Agenda item

To receive a report that seeks agreement to the publication of the updated North Tyneside Cycling Strategy incorporating the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and the updated North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to the publication of the updated North Tyneside Cycling Strategy incorporating the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and the updated North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide.

In October 2021, Cabinet approved the revised and updated North Tyneside Transport Strategy. Its key principles included reducing carbon emissions from transport and improving health outcomes. The Transport Strategy contained a commitment to update, where appropriate, the specific strategies and plans which fitted within the context of the Transport Strategy. One of these was the North Tyneside Cycling Strategy.

Since the current Cycling Strategy was adopted in 2018, cycling in the borough had grown by more than 60%. During this time the Authority had increased its delivery of cycling training, put in place new cycling routes in the borough, and made cycling, walking and wheeling improvements as part of its regeneration activity. It had therefore provided a robust policy framework to promote cycling as a travel mode for both commuting and leisure purposes.

Cabinet in October 2022 approved a process of public engagement on the updated draft North Tyneside Cycling Strategy and an updated version of the North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide, which sets out the design standards for cycling provision. The engagement process was carried out over a six-week period between 28 October and 9 December 2022. Twenty-three responses were received to the consultation exercise and appropriate amendments were made to the documents: for example, to strengthen wording with reference to multi-modal trips in the strategy and continuity of cycling routes in the Design Guide.

The updated strategy and Design Guide set out how the Authority would continue to support cycling as a healthy and sustainable way to travel, both by developing routes and infrastructure suitable for everyday cycling and by seeking to expand cycling training and support. The strategy reflects the objectives of the regional North East Transport Plan developed by Transport North East, and its aims of supporting the decarbonisation of transport and encouraging active travel.

The strategy also included a detailed assessment of strategic cycle routes across the borough and walking links in town centres, known as the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).  In line with Government guidance, this would help to ensure the borough was best placed to secure external funding for further sustainable transport improvements.

The updated North Tyneside Cycling Strategy was attached at Appendix 1 to the report, which incorporated the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and the updated North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide attached at Appendix 2.  A summary of the responses received, and revisions to the Cycling Strategy and Design Guide proposed as a consequence of those responses, was attached at Appendix 3 to the report.

Cabinet considered the following decision options: either to agree the recommendations as set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report; or alternatively, to not accept the recommendations.

Resolved that (1) the publication of the updated North Tyneside Cycling Strategy, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, which incorporated the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and the updated North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide attached at Appendix 2, be approved; and

(2) the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development, in consultation with the Deputy Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Environment, be authorised to make amendments to the North Tyneside Cycling Strategy and North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide from time to time to reflect national and local circumstances, policy and guidance.

(Reason for decision: The updated North Tyneside Cycling Strategy which incorporates the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and the updated North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide will reflect how the national, regional, and local policy context has developed since the strategy and Design Guide were approved in 2018; take account of views expressed during the process of public engagement; and assist in ensuring that the Authority is well placed to make the case for future investment in cycling, walking and wheeling.)