” Cycle safety Cycle user groups will carry out a campaign by 2003 review of the District’s road network to identify those sections of the network where particular problems are Engineering identified. 3.4 The primary aim of engineering measures is to provide a cycle-friendly Cycle Networks infrastructure. This will comprise both CORPORATE POLICY 3 – on and off road network, modified where necessary and supplemented CYCLE NETWORK; by cycle routes and cycle parking, THE DISTRICT’S EXISTING HIGH with the aim of enabling cyclists to QUALITY CYCLE ROUTE NETWORK reach all destinations safely and WILL BE RE-INFORCED, EXTENDED conveniently. AND IMPROVED TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE WITHIN THE MAIN URBAN CENTRES OF THE Cycle Audit and Cycle DISTRICT THAT GENERATE review SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF COMMUTING. CORPORATE POLICY 1- CYCLE AUDIT; THE ROUTE NETWORK WILL BE ENHANCED WITH NEW ON AND OFF ALL HIGHWAY SCHEMES AND MAJOR ROAD ROUTES AND THE EXISTING NEW DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS TRAFFIC NETWORK MODIFIED WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CYCLE WHERE NECESSARY USING TRAFFIC AUDIT TO ENSURE THAT RESTRAINT, CALMING AND CYCLE IMPROVEMENTS HAVE NO NEGATIVE SPECIFIC FACILITIES TO ENABLE IMPACT ON, COHERENCE, SAFE AND CONVENIENT ACCESS TO DIRECTNESS,SAFETY AND COMFORT ALL DESTINATIONS. OF ROUTES USED BY CYCLISTS. 3.7 As noted in the previous section, the 3.5 This corporate policy re-inforces District already has a well developed District Local Plan Policy T1A which network of cycle routes but that there states that development which would are a number of missing links and have an adverse impact on the ease some of the existing routes have of use of a cycle route will not be considerable scope for improvement. permitted. The cycle audit should form This policy seeks to target resources part of any green travel plan. on making good deficiencies in the Guidance on Cycle Audits is in existing network. production by the Department of Transport as part of the National

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CORPORATE POLICY 4 – PRIORITIES SAFETY FOR NEW ROUTES MEASURES WILL BE PROVIDED PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO ROUTES WHEREVER POSSIBLE, WHICH AS FOLLOWS: IMPROVE CYCLIST’S SAFETY AND GIVE CYCLISTS GREATER PRIORITY MAJOR ROUTES WHICH SERVE OVER OTHER TRAFFIC, ON ALL UTILITY TRIPS; IN PARTICULAR “SAFE ROADS WITH SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC ROUTES TO SCHOOL”, FLOWS. ROUTES FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS TO SIGNIFICANT JOURNEY 3.10 Cycle priority measures could include; ATTRACTIONS SUCH AS RETAIL • Speed limit reduction CENTRES, TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES, HOSPITALS, • Advisory and mandatory cycle EDUCATION AND LEISURE lanes FACILITIES. • Advanced stop lines 3.8 The Strategy is aimed in the first • Changes in junction priority instance at achieving modal shift on short journeys to work and to school. • Toucan crossings New routes and improvements to • Segregated cycle tracks existing routes will be targeted specifically at these ends. • Direction signing of existing routes • CORPORATE POLICY 5- Shared use on converted THE DESIGN OF NEW CYCLE ROUTES footways. ROUTE NETWORKS WILL ACHIEVE HIGH STANDARDS OF COHERENCE, Maintenance DIRECTNESS, SAFETY, ATTRACTIVENESS AND COMFORT, 3.11 A cycling strategy has implications for AND DESIGN CRITERIA WILL ADOPT the maintenance regime. Many cycle THE HIERARCHICAL APPROACH AS routes will use the road space RECOMMENDED BY THE adjacent to the kerb and consequently IHT/DOT/CTC, BICYCLE ASSOCIATION greater emphasis should be given to PUBLICATION, INFRASTRUCTURE the quality of road surfaces in this GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN (1996) area with particular attention to drain covers. In order to maintain clean and 3.9 The IHT/DOT/CTC Guide advocates, smooth surfaces, the inspection that wherever possible, measures to procedures will need to be modified. make the use of existing roads safe Maintenance of materials and and convenient for cyclists should be sweeping frequencies will be used in preference to segregation. reviewed. Route design should consider the following approaches in descending 3.12 In addition, more signs and order of preference; carriageway markings are needed and vegetation adjacent to cycle ways cut • Traffic reduction/restriction back more frequently. This represents • Traffic calming an ongoing additional cost. • Junction treatment and traffic management • Redistribution of the carriageway • Cycle lanes and tracks • CORPORATE POLICY 6 –

15 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

CORPORATE POLICY 7 – Cycle parking MAINTENANCE; CORPORATE POLICY 8 – THE CITY COUNCIL WILL AIM TO CYCLE PARKING UNDERTAKE PROMPT AND HIGH STANDARD REPAIR, SWEEPING, THE COUNCIL WILL WORK WITH THE SALTING AND LIGHTING COUNTY COUNCIL AND LOCAL MAINTENANCE ON SEGREGATED BUSINESSES AND PUBLIC CYCLE FACILITIES AND ALL ROADS TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO USED BY CYCLISTS. ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CYCLE PARKING IS PROVIDED AT EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS, Planning Control WORKPLACES, RETAIL CENTRES, PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES, 3.13 The District Local Plan contains a LEISURE FACILITIES AND OTHER number of policies which seek to MAJOR JOURNEY ATTRACTIONS. safeguard cycle routes and encourage EMPLOYERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED the creation of new routes these TO PROVIDE CYCLE PARKING include; FACILITIES AT WORKPLACES. 3.15 Under Policy T16 of the District Local LOCAL PLAN POLICY T1A Plan (see Appendix ) New development must provide cycle …DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS parking in line with Lancashire County WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A Council’s standards. Cycle parking SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECT provided should be secure ON THE EFFICIENT OPERATION convenient, accessible, well lit, under OF A…CYCLE OR PEDESTRIAN cover and linked to the cycle network. ROUTE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED The Council will provide cycle parking at its own facilities, work with the LOCAL PLAN POLICY T24 County Council to provide improved public cycle parking and with WHERE DEVELOPMENT businesses and to encourage the PROPOSALS INCLUDE OR LIE provision of cycle parking at existing CLOSE TO THE STRATEGIC employment locations. CYCLE NETWORK, THE COUNCIL WILL NEGOTIATE LINKS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE Green Travel Plans NETWORK LOCAL PLAN POLICY T16A 3.14 In the planning, design and implementation of transport schemes, DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS priority will be given to sustainable LIKELY TO GENERATE LARGE transport through application of the NUMBERS OF DAILY JOURNEYS following hierarchy: - INCLUDING THE SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF EXISTING TRIP • Pedestrians, including people with GENERATORS MUST BE reduced mobility ACCOMPANIED BY A GREEN TRAVEL PLAN. • Emergency service vehicles • Cyclists WHERE THE DEVELOPER IS UNWILLING TO MEET • Public transport, including REASONABLE TARGETS FOR community transport and taxis MINIMISING THE PROPORTION OF • Delivery vehicles JOURNEYS MADE TO THE SITE BY CAR, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT • Private motor vehicles BE PERMITTED.

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3.16 The City Council requires the CORPORATE POLICY 11 submission of Green Travel Plans in CYCLING IN PEDESTRIAN AREAS association with new development. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL Lancashire County Council is INVESTIGATE AND CONSULT WIDELY encouraging existing employers and REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF businesses to develop such plans. ALLOWING CYCLISTS TO USE Travel Plans are intended to make PEDESTRIAN AREAS WHEREVER travel to work more efficient. Plans POSSIBLE, DRAWING ON focus primarily on journeys to work EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER LOCAL and business related travel. Green AUTHORITIES. Travel Plans encourage employers to 3.19 The Council recognises that there are consider alternatives to car use and difficulties in integrating pedestrians encourage better usage of walking and cycles and that pedestrians cycling and public transport. including those with disabilities have a higher status in the road user 3.17 Cycle monitoring will include cordon hierarchy set out in Paragraph 3.15 counts in the main urban centres, and (above). However in many other parts collection of data on location and of the country, careful street number of cycle accidents and thefts management and design allows and the undertaking of in depth pedestrians and cyclists to mix. surveys when appropriate. Pedal Power Project Integration 3.20 Pedal Power are a voluntary CORPORATE POLICY 9 – organisation who have established a INTEGRATED PUBLIC TRANSPORT cycle recycling project, which collects THE CITY COUNCIL WILL WORK WITH in unwanted cycles, repair and LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AND renovate as necessary and pass them BUS AND RAIL OPERATORS TO on to local disadvantaged people at a ENSURE THAT CYCLING IS FULLY nominal charge. INTEGRATED WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO FACILITATE CYCLE USE AS PART OF LONGER School Travel Plans JOURNEYS. 3.21 There is widespread concern at the 3.18 Integration should include provision numbers of children being driven to from public transport interchanges to school. This exacerbates congestion the cycle network, the provision of and pollution around schools, reduces adequate, safe, covered cycle parking road safety and limits the opportunity facilities at bus and rail stations and for children to develop road as soon as possible, the convenient awareness. carriage of cycles on trains and buses. Cyclists will be permitted, 3.22 Walking or cycling to school improves wherever, safe and practicable to use children’s fitness and encourages all bus lanes and other priority independence. Research by Sustrans measures. has found that the majority of children CORPORATE POLICY 10 between the ages of 9 and 15 would ACCESSIBILITY like the opportunity to cycle to school. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL INTEGRATE Promoting walking to school in junior MEASURES TO FACILITATE CYCLING schools encourages children to travel WITH MEASURES TO AID by cycle once they transfer to PEDESTRIANS AND PEOPLE WITH secondary school. MOBILITY DIFFICULTIES.

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3.23 The Safe Routes to School initiative, redevelopment or refurbishment of its promoted by Sustrans, aims to enable buildings will include showering more children to cycle and walk to facilities where possible. school. The Government supports the Safe Routes to School programme. The Transport White Paper states that ‘walking and cycling to school should be made more attractive by CORPORATE POLICY 12 – encouraging safer routes for walking COUNCIL BUILDINGS and cycling.’ The DETR has produced THE COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE THE best practise guidance on School LOCATION, AVAILABILITY AND Travel Strategies and Plans. ACCESS OF POOL BIKES AND FACILITIES. 3.24 Over 50% of local authorities now have a Safe Routes to School Publicity and Campaigns programme. Lancaster District is promoting a Safe Routes to School 3.28 The City Council through the initiative in the West End of proposed Cycling Partnership will Morecambe. There is a clear work with stakeholders to use relationship between safe routes to campaigns and positive publicity to school and the Cycle Strategy and promote cycling. Matters which could improvements to the Cycle network form part of publicity campaigns and cycle and pedestrian safety include health benefits, convenience generally will facilitate the further and positive environmental impacts. development of such schemes. Promotional work could also be undertaken on road safety and security measures to overcome The Council as a cycle- negative perceptions which deter friendly employer potential cyclists such as safety. Specific publicity measures could 3.25 The council has set an example to include: other employers in the district by actively encouraging employees to • Publicity for cycle routes with use bicycles for both travelling to and appropriate maps and guides. from work and also to use bicycles for • Support for National Bike Week business use. activities and other relevant events. 3.26 At present the council pays a rate of 32.5p per mile for the use of a cycle • Road Safety campaigns. for work purposes. (This compares to, • Security campaigns. up to 38.4p for essential car users, up to 49.1p for casual car users and 3.29 The City Council will also work with 10p). The council also has ‘pool bikes’ the Police, the Community Safety for the use of employees and provides Partnership and the County Council to loans up to £250.00 to enable support campaigns aimed at drivers employees to purchase a bicycle for such as: work purposes. • Driver responsibility, care and 3.27 Of Lancaster City Council’s offices, courtesy towards cyclists. only Morecambe Town Hall, Housing • speed reduction. Office, Arndale Centre, Morecambe, • and Palatine Discouraging careless parking. Hall, Lancaster are equipped with • Anti drink/drive. showering and changing facilities.. The council will ensure that

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3.30 The Council and the proposed Cycle Cycle Tourism Partnership will also work with other organisations on Campaigns aimed at 3.32 Sustrans estimate that cycle tourism cyclists including: in the UK is worth £635 million annually and increasing. Comparison • Use of bicycle lights. with other European countries • Sensible precautions to minimise suggest that the growth potential of chances of accidents or reduce cycle tourism is substantial.. In Britain injury in the event of accident e.g. 3% of UK holidaymakers cycle as part high visibility clothing and cycle of their holiday. This compares with helmets. 7% in Ireland and 25% in Germany. In Europe as a whole, serious cycling • Use of bells on shared paths. holidays account for 2-4% of holiday • Conformity with relevant traffic trips now, and this is predicted to laws. double or treble to 6-12% within the • next decade, with the total market in Preparing and implementing a European cycle tourism forecast to signage plan. reach £14 billion within 20 years. 3.31 The ‘Two Tings’ campaign is a safety campaign for cyclists and pedestrians 3.33 The existing 1996 ‘C2C’ route, from on shared routes. It is built around the Whitehaven to Tynemouth and premise that ‘all it needs is two tings’, Sunderland, attracts 10,000 annually meaning that to provide warning only spending over £1 million. Cyclists tend requires two tings of a bell. The to spend their money in locally run campaign will not just identify cyclists businesses, particularly cafes, pubs as having to make allowances for and restaurants, and their spending pedestrians but also remind remains in the local economy. Cycle pedestrians to be aware that the tourism can help to support village routes are shared and cyclists have a pubs, shops, and small-scale right to be there too. The programme attractions, and it is low-impact and would include development of signage sustainable, imposing very few costs. by competition in local schools, bell use promotion to cycle shops (in line 3.34 Nearly two-thirds of all C2C riders use with current government policy), and B&B accommodation. Cycle hire and an educational campaign using local attractive cycling routes add to the media sources. The main idea is to attractions of an area for visitors make using the shared routes in the generally, and can persuade them to district safer for everyone. The “Two stay longer, explore further, and return Tings” campaign will be implemented again. Cycle tourism could also be by 2003. important in the branding of the District.

Monitoring 3.35 The development of the Preston to Keswick route will generate local CORPORATE POLICY 13 – opportunities. There may also be MONITORING merit in examining the potential of the THE CITY COUNCIL WILL WORK WITH District to accommodate a long- THE COUNTY COUNCIL TO ENSURE distance route utilising the Port of THAT MEASURES TO IMPROVE CYCLE Heysham with its links to the Isle of PROVISION ARE ACCOMPANIED BY Man and Ireland, the existing REGULAR MONITORING OF CYCLE Lancaster-Morecambe and Lune FLOWS AND WILL INVESTIGATE Millennium Routes and the Lune COMPUTER MODELLING OF DEMAND. Valley route. Benefits to local services and small scale low impact tourism

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would complement the objectives of the Lune Valley tourism initiative.

4. Improvements to the Cycle Network.

4.1 With the onset of new funding sources • hub of the District Cycle Network available European funding, it is at the Millennium Bridge, prudent for the council to prioritise proposed new cycle routes. The • to Lancaster Station, following route development projects are proposed; • to the major regeneration site at Luneside east and the Luneside Marsh Route (Millennium employment area via the relatively Bridge – Edenbreck traffic free Long Marsh Lane, to Allotments – Lancaster Lancaster station, Royal Infirmary) • to the eastern part of Lancaster 4.2 The proposed Marsh route is shown City Centre and the City’s cultural on Map . It will address the current quarter in particular, lack of routes east of Lancaster City Centre. This proposal has now been • to the Marsh and Abraham subject to detailed public consultation Heights residential areas and to and is scheduled for implementation Marsh Primary School; in late 2002. The route creates a new link around the east side of Lancaster • to the Fairfield Community City Centre. Woodland;

4.3 It uses the existing track from the • to Carr House Playing fields; Millennium Bridge to Long Marsh Lane, along a new off street path • to Lancaster Girl’s Grammar along the side of the Giant Axe sports School; ground. It then splits in two. The western branch runs via West Road, • to the B&Q store on Aldcliffe Willow Lane, Milking Stile Lane and Road; Ashfield Avenue to Eden Breck Farm and via an upgraded footpath across • To the network of rural lanes off Eden Breck allotments. The eastern Aldcliffe Road and to the Glasson branch runs via Fairfield Road and route via Railway Crossing Lane; Wingate Saul Road. The two routes converge again at the end of Wingate • To the Lancaster Canal and White Saul Road and follow a new off street Cross employment area; section around the edge of Carr House playing fields, going under the • To Lancaster Royal Infirmary; railway to Carr House Lane, crossing Aldcliffe Road and into Lancaster • To Ashton Road and proposed Royal Infirmary via the existing new linkages to south Lancaster. Bridge.

4.4 The route is intended to provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists linking deprived communities with urban green spaces. It has linkages to the

20 Lancaster District Cycling Strategy Adopted 2002

• 4.5 This scheme will be funded through Linkages from George Street to SEED lottery funding, through the Canal Towpath; Lancaster SRB, and through • European and County Council Improvements to signage and sources. It is anticipated that parking facilities. implementation will commence in late 4.7 There are numerous linkages with the 2002. existing and proposed network. The proposals are designed to achieve a Lancaster City Centre better degree of linkage between all routes routes which converge on Lancaster City Centre. These proposals will be 4.6 The problem of cycle access through the subject of further consultation and and around Lancaster City Centre is the management of conflicting identified in the Lancaster City Centre demands for roadspace on Church Strategy and specific gaps in the Street will be a particular issue. netowrk are identified above. Although some progress has been 4.8 It is anticipated that funding for these made with the development of a link measures will be through European into the City centre from the North and and County Council sources and that the creation of on street cycle lanes the proposals will be implemented on parts of the one way network, the between 2004 and 2006. City Centre remains one of the main barriers in the network. In addition to Lancaster Canal Towpath resolving potential conflicts with vehicles, there is also an issue of 4.9 The immense potential of the conflict with pedestrians within the city Lancaster Canal Towpath has already centre which requires management. been noted. Work has already To address these issues, the Strategy commenced on upgrading the proposes the creation of a Lancaster towpath north of Hammerton Hall Inner Cycle Ring. The proposed Bridge. Much of the section north of routes are shown on attached Map Lancaster City Centre is unsurfaced, and will comprise the following muddy has few crossings and access elements; points to surrounding residential and • employment areas and is unattractive A new two way on-street route as a cycle route at present. running from Moor Lane across the one-way system at Stonewell, 4.10 The next phase envisaged in this along Church Street, up Castle Strategy therefore is the upgrading of Hill, along Fenton Street and down the City Centre leg of the path which Middle Street, thence via Brock runs from Green Lane/Halton Road Street or Common Garden Street Bridge, across the Lune Aquaduct (depending on direction) and Bulk and the Caton Road employment Street back to Moor Lane; area, south through the Ridge and Newton estates, around the east side • A link from Church Street to the of Lancaster City Centre past the new bus station and the White Cross employment area, under Millennium Bridge; the A6 and along Aldcliffe Road to terminate at the Haverbreaks Road • A link along Edward Street, across Bridge. The towpath will be upgraded the St Leonardgate Car Park and and the number of access points for Phoenix Street to the Lune cyclists increased. Riverside path;

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4.11 The primary purpose of this project is A6-Ashton Road Link to make the canal more attractive as a commuter route. The new route will 4.15 As noted above, there is currently a provide a traffic free route from major lack of existing routes south west of residential areas such as Skerton, Lancaster.City Centre. This is Halton, Ridge and Newton, to particularly significant given the employment areas such as the new number of new residential Lancaster Business Park, Citrus developments taking place in this House, the Lansil industrial estate, area. In addition the potential for a Lancaster City Centre, Reebok at long off road section in the Royal Moor Lane Mills, the White Cross Albert provides the potential for a less employment area and Lancaster hilly and traffic free alternative to the Royal Infirmary. It also connects with existing on-street section of the the University Route, the proposed University route. Marsh Route and the proposed Ashton Road/A6 route and has 4.16 A new route is therefore proposed potential linkages with Ripley St from the Canal Route at Penny Street Thomas and Lancaster Royal Bridge, along the frontage of Grammar Schools and with the Lancaster Royal Infirmary, thence on student Halls of Residence at Moor street past Ripley St Thomas School Lane Mills. and along a new off road section through the former Royal Albert 4.12 Funding for this project is envisaged Hospital grounds and the new through British Waterways, through residential areas to Piccadilly and the City Council and through Cinder Lane. A new off road section development in the Canal Corridor will connect Lawson’s Bridge with the area. It is anticipated that this will be A6 where a new cycle crossing will be implemented between 2002 and installed. The route will then run via 2004. Collingham Park to join the University route. Morecambe Promenade 4.17 The intention at present is that this be funded primarily through developer 4.13 The potential of Morecambe contributions from the new housing Promenade as a Cycle route is areas it is intended to serve. Parts of illustrated by the high levels of de the route are already in place and facto use shown in Table 2 above. As implementation is expected to be noted, cycling is currently prohibited completed by 2004. by local by laws. This strategy proposes that options for accommodating cyclists on the Heysham Mossgate Promenade be re-examined in consultation with users and a solution 4.18 The other major gap in the network is agreed upon to allow the by law to be a route from Lancaster to Heysham. repealed or amended by 2004. Heysham is an important residential area, the port is potentially an 4.14 Under the proposals cycling would be important destination for recreational permitted on the Promenade between cyclists and the port and power Happy Mount Park in Morecambe and stations are major centres of Rayner’s Field in Heysham. Future employment. linkages could be investigated to Heysham Village, the Port of 4.19 A route is therefore proposed which Heysham and the proposed Mossgate will leave the Lancaster-Morecambe route at the south end and with the route at Salt Ayre, run along the Doris Lancaster Canal at the north end. Henderson way and Ovangle Road

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from where there are potential benefits. These include; linkages to the White Lund • Employment area, the proposed A new branch of the University Mellishaw North employment site and path which will create a new link the Lancaster City Retail Park. It from Barton Road to Dale Street follows Lancaster Road along the including a new off road section Lune Estuary to the Golden Balls pub through Greaves Park. This will before heading inland on a new off allow users to avoid the hilly and road section utilising existing congested section along footpaths to Mossgate Farm. A new Bowerham Road. off road route will run through the • A new route from the existing Mossgate new housing area to Lancaster-Morecambe track at Middleton Road. Out Moss Lane, through Poulton, along an existing track alongside 4.20 There are potential connections to the the Lancaster-Morecambe railway network of rural lanes in the line past Broadway where a Middleton-Overton area, to Middleton connection could be made to Wood and to the Port of Heysham. Morecambe High School to Bare Implementation could be assisted with Lane where a connection could be funding from ERDF, from the Rural made with the Promenade; Enterprise Scheme and through • Landfill tax credits. A shared route is proposed along St George’s Quay to link the Millennium Bridge with the major Lune Valley Extension to urban regeneration site at Hornby and Wray Luneside East; • 4.21 The Lune Valley route is a popular Off road link from Ashton Road to recreational route and the potential Dorrington Road, following the line exists to extend it up the Lune Valley of the old railway to provide to Hornby and Wray where it could access to the Greaves area, connect with the Lancashire Cycleway avoiding main roads and steep and potentially form an element in a hills; new long-distance route. The existing • The development of the major old railway line from Caton to vacant site at Luneside West Wennington, although obscured or offers the opportunity to provide blocked in places, offers an obvious an off road link between the Marsh line for such a route although detailed route, the Marsh Estate and the investigations would be needed. River Lune and Glasson Route; Funding for such a proposal might be • available through Rural Recovery, Link from Lancaster Business DEFRA, Countryside Agency, County Park to the Lancaster Canal Council and Rural Lancashire SRB incorporating a spiral ramp and a sources. It is anticipated that link through to the Lune Riverside implementation could commence by path. 2004. • Cycle linkages into and across the Kingsway site when redeveloped; Local Improvements • A link from the Lancaster- Morecambe path through the 4.22 In addition to the strategic White Lund employment area to improvements to the network set out the Mellishaw north employment above, there are a number of local development site; areas where smaller scale infrastructure could bring substantial

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• New recreational routes and linkages proposed through the Middleton Wood scheme; • Linkages from Torrisholme through the grounds of Lancaster- Morecambe College to the Lancaster-Morecambe path; • An off road link from Bowerham Road to Wyresdale Road via Scotch Quarry providing a link between Lancaster Royal Grammar School and south Lancaster and a link between St Martin’s College and east Lancaster; • The upgrading of the section of the Lancaster-Glasson path between Railway Crossing Lane and Freeman’s wood; • The development of a path around the edge of Ryelands Park to form part of the national cycle network route out of Lancaster to the North.

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5. Implementation ERDF Bidding document has been the 5.1 Lancaster City Council will undertake provision of quality transport. Cycling programmes of engineering has been allocated up to £750,000 over enforcement, encouragement and a six-year period and will provide vital education in order to increase the level funding for the development of future of cycling as a means of transport. In cycling routes. addition the Council will be energetic in seeking external funding for 5.4 A third important source of funding is improvements to cycle provision within through new development. New housing the District both through regeneration in south Lancaster, the redevelopment projects and in association with new of the Canal Corridor area, new development through planning commercial development in the Caton obligations. Road corridor and the development of major previously used sites in the 5.2 Although Lancaster City Council has Luneside area the development of made progress steps in developing Bailrigg Business Park and Lancaster routes and facilities for cyclists, more University all offer opportunities to needs to be done. However, the enhance cycle provision. financial resources available for creating and maintaining facilities for cyclists 5.5 Full schedules of projects with costs and remained limited. Most of the available completion dates are set out in Tables 3 funding for local cycling facilities is and 4 below. Projects to be given early obtained from the Lancashire County priority are Council. However, opportunities are available for the funding of cycle routes. • Review of Cycle Network This plan aims to attract alternative • sources of funding to improve cycling in The Marsh Route the district. • Lancaster City Centre • 5.3 Lancaster City Council has been Lancaster Canal Towpath awarded Objective 2 European Regional • Morecambe Promenade Development Fund (ERDF) status. This • status will enable the City Council to Ashton Road – A6 Link access up to £8 million primarily for • Heysham Mossgate Route improving business opportunities, jobs • Lune Valley Extension and training. However, a major theme of the Economic Development Zone (EDZ)

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Measure by 2003 by 2006 by 2010 Cycle Audit Cycle Audit to be Cycle Audit to be Cycle Audit to be used for all major used for all major used for all major highway and land highway and land highway and land use development use development use development schemes schemes schemes Cycle Review Commence strategic Complete strategic Further reviews to cycling review of cycling review of be completed when existing road existing road necessary. network network. Cycle Network Produce cycle map Produce updates to Produce updates to for Lancaster cycle map when cycle map when District. necessary necessary Cycle Parking Cycle parking Cycle parking Cycle parking standards prepared installed at all public installed at all retail for new transport centres, educational development. interchanges. establishments and Negotiate with leisure facilities. public transport operators to improve carriage of bicycles. Usage Cycle flows to be To have at least Proportion of monitored on a doubled cycle usage journeys to work by regular basis by 2003 from 1991 cycle to be at least census level of 4% 10% to 8% Cycle safety To reduce casualty To reduce casualty To reduce casualty rate for pedal rate for pedal rate for pedal cyclists cyclists cyclists Cycle theft Rates of cycle theft Rates of cycle theft Rates of cycle theft to be reduced. to be reduced to be reduced Employers City Council to Green Travel Plan implement Green established in 20% Travel Plan of local companies employing more Green Travel Plan City Council to than 100 employees established in at promote green least 40% of all travel and green businesses with travel Plans to local more than 100 businesses. employees. Encourage employers to provide secure parking facilities at workplaces.

Table 3; District – Wide Measures

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PROJECT TIMETABLE FOR FUNDING COSTS DESCRIPTION IMPLEMENTATION MARSH CYCLE & It is envisaged that the SEED Lottery funding £300.000 WALKING SAFE project will be at it Lancaster Single ROUTE implementation stage Regeneration Budget in late 2002 A cross Lancaster (SRB) cycle route ‘safe Lancashire County routes’ which links Council green open spaces with deprived ERDF communities and key service area – To include station, hospital and Marsh school MORECAMBE 2002/03 The cost of PROMENADE implementing cycling on Morecambe To establish cycling promenade is on the promenade negligible LANCASTER CANAL 2002/03/04 British Waterways £500,000 To utilise the canal Lancaster City Council path through the Development of route urban area of will be made in Lancaster. To upgrade tandem through the existing tow path and council’s Canal increase number of Corridor Strategy, access points for funding will be sought cyclists and disable through planning persons. To increase conditions. canal usage as a commuter corridor.

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LANCASTER 2003 Contributions will be UNIVERSITY ROUTE sought from: Development of the Lancaster University existing route with a Lancaster City Council new linking section /LTP from Barton Road to Dale Street. This will include on street sections along Warwick Ave, York Road, Wellington Rd and Belle Vue Road with an off road section through Greaves park to the rear of the Ponintfield Hostel. ASHTON ROAD – A6 In progress and on Implementation of £300.000 ROUTE going 2002/03/04 route is being funded through planning Creation of new route conditions linking into University Cycle route to the south of Scotforth. A new off road section, with an appropriate crossing of the A6 will link Collingham park with Ashford Road via Uggle Lane. A short road on road section via Ashford Road and Piccadilly will afford the link with the other substantial off road part of this route POULTON ROUTE 2003/04 Neighbourhood £200.000 Management A route to link Bare Road with Morecambe Lancaster City Town centre, via Council/Housing South Road and out Renewal Area Moss Lane/School LTP greens Lane. This route will link the NWDA existing Lancaster – Morecambe route

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LUNESIDE EAST 2003/04 ERDF/NWDA/LTP Shared use cycle path along St George’s Quayside between Carlisle Bridge and Millennium Bridge and link across Giant Axe field.

LUNESIDE WEST 2005 ERDF/LTP/LOTTERY £100.000 Direct off road link between Marsh estate and the river.

LANCASTER 2003/04 ERDF BUSINESS PARK/CATON ROAD Direct link to riverside cycle path, link from Caton Rd to Lancaster Canal, link from canal to The riverside Cycle path. Spiral ramp to be created.

KINGSWAY 2005 ERDF/LTP Dependant on development proposal Integrating proposed development with cycling infrastructure.

MELLISHAW NORTH 2003 ERDF/LTP Link through White Lund Industrial estate, to Lancaster/ Morecambe Cycle route and improvements to highway access.

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MIDDLETON WOOD 2003/04 ERDF/LTP/NWDA Total cost of all phases will be Link to Celtec £200.000 industrial estate from Milkinstall Lane. Phase 1 Middleton Wood community forest will have off road cycle tracks for leisure purposes. Phase 2 and 3 to begin design in the next 6 months

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LANCASTER CITY 2004/05/06 ERDF/LTP/Landfill tax £600.000 CENTRE credit To facilitate the creation of an inner cycle ring in Lancaster City centre. Route from Moor lane, Stonewll, Church Street, castle Hill and Fenton Street linking with existing network. A spur to be created to link Church Street with Bus station and link back to Millennium bridge. New route along phoenix street, Edwards street and Bulk Road to provide access to onto Nelson Street with link onto George Street. And Spring Garden Street. Extension to Common Garden Street and Brock street with link to Canal Towpath. To improve all signage and cycle parking facilities where necessary. THE WAY, 2002/03 Planning gain and £100.000 TORRISHOLME contribution from developer Route through L&M College grounds, past McDonalds, creating a link with Lancaster & Morecambe Cycle way. Actual route will improve existing footpath

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HEYSHAM ERDF £300.000 MOSSGATE Rural Enterprise Route along North Scheme side of River Lune, Landfill Tax credit spur from L&M Cycleway, across Salt Ayre race track, utilise existing footpath to Oxcliffe Hill, using on and off road sections through Moss Side Farm to Heysham Moss and new housing development.

GLASSON DOCK – 2003/4/5 ERDF/Landfill tax £400,000 LANCASTER credit To upgrade existing cycle track to national standards to improve surface from existing cinder to tarmac MORECAMBE – 2003/4 Rural Recovery £500,000 CATON EXTENSION Funding TO HORNBY& DEFRA, Countryside WRAY. Agency, Lancashire To extend the existing County Council & cycle track to link Rural Lancashire SRB Hornby and Wray via existing disused railway. Table 4 Improvements Proposed to Cycle Network

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APPENDIX 1 - REFERENCES

A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone. Local Transport Plan, 2000/01-2005/06, The Governments White Paper on the future of Lancashire County Council. 2000 Transport. DETR, 1998. National Cycling Strategy, Dept. of Transport. Blueprint for Quality Public Transport, Transport 1996 2000 Trust. 1997 National Travel Survey 1989/1991 Report. Comparative Pollution Exposure of Road Users. Dept. of Transport, HMSO. Environmental Transport Association Trust, 1997 National Travel Survey 1992-1994 Report. Dept. of Transport, HMSO, 1995. Cycle Guidelines, Lancashire County Council, 1997. Network News- Summer 1999. Sustrans

Cycle Tourism - information leaflet, Sustrans. New directions in Speed Management - a 2000 Review of Policy, DETR. March 2000

Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure Guidelines for Safe Routes to School, 3 Year Review. Planning and Design, Dept. of Transport. 1996. Sustrans 1998

Energy, Transport and the Environment, School Travel Strategies and Plans: A best Transnet, London 1990 practice guide for local authorities’ DETR. June 1999 Lancaster and District Local Plan, 1996-2006

Lancashire Structure Plan 1991-2006, Greening the Red Rose County. Lancashire County Tomorrow’s roads: safer for everyone, DETR. Council, 1997. March 2000

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APPENDIX 2 – BARRIERS TO CYCLING AND SOLUTIONS

BARRIERS SOLUTIONS Risk of accidents • Make cycle routes safer through sensitive design, particularly at junctions • Work with Police and Traffic Wardens to enforce parking restrictions in cycle lanes, traffic speed limits and jumping of traffic lights • Remove on-street parking on strategic cycle routes wherever possible, to minimise risk of accidents due to opening car doors • Ensure that highways are well maintained, with particular attention to drain covers and potholes. Fear of cycle theft or vandalism • Provide secure cycle storage lockers at all key destinations • Support bike post coding schemes • Locate cycle parking where surveillance can be carried out by passers-by, from overlooking buildings or by CCTV Lack of confidence • Help to provide or promote training courses in safe cycling • Cyclist “buddy schemes” (e.g. an experienced cyclist accompanies a novice cyclist on journey to work or school) Perception than driving is quicker • Publicise typical journey times – often than cycling quicker by bike • Give cyclists more priority (e.g. toucan crossings) ad/changeable weather • Loan or subsidise waterproof clothing for Council employees • Seek good deals with cycle and outdoor clothing shops • Secure storage of bikes at work overnight when journey home taken by bus or car in bad weather • Ensure that cycle routes are gritted in icy weather Hilly topography • Design cycle routes to minimise steep climbs

Fear of crime on cycle paths • Ensure that paths are well lit and free of “lurking spots” such as blind corners and dark tunnels • Provide emergency phones where

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necessary Poorly maintained bicycles • Provide bike maintenance workshops

Fear of punctures • Ensure that cycle routes are regularly swept to remove glass, stones and thorns. Nowhere to shower or change clothes • Provide showering and changing facilities at work Can’t afford to buy a bike • Help to promote the Pedal Power project (set up by Furniture Matters in 2002 to provide refurbished second-hand bikes to people in need) Can’t transport shopping, children, • Loan or subsidise panniers, baskets, child work tools by bike … seats and trailers to Council employees Lack of awareness about safe cycle • Good publicity, including maps routes • Good signage Poor fitness levels • Provide information on how cycling can improve health and fitness, and advice on how to start off gently • Work in partnership with Health Services

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APPENDIX 3; NATIONAL POLICY CONTEXT recommended that local authorities Transport policy in the United Kingdom devise their own cycling strategies. A has undergone significant changes model local strategy was included in the during the 1990’s with increasing NCS and this updated cycling strategy is national recognition of the importance of based upon this model. cycling and of the significant contribution that cycling can make towards a more The first National Cycling Strategy was sustainable transport system. Milestone produced by the then Department of documents have included; Transport in 1996 with the aim of restoring cycling as a comfortable and • UK Strategy for Sustainable convenient transport mode, and the Development 1994; strategy contains an ambitious target to double bicycle use by 2002 and again • PPG13 Transport 2001; by 2012. • Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution 18th The development and publication of the report, 1994; National Cycling Strategy (NCS) in 1996 was an important initial step towards • Green Paper: Transport – raising public awareness for cycling. The Way Forward, 1994. The key objective of the National • The National Cycling Cycling Strategy is to increase cycle Strategy, 1996 use. The NCS detailed measures that could be implemented to encourage • The Road Traffic Reduction cycling and set targets for an increase in Act 1997 the number of journeys made by cycle.

To achieve an increase in cycle use the NCS set an initial target to double the The Policy shift towards a more number of trips made by cycle by 2002 integrated transport system and the (from 1996 figures) and to quadruple recognition that there must be viable this number by 2012. The NCS requires alternatives to private car travel, has local authorities and other transport been continued and firmly established providers and trip generators to set local by the publication of the Government targets that will contribute to achieving White paper on the Future of transport, the central target to increase cycle use. A new deal for transport, better for everyone in July 1998 The NCS encouraged the development of local cycling strategies to consider This Appendix identifies key policy specific issues within a given area and documents and linkages between to promote cycling at a local level. The national, regional and local policy. production of the Cycling Strategy will highlight the actions needed to increase The National Cycling cycling in Lancaster district and fulfil the Strategy (Ncs) requirement to produce a local cycling strategy. The NCS was launched in 1996 as a blueprint for the development of The Transport White Paper cycling, formalising the desire to increase cycle use. The Government’s White paper on Transport, published in 1998 was clear Importantly, the NCS also

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about the need for an integrated this network has been largely funded transport policy, including the need to through local authorities and the reduce the use of the private car and Millennium Commission. encourage environmentally friendly travel modes, mainly public transport but Sustrans works on practical projects that also cycling and walking. Increased encourage people to walk and cycle cycling for short journeys will help more as a starting point for reducing reduce traffic congestion, have health motor traffic and tackling its adverse related benefits and will contribute to effects. The NCN will consist of 10000 achieving sustainable communities. miles of on-road and traffic free routes by 2005 passing within 2 miles of 36 million people (more than 50% of the Planning Policy Guidance population). The first 5000 miles opened Note 13; Transport on June 21st 2000. The Network will provide safe, attractive and high quality In March 2001 the Government routes for cyclists that will also benefit produced guidance on transport PPG13 walkers, those with limited mobility and (Planning Policy Guideline), this wheelchair.users. guidance required all local authorities to produce local cycling strategies as part The NCN route from Preston to Keswick of the local transport Plan (LTP). The will pass through Lancaster. This will development of LTP’s is the function of lead to the development of local ‘link County Council, and as such the county routes’ throughout the district these will council has embraced a strategic view connect local communities and towards the implementation and has amenities to the National Network. concentrated on developing cycle routes such as the National Cycling Network The main source of funding for the NCN (NCN). will be through the Local Transport Plan. Lancashire County Council are the The National Cycle Network Highway Authority for Lancaster. The development of the NCN will provide an In recent years the national charity opportunity for Lancaster City Council organisation SUSTRANS has been very and Lancashire County Council to work active in promoting a national cycling together to improve facilities for cyclists. network (NCN) using both on and off roads routes. Funding for the links in

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APPENDIX 4; LOCAL AND REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT

The Regional Context The Local Plan Context

There have been some efforts to co- The Lancaster District Local Plan 1996- ordinate a cycling Strategy for the 2006 contains objectives relating to Northwest, although in the main the cycling and these are set out below. The responsibility for developing cycle routes local plan safeguards a strategic cycle and other facilities has rested with network from development that might individual local authorities. In 1998 constrain its implementation. It will also Operation Groundwork produced the ensure that new developments Northwest Cycle study, which contribute to the development of the essentially was a review of progress cycle network and other cycle initiatives made by local authorities in the region in where applicable. preparing cycling strategies. Local Agenda 21 The County Context The Council’s Local Agenda 21 plan Lancashire County Council, as 2000 (framework document) commits Highways authority, has the main the council to cycling related targets. responsibility for providing facilities for cyclists, particularly on highway, and Agenda 21 is the global environmental bids each year via the Local Transport action plan agreed by world leaders Plan (LTP) for money from central during the Earth Summit at Rio de government. Lancaster City Council has Janeiro in 1992. Agenda 21 requires the an agency agreement with the County promotion of sustainable practices so as Council and is thereby responsible for to ensure a better quality of life for maintaining the highway network and for everyone. It recognises that action must introducing traffic management and road be taken by individuals at a local level if safety improvement schemes within the Agenda 21 is to succeed. This has led urban core area of Lancaster, to the development of Local Agenda 21 Morecambe, Heysham and coastal (LA21) plans by local authorities. LA21 areas. is used to raise awareness amongst local communities and to encourage The County Council Local Transport individuals to change to a more Plan for 2001-06 envisages £1.25 sustainable lifestyle. million expenditure each year on cycling facilities throughout the county. It Transport issues are particularly proposed policies relating to cycling and relevant to Agenda 21. Pollution from also a comprehensive list of proposed combustion vehicles leads to a measures, targets and outcomes for the reduction in air quality. ‘Vehicles are plan period. District Council’s are responsible for emitting 90% of carbon expected to submit schemes for cycling monoxide, 51% of nitrogen oxides and facilities to the County Council to obtain 20% of carbon dioxide’ (Dept. of Trade funding from the LTP budget. Such & Industry, 1994 HMSO). funding is not guaranteed, the County Council assesses scheme submissions The requirement to move towards a on a competitive basis. more sustainable transport programme encourages the promotion of cycling as a serious form of transport. Cycling is non-polluting; it does not intrude on the

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population in the same way as combustion vehicles. A modal shift towards cycling will lead to an improvement in the environment and in quality of life.