ITEM EX14

BICESTER CYCLE NETWORK

Introduction

1. This report discusses proposals to develop the Bicester Cycle Network (see Annex 1). Based on the Oxfordshire Cycling Strategy, this is a predominantly off-carriageway cycle network designed to provide new routes to and within the Town Centre. Crossings for shared cycle/pedestrian use are proposed where radial routes are crossed.
2. Much of the network is still in the preliminary design stage and can only be constructed in phases, as funding becomes available. Works are therefore programmed over a three year period. Funding for the cycle route between George Street and Queen’s Avenue has been approved as part of the Capital Programme for Bicester ITS this financial year. The Toucan crossings are likely to be implemented during 2003/2004.

Proposals

3. Proposals have been consulted upon as described below and indicated on drawing No MP/3/002, which will be on display at the meeting. Various footway/footpath orders will be required and these are set out in Annex 2 and described below.
4. Cycle Routes:

1. George Street to Queens Avenue – footpath to be widened/upgraded to provide a segregated cycle route between George Street, and the entrance to the Sports Centre, and on-carriageway cycle lanes to provide a link to Queens Avenue.
2. Longfields to Churchill Road (via subway) – footpath to be widened/upgraded to provide a route incorporating both segregated and shared use sections. Cyclists will still be required to dismount through the railway subway.
3. Subway to Buckingham Road (via Balliol Road) – footpath to be widened/upgraded to provide a shared cycle route between the railway subway and Balliol Road, and also between Balliol Road and Buckingham Road, providing a link to Bicester North Station.
4. Extension to Banbury Road cycle track/footpath – existing segregated cycle track on the west side of Banbury Road to be extended southwards to meet a new Toucan crossing just north of the railway overbridge.
5. Banbury Road to Buckingham Road – footpath to be widened/upgraded to provide a segregated cycle route avoiding conflict with the playground area linking the proposed crossing facilities on Banbury and Buckingham Road.
6. Banbury Road to Howes Lane – existing footpath to be levelled and surfaced to provide a segregated cycle track following the railway track. This also will provide a link with Bure Park’s existing cycle network.
5. Toucan Crossings:

1. Queens Avenue – convert the existing Pelican crossing outside the Police Station to a shared cycle/pedestrian crossing facility.
2. Banbury Road – a shared use crossing facility would provide an important link for the cycle network.
3. Buckingham Road - a shared use crossing facility would provide an important link for the cycle network and Bicester North Railway Station.
   
   

Consultation

6. Direct consultation has been undertaken with County Councillors, Cherwell District Council, Bicester Town Council, emergency services, stakeholders, etc. Cherwell District Council have raised no concerns. Although no written response has been received from Bicester Town Council, its members support the proposals and officers have worked closely with them over the last six months to agree on some elements of the routes. Emergency Services have raised no concerns and the Bicester Community College support the proposals.
7. The Bicester Sports Centre has indicated support in principle for the cycle route between George Street and Queens Avenue. Negotiations with Cherwell District Council need to be pursued for the dedication of a small strip of land required for this route to be completed. An initial site meeting with both parties to discuss the issue has been positive.

Financial and Staff Implications

8. The Bicester Cycle Network works are mainly to be funded from the Capital Programme, however, some developer funding is available. The promotion of these works can be accommodated within existing staff resources and our term consultants (Babtie) will carry out design.

RECOMMENDATIONS

9. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to authorise implementation of the proposals as described in the report and shown on drawing No MP/3/002, including the promotion of the conversion of required lengths of footways to shared use footway/cycle track, under sections 66(4) and 65(1) of the Highways Act, 1980 and section 3 of the Cycle Tracks Act 1984 (as shown in Annex 2) subject to the Director of Environmental Services in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport and relevant local member(s) considering any representations arising from formal consultations on the proposals.

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Contact Officer: Andrew Johnson Tel: Oxford 815737

May 2002

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