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ITEM TIC14

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 6 DECEMBER 2002

NEW CYCLE PARKING MEASURES, OXFORD

Report by Director of Environmental Services

Introduction

  1. This report sets out the results of the public consultation carried out in September 2002 on the proposed implementation of new cycle parking facilities in Oxford. The report recommends going ahead with the proposals at those sites where there have been no objections and continuing with further investigations at other sites.

    2. Background

  2. One of the key aims of the Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 is to increase the proportion of trips made by sustainable means of transport, including cycling. Cycling targets for Oxfordshire are also outlined in the Local Transport Plan cycling strategy published in 2001. These include targets to increase publicly available cycle parking year-on-year in the County.

  3. There is a high level of cycling in Oxford, with approximately 10,000 cyclists entering the City every day. With this high number of cyclists, there is a problem with insufficient parking stands which results in cycles being chained to street furniture or propped up against walls. The City Council cycling officer previously carried out the duties of the development and installation of cycle parking in Oxford.

  4. Following the termination of the City Council Highways Agency Agreement in November 2001, the County Council now carries out the development of cycle measures, including cycle parking. As part of the capital allocation for 2002/03, the Executive on 17 April 2002 agreed to allocate £100,000 to pedestrian and cycle facilities for Oxford, from which £20,000 has been allocated to cycle parking. In identifying potential new cycle parking sites, officers have taken into account sites previously identified by the City Council’s cycle officer.

    5. Consultation

  5. A public consultation has been undertaken over a four-week period between 2 and 27 September 2002. Letters were sent to all residents and businesses in the vicinity of each new proposed cycle parking site. Street notices were also erected at each site listing all proposed sites.

  6. Annex 1 indicates the number of responses received on each proposed location. A summary of the responses and officers’ comments are shown in Annex 2 (download as .doc file). Copies of the original letters and location plans for each site are included in the background papers in the Members’ Resource Centre.

    7. Conclusion

  7. It is clear from the results of the consultation that there is not widespread support for cycle parking at all locations. Therefore, I have made recommendations on whether cycle parking should be implemented for each location, as shown in Annex 1 and discussed in Annex 2. (download as .doc file).

  8. Opinion on parking in Alma Place is split: main support is identified as the need for parking within the local amenities and this is the only possible location within the area of St. Clements. Objections, including the Thames Valley Police Crime Reduction Unit, see the proposed cycle parking as a potential problem for theft and vandalism. However, officers are minded to advise that cycle parking be provided, as the cycles will be more secure attached to a stand than propped against a wall but in the view of comments received, further discussion involving objectors is required.

  9. No written comments were received in respect of the proposed parking on The Roundway. However County officers have been approached by an adjacent landowner willing to accommodate the proposed cycle parking on his land. This may be a more suitable location but has not been concluded and further work is required.

  10. For those locations where a recommendation not to implement has been made, alternatives will be investigated. However, any new proposals will require further consultation under the Traffic Regulation Order process. The results of these consultations will be brought to the Committee for future consideration.

    11. Environmental Implications

  11. The proposed additional cycle parking will help to create conditions that will encourage more sustainable travel for people who seek an alternative to private car or public transport.

    12. Financial and Staff Implications

  12. As part of the capital programme allocation for 2003/04, the Executive on 17 April 2002 agreed to allocate £100,000 to pedestrian and cycle provisions for Oxford, from which £20,000 has been allocated to cycle parking.

    13. RECOMMENDATION

  13. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to approve the implementation of the new cycle parking measures as listed in Annex 1 .

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Background papers: Nil

Contact Officers: Andrew Vidovic Tel: Oxford 810437, James Gagg Tel Oxford 815655

November 2002

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