16th December 2010 / AGENDA ITEM 8
CYCLE TOWN STATUS
1.0 Matter for consideration
1.1 The Committee to consider an update report in relation to Blackpool’s Cycle Town Status.
2.0 Recommendation(s)
2.1 To note the report and presentation, asking questions in relation to its content and making recommendations as considered appropriate.
3.0 Summary of key issues
3.1 Background
3.1.1 The launch of the Tour Britain in Blackpool in 2006 was the catalyst for the consideration of the development of cycling in all its forms, with the understanding of its ability and potential to contribute to the Regeneration, Health and Community Involvement and Participation agendas.
3.1.2 With an ambition and vision for cycling development, the Council applied to Cycling England for Cycle Town Status in 2008, which was successful and formally confirmed in September 2008.
3.1.3 The Council’s long-term goal is to increase cycle journeys from 2 per cent to 8 per cent of all journeys taken in Blackpool, together with the achievement of the following objectives of the programme:
· A self-sustaining Blackpool cycling culture;
· Cycling established as mainstream transport for 1 to 5 mile trips;
· Cycling opportunities provided for all backgrounds, abilities and ages;
· A measurable modal shift to cycling within the project period;
· Cycling made fully available to the visitor market; and
· Further promotion of the resort as a top class cycling events venue.
3.1.4 This report provides an update in relation to a number of capital and revenue programmes that have and are being developed.
3.2 Develop the cycle hire scheme
3.2.1 Following the successful launch of a pilot scheme in July 2009, which provided 60 bikes at locations on the Promenade, Stanley Park and the Zoo, the intention is to develop the scheme further. The number of bikes will be extended to 500, which will be located in up to 80 stands across town. These stands have been planned to provide convenient access to the bikes for both residents and visitors.
3.2.2 In addition, key stands along the Promenade will be covered to improve weather resistance, together with improved signposting to the locations. Upon completion, the scheme will be the largest cycle hire scheme in the UK.
3.3 Develop infrastructure investment programme
3.3.1 Inland Piers
Four Inland Piers are being developed to provide safe cycle gateways from the Promenade to inland Blackpool. They will link to the existing and developing cycle infrastructure and also to the wider Fylde Coast Cycle Countryside experience.
3.3.2 The four inland pier cycle routes are as follows:
· Route 1 – St Chad’s Road to Stanley Park
· Route 2 – Chapel Street to Stanley Park
· Route 3 – Church Street to Blackpool Old Road
· Route 4 – Norbreck Road to Norcross Lane roundabout
3.3.3 Additional infrastructure proposals work includes the following:
· Cycle parking at key locations across the town.
· Delivery of a BMX race track, BMX freestyle area and road race track.
· Public Right of Way upgrades based around the signature cycle routes and potential cross-border routes.
· Improvements to Town Centre access and Promenade crossings.
· Improvements to cycle signage.
· Provision of Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) at all signalised junctions in conjunction with the Streetlighting Private Finance Initiative project.
3.3 Cycling Development
3.3.1 The Bikeability programme, (‘cycle proficiency for the 21st Century’), will have trained in excess of 900 Year 5 pupils in this year alone.
3.3.2 The Go-Ride programme, which provides cycling opportunities for young people who want to progress into the sport of cycling, is progressing successfully. A children and young people’s club has been established, which provide a range of activities and events.
3.3.3 A Bike-It programme has been launched, which provides an additional opportunity to work with schools who want to increase cycling levels. This programme will focus on new routes, cycle map developments and family rides.
3.3.4 The Wheels for All programme was launched in Stanley Park in April 2010. This provides disabled people with the opportunity to cycle safety in Stanley Park. In excess of £20,000 worth of bikes has been purchased which cater for a range of disability needs.
3.3.5 A Workplace Cycling scheme has been developed which aims to encourage major employers across the town to increase cycling participation by their staff.An incentive-based competition was organised in the lead-up to Bike Week in June to encourage employees to log their cycling.A range of spot prizes, vouchers and bike equipment was offered, together with the ability for participants to view online how they fared against others, track their miles, see how many calories they had burnt and how much CO2 had been saved through their efforts.
3.4 Deliver a world-class cycle events programme
3.4.1 Blackpool is now the UK’s lead in terms of the cycle events program, which has been recognised by British Cycling. The 2010 programme aimed to provide for all interests, abilities and ages, from community to World Class Cycling. The headline event was the Grand Depart, which saw Blackpool launch the whole of the UK’s Tour of Britain race.
3.5 Marketing and promotional activities
3.5.1 Focus is being placed on ensuring Blackpool’s cycling message and programme is promoted to all, in particular to ensure that events within the town are effectively co-ordinated in terms of marketing and promotion.
3.5.2 A demonstration pack, which can be towed in a bike trailer, is being assembled which can be used for events, road shows and fairs. In addition, a range of branded promotional goods will be used to help establish the Cycle Blackpool’s programme.
3.5.3 Use of the website at www.cycleblackpool.co.uk will be developed to include a range of social media types, using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and WordPress to attract a wide range of users.
3.5.4 The current cycle map will be re-issued and upgraded with the new cycle hire stands and infrastructure.
3.6 Legacy elements
3.6.1 Planning is underway for Blackpool’s Local Transport Plan 3, with cycling featuring heavily in the process and document. The key areas that the Council will seek to establish and grow are:
· Establishing the regular use of the entire physical infrastructure created or improved during the programme.
· Continue to encourage and facilitate cycling from all areas of the community.
· Continuation of the events programme to firmly establish Blackpool as the ‘cycling destination’.
4.0 Witnesses / representatives
4.1 As requested by the Committee members, the following persons have been invited to attend the meeting to speak and lead a guided tour of the facility.
· John Blackledge, Assistant Director, Leisure Services
Relevant officer:
John Blackledge, Assistant Director of Leisure Services
Tel: (01253) 4768430, e-mail:
Appendices attached:
None.
Background papers:
None.
Websites and e-mail links for further information:
www.cycleblackpool.co.uk.
Glossary:
None.