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ITEM EX7

EXECUTIVE – 13 NOVEMBER 2001

CYCLE ROUTES – BLOXHAM AND CULHAM

Report by the Director of Environmental Services

Introduction

1. This report deals with cycle provision along two routes, in Bloxham and Culham, that have been previously considered by the Highways & Road Safety Sub-Committee. It seeks approval for the implementation of a ‘Toucan’ crossing and conversion of footways to shared use.
2. The schemes are designed to promote safety and convenience for cyclists, and the new crossing in Bloxham will also be of substantial assistance to pedestrians. The Bloxham proposals are also designed to enhance the National Cycle Network route (NCN) through the village. The Culham proposals are part of the County Council’s Cycle/Rail to Oxford project which supports the Council's strategy to encourage use of public transport.

Bloxham

3. A scheme to implement traffic calming in Bloxham to complement NCN route 5b was presented to the Highways & Road Safety Committee in August 2000 following consultation with local residents. The scheme was not well received locally, physical measures to achieve traffic calming being generally disliked by residents. As a result of the objections to the scheme it was decided not to take it any further but to introduce alternative, low impact measures, to include (see drawing BPN768/B3250 rev B attached):

1. a ‘Toucan’ crossing on South Newington Road (A361) by Kings Road;
2. a shared use footway/cycle track in the verge around the Barford Road/A361 corner; and
3. imprint surfacing of the Church Street/High Street/Bridge Street junction in the middle of the village.

These measures have been agreed by the Bloxham Parish Council.

4. Since the conversion of footways to shared cycle/pedestrian use had general support from residents, this element of the original proposal has since been implemented "on the ground". No adverse comments have been received about this conversion, which nevertheless requires formal authorisation in order for it to have legal effect.
5. Local consultation on the Toucan crossing proposal, including a letter drop to over 100 frontagers, has produced only five responses. These included Police concerns that the Toucan crossing has been justified on the basis of an unknown take up of the NCN by leisure users, rather than established local need. I feel that with the NCN now in place it is important to reinforce it with such local safety features, which will also be of benefit to local people. Other responses have generally raised questions which have been answered in correspondence. Copies of the letters received are available for inspection in the Members’ Resource Centre.

Culham

6. This scheme is to provide improved cycle facilities along a 4.5 km stretch of the A415 from Culham station through to Berinsfield. The route is shown on drawings BPN769/B3210 and /B3211 which will be available for inspection at the meeting.
7. The scheme involves widening the existing footways along the route to accommodate shared use, except for one part where sufficient width already exists. As with Bloxham, the conversion to shared use needs to be formally authorised for it to have legal effect. The lengths concerned are shown on a schedule which can be seen in the Members’ Resource Centre and will be available for inspection at the meeting.

Environmental Implications

8. The introduction of crossing facilities in Bloxham will improve the highway environment for both pedestrians and cyclists and the quality and safety of the National Cycle Network through the village. The overall impact of the scheme in Culham will be kept to a minimum by constructing the route within the existing highway verge. Where the route lies outside, then hedge removal will be kept to a minimum.

Financial and Staff Implications

9. The introduction of the ‘Toucan’ crossing would cost approximately £30,000 and would be financed by Sustrans National Cycle Network funds.
10. Funding for the scheme in Culham is through the Local Transport Plan bid and £200,000 has been secured for 2001/02. The current estimate of the construction cost is £380,000 (excluding land and fees). Further funding will need to be secured and may require the scheme to be phased over two financial years.
11. The County Council’s engineering consultant, Babtie, is undertaking the design work. Project Management is being carried out by Officers of the Environmental Services and can be encompassed within current staffing levels.

RECOMMENDATIONS

12. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:-

1. approve the implementation of the ‘Toucan’ crossing in A361 South Newington Road, Bloxham as shown on drawing no BPN768/B3250 Rev B;
2. approve the conversion to shared use footway/cycle track of the lengths of footway:

• at Bloxham shown on drawing no BPN768/B3250 Rev B; and
• adjacent to the A415 between Culham Station and Berinsfield as set out in the Schedule referred to in the report;

November 2001