Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

Progress Report and Future Proposals 2011 Cycle Demonstration Town

Summary

The CDT and awareness of the project will Evidence gathered from both the be promoted and marketed by working Sustainable Towns and Cycle closely with local community groups to Demonstration Towns projects undertaken deliver improved route signage, mapping in England during 2008, suggests that a for the area, events including an annual focussed and defined campaign to bike ride and school and business promote cycling can result in real benefits. initiatives. In response to this, Peterhead was designated by Council as a pilot Cycle Demonstration Town (CDT) with the intention to focus investment in cycling infrastructure and support the investment with a campaign of softer interventions. It is the overall aim of the

CDT concept to take a small base of cycling, foster growth by identifying and removing key constraints and barriers, allowing cycling to flourish. In doing so, the project will support a number of wider health, sustainability, environmental and accessibility objectives.

The CDT objective is to increase the number of cycle trips in the area for both recreational and utility purposes helping to stimulate an interest in Peterhead as a

Cycle friendly area. It is intended that an outcome of these efforts would improve the health of the local population by increasing levels of physical activity and create an area where cycling is normalised. With this model in place, it is hoped that similar approaches could be adopted across Aberdeenshire; the overall result will be an increase in cycling as a mode of transport across the region.

This plan aims to ensure the completion of dedicated cycle links between the wider residential areas, the town centre and other key destinations. The upgrade and improvement of existing links will form a part of the planned proposals which will result in greater use of existing routes and lead to the development of a series of

‘loop’ routes in and around the town.

While the infrastructure improvements represent a major part of the proposals, the success of the CDT will require a large input in terms of promotion and marketing.

Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

Evaluation

Problems and Opportunities During 2011, a review of the existing infrastructure was undertaken for Peterhead which included a desktop mapping exercise and site assessments. From this review, it was apparent that there is a significant amount of infrastructure available which would benefit cyclists. However the assessment highlights that linkage between origins and key destinations remains weak. The main problem areas and areas where opportunities exist have been identified and are summarised below and referenced in Figure 1 of Appendix A.

1. The ‘outer ring’ which follows the A90 is approaching full completion with a short section required for full completion by external parties associated with a developer condition. However, once complete this ring will provide an off road north-south route across Peterhead, avoiding the town centre and linking into the employment areas to the south of the town, currently popular with the Jog Scotland group.

2. There are a number of initiatives to support cycling across residential areas in the form of 20mph zones and, in the case of new developments; this is often supplemented with a series of linked off road cycle paths. While interconnection across some of the existing developments is difficult to achieve due to the ‘closed’ nature of developmental layouts of the time, there are a number of east- west connections which could link into Meethill Road, which would serve as a convenient north south distributor route, or ‘inner ring’.

3. The Formatine & Buchan Way is key amongst the east-west routes almost bisecting the town centrally to provide a strategic traffic free link. While the route is accessible to approximately 1200 households located with 500m of the F&B Way, the route fails to terminate at a convenient location within the town, stopping adjacent to Peterhead Academy some 800m short of the town centre. The route is poorly accessed and signposted with little to suggest the real value and importance that this asset has to offer.

4. Having developed a number of 20mph areas, there is little to support direct and convenient interconnectivity between these areas. While there are a number of east west options, with the exception of the ‘outer ring’ there are no other routes that would provide direct access across the town with a level of interconnection between residential areas.

5. The off road shared use cycle path linking Peterhead to the retail and industrial areas to the south is a key component in providing access from the towns residential areas to employment opportunities located adjacent to the A982. As a recreational facility, the route deviates from the main road and instead follows the coast along Peterhead Bay.

The route terminates some 600m distant from the town centre at a point where cyclists are required to utilise the existing road network. Although the route benefits from being remote from the carriageway, there are issues with regard to the level of lighting on the route which may prevent use during reduced daylight hours which may be an issue if promoting this as a link to employment centres.

Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

6. Looking beyond the town centre to the north, there is a coastal path which follows the shore line from the north of the main commercial harbour area and continues westwards via the Gadle Braes area and on to Peterhead Golf Course. In its existing form, the path provides an excellent walking facility, however if developed to improve general path widths and access points, and with the development of links into the town centre, this facility would provide an excellent north-east link into the town.

Strategically, by providing this link to the town centre and following this up with a town centre link to the southern coastal path, a continuous Peterhead loop would be provided. Evidence suggests that ‘loops’ hold greater appeal to recreational cyclists and completing this coastal loop would have significant recreational benefits.

7. Common to a number of the problems and issues identified above is the lack of access to the town centre. Providing this access would facilitate recreational and utility trips between the residential areas and the main commercial centre of the town. With a lack of access, the functionality of the existing infrastructure is limited; users need to be confident that a safe convenient and direct route into the town centre is available.

In addition, providing strategic access from the north, south and east into the town centre allows greater interconnectivity between each of these three areas of Peterhead creating a greater opportunity to link origins with destinations and opens up a number of ‘looped’ recreational routes.

The areas identified above are high level issues and do not consider more localised aspects of problems associated with cycling such as dropped kerbs at specific locations. It is intended that by addressing these key issues above, this will act as a catalyst to developing greater cycle trips in and around Peterhead.

Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

Progress to Date Library, the Hot Spot and the community centre. The BBC Scotland ‘Out of Doors’ Recent investment has focussed on the programme has covered the project in a provision of additional infrastructure and recent programme which interviewed a the improvement of existing facilities, local resident. building upon previous works since 2008. Significant progress has been made in engaging a number of local community groups and the CDT project is helping to support a local bike recycling scheme. Discussions are underway to develop a Family Bike Ride to Aden Park (the Aden Bike Challenge) which is planned for March 2012.

F&B Way - Before

Aden Bike Challenge – Planning Meeting

A summary of the schemes delivered is F&B Way - After provided below. F&B Way - After This has included an extension of the F&B  Installed LED lighting at Gadle Braes Way which creates a defined start point of  Upgraded sections of the F&B Way the long distance route and provides improved access to the community centre  Extension to F&B Way. and the large supermarket on Queen  Installed LED lighting at Street. A large section of the F&B Way has  New ‘Path at Waterside also been widened and improved with new Formartine & Buchan Way -After drainage and LED street lighting. In  Re launch of F&B Way route maps addition, sections of the coast path network  F&B Way information panels have been lit using energy efficient LED  Covered cycle shelter at Community lights.Formartine & Buchan Way -Before Centre In support of the physical measures, a  Installation of automatic counters number of ‘soft’ interventions have been implemented, primarily during 2010/11.  Implementation of 20mph areas These have been designed to raise the  New Peterhead & Central Buchan profile of the CDT and have included an cycle map information stall at the Peterhead Running Festival, a Bike Event and a Film Night and  Launch of ‘No Excuse Zone’ screening of the Graeme Obree story.  Inaugural ‘Bike Event’ which attracted Information about the CDT project has over 250 residents been displayed at the

Formartine & Buchan Way -After Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

 Residents survey of walking and A survey of attitudes towards cycling was cycling activities undertaken in 2011 which generated almost 200 responses. From the survey  Public information displays at the information provided, it is apparent that ‘Running Festival’ and the community there are a large number of residents living within 2miles of their place of work who centre could substitute a car journey for one by  A Cycle Film Night bike or foot.

Monitoring cycle usage is essential and a number of permanent automated cycle counters have now been installed at strategic locations across the network. In addition, snapshot surveys at four key locations have been carried out since 2010 with the data suggesting that cycle levels have increase significantly, albeit from a relatively low base. Figure 2 of Appendix A identifies the sites recommended for the Consultation Event installation of automated cycle counters.

Mapping of existing routes has taken a step In addition to the survey, a consultation forward which has led to the development event was held where residents were of a ‘No Excuse’ style map which promotes invited to share their ideas on proposals for the concept of short journeys by bike, the wider CDT and a number of local illustrating that much of propositions. Peterhead is within a 15 minute cycle. From the results of the consultation it was Mapping for the Formartine clear that the wider proposals and the CDT & Buchan Way has also concept are acceptable; however the needs been improved with a new of cyclists need to be balanced against route booklet now available road users and other local residents to and information panels ensure that no one development is at the being erected along the detriment of residents. route.

Revised cycle maps have been prepared for Aberdeenshire as a whole with the Peterhead area being well represented with Series 5 of the Maps covering the Buchan area.

Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

The Next Steps

The Strategy corridor. There have been a number of cycle paths developed within these areas The Formartine & Buchan Way many of which provide access onto the The F&B Way is an existing and well F&B Way. However it is the final links to utilised resource, already well known to the town centre that remain undeveloped, many local residents. Improving this asset with a key link ‘missing’ along the A950. It will help to raise the profile of cycling in is recommended that links into the town Peterhead and could attract new users centre are therefore established to provide both local and visitors to the area. The full cycle provision between residential F&B Way should therefore continue to be areas and the town centre including the promoted via new on route information harbour district. panels, signage and a new gateway feature. Coastal Network Links Encouraging residents to explore the Cross Town Links existing paths could lead to a greater Considering the level of infrastructure demand for this type of facility across already in place, a ‘hub and spoke’ Aberdeenshire. Taking into account the network is beginning to emerge with the coastal appeal of Peterhead, the A90 off road cycle path representing the development of a loop which would outer ‘rim’, the town centre the ‘hub’ and encompass Peterhead Bay to the South, those routes providing linkage between Buchanhaven to the North and the coastal the two representing the ‘spokes’. This is estuary along the River Ugie, there is an efficient cycle network pattern and work scope to develop a valuable asset for the is ongoing to supplement this with a series area. With this resource fully developed of 20mph and traffic calmed residential there are improved opportunities to foster zones. Once complete this will allow recreational cycling and potentially attract greater freedom for cycle travel across cyclists from out with the area with Peterhead, helping to establish the town potential local economic benefits. as cycle friendly. Promotional Measures Considering north-south cross town travel, With improved linkage into the town centre the A90 cycle route provides an excellent in place and the development of a coastal out of town facility although there is a need loop, measures aimed at encouraging to complete a short 400m ‘missing link’. cycling should be developed. It is important that these ‘soft’ interventions are It is also recommended that an internal brought on line at a point when high north-south link is developed, potentially quality infrastructure is significantly along Meethill Road, which would bisect developed. It is therefore proposed that residential areas allowing cyclists from promotion is undertaken on a local area with the 20mph zones to access a basis as the town links are developed. dedicated feeder route across the town. This will have the advantage of targeting This would represent the inner ring route smaller areas and adapting the and would supplement the existing outer promotional campaigns accordingly. ring route adjacent to the A90. Developing Community partnerships will Town Centre Links be vital to the long term success of the Much of the infrastructure development project. Relationships built up during 2011 has been generated towards the west of should be strengthened and greater public the town centre within the new engagement will critical to changing development areas adjacent to the A90 attitudes towards walking and cycling. Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

Monitoring Monitoring should continue to be an integral part of the development of the CDT and this can be developed using static bicycle counters, snap shot user surveys and an annual survey of local residents.

In order to fully evaluate any new provision, monitoring should take place along any new route improvements in advance of the project development. When any new infrastructure is developed, it is recommended that permanent cycle counters are installed as part of the project and cycle levels continually monitored. Existing monitoring sites are identified in the map extract.

The survey undertaken in 2011, gathered a sample of attitudes towards walking and cycling in Peterhead and represented just under 1.4% of residents. The survey was also used to query awareness of the CDT concept which will provide a measure of the success of subsequent marketing campaigns in terms of awareness.

The survey will be repeated on an annual basis and will compliment the data gathered from the cycle counters which will measure the trips made by bicycle.

With this approach it will be possible to match trends in awareness to trends in sustained or peaked bike use.

Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

Future Proposals • Link the existing coastal paths through the town. Aims • Further upgrade the Gadle Braes A number of developments are proposed and it is anticipated that promotional coastal path. activates will start to form a larger part of • Complete the A90 Missing link. the investment helping to capitalise on the • Upgrade the estuary path between investments made to date. George Birnie Bridge and Waterside. The funding for the soft interventions could • Provide new route confirmation and be sought from the Travel Planning distance signs on key routes. budget, the School Travel Planning budget with support from the Strategy Unit, • Install new cycle stands at key Nestrans and potentially matched from locations. external sources such as Sustrans. • Develop an annual bike ride to Aden The infrastructure measures should be Country Park. supported with ongoing investment and • Hold an annual ‘CycleFest’ event. promotion in events and activities across the town forming links with business, • Work with community partners to community council areas and schools. Create training opportunities for Consideration is being given to developing cycle mechanics. an annual cycling event making use of the F&B Way and surrounding countryside • Investigate the potential of a bike and parks such as Aden Country Park and loan and bike hire scheme the existing network of coastal paths. • Support the Peterhead Projects to

The developments are designed to 2Reuse scheme to provide supplement the existing infrastructure and refurbished bicycles. build upon this annually on an incremental basis. A short description is provided below with each proposed measure set Annual Delivery Plan out in an action plan contained in Appendix B for reference. 2012-2013 The proposed projects summarised below are discussed in more detail under Town Centre Link following paragraphs. The focus will be on creating a link directly into the town centre capitalising on the • Develop a safe cycle links to the town previous upgrades to the F&B Way. As the centre including A950 missing link. F&B Way is seen as the major connection from the east, bisecting a large residential • Creation of a shared use path area, the advantages of utilising this link adjacent to Meethill Road. as the main route into the town centre are • Further incremental upgrades to the clear. From the previous outline analysis, the most appropriate link would be via F&B Way. York Street which is considered sufficiently • Create a link from Buchanhaven to wide to accommodate a cycle lane(s). the Town Centre. Some minor works would be required at the junction of York Street and Errol Street • Develop a link from Gadle Braes to to facilitate safe crossing at this point. the Town Centre. However it is apparent that this may be at the loss of some amenity to some residents and alternative options need to be explored for consultation. Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

• Summer of Cycling: June-August Cycle facilities within the town centre • Wheels to Work: August-October should be upgraded and the current • Be Seen Cycling: October-Dec. prohibition of cycling within the pedestrian area should be lifted. Particular routes should be promoted where a significant amount of Meethill Road Cycle Provision infrastructure is currently in place with this In an effort to encourage cross town promotion being directed towards those connectivity and improve linkage options likely to benefit from the facility. Access to to existing east-west routes, particularly this infrastructure should be clearly the F&B Way, the development of a north- signposted and a signage strategy south cycle link is proposed. This could developed to provide directional signage take the form of a widened path or on road along particular routes. Routes could be cycle lanes along the length of Meethill named and colour coded using local Road. This route bisects a number of landmarks with directional signage residential communities and would provide provided to give an indication in time to the access to the secondary school. main destination.

The preferred scheme will require the Family Bike Ride Event widening of the existing path to 3m while Discussions with local community partners an alternative approach would require the to hold an inaugural bike have been held removal of a number of pedestrian islands and it is likely that this could be launched to provide on road cycle lanes. Experience in conjunction with a Health and Wellbeing of a similar approach in Inverurie Festival being held in March 2012. It is (Blackhall Road) has been positive with proposed that the event would be suitable the measure successfully balancing the for all family ages and would be routed needs and requirements of both cyclists between the start of the F&B Way and and motorists. Aden Country Park. Predominantly off road with the exception of two road Promotional crossings, this 10mile route would present The promotion of cycling should be more an excellent opportunity to fully involve the widely adopted at this stage. This wider Peterhead community. promotion should initially be designed to raise the profile of cycling in general Annual Bike Event/Festival across the town using a mix of media Building upon the success of the bike advertising and information notices. event held in 2011, a larger event is School pupils should be further introduced proposed which would incorporate bike to the idea of cycling and encourage to exhibitors, bike mechanics, guided bike use bikes recreationally. Three schools will rides, the ‘Bike Road Show’ and a cycle be supported in an effort to achieve ‘Cycle related film screening. Friendly Schools’ Status.

Cycling Scotland run an annual ‘Give Me Space’ Campaign to alert motorists to the needs of cyclists. This campaign would fit in well with the overall ethos of the CDT project and should be adopted for Peterhead.

An advertising campaign will be developed on a seasonal basis. The following are proposed campaigns, backed up with events, radio adverts and outdoor media:

• Spring into Cycling: March -June Peterhead Cycle Demonstration Town

2013-2014 prepare a second edition of town cycle It is proposed that the final linkages are maps. Signposting should continue with an made thereby completing the core ‘hub increase in the number of destinations and spoke’ network upon which available identified. subsequent links and routes can be developed. Linkage would be made from Existing unlit coastal paths which are not the coastal paths to the north to the currently lit will be upgraded to attract new previously extended F&B Way potentially users and this represents the initial stage via Queen Street and Victoria Road. in developing the coastal path resource.

The existing coastal and riverside path at Buchanhaven extending past the golf course and onto North Road could be upgraded to accommodate cyclists and would form a connection to the off road cycle path adjacent to Waterside Road.

It is proposed that on road cycle improvements are made to Blackhouse Terrace to complete the link from Meethill Road at the North Road roundabout to the coastal path. Access to the coast paths would then be taken via Golf Road adjacent to the hospital.

With these developments in place, a number of town loops are established and full connection to the town centre is made available. The loops in themselves would provide opportunities for recreational cycling as well as increasing the available number of connections between residential areas and key destinations including schools, shops, local services and employment centres.

With this infrastructure completing a base network of cycle routes across Peterhead, it would be a good opportunity to fully promote the available infrastructure and

Formartine & Buchan Way -After