Transport Policy Sub-Committee

4thDecember 2008

Agenda item 7

TPSC/08/03

University of Essex Cycling Strategy

The Bicycle User Group (BUG) notes that the University does not appear to have a formal cycling strategy. We propose that TPSC should consider adopting the vision and strategy set out below. We also propose a set of actions that would move the University in the direction of achieving this vision.

1. The Vision

Recognising the considerable environmental and health & wellbeing benefits of cycling – and the need for corporate sustainability – theUniversity aspires to provide a cycle-friendly environment for staff, students and visitors at each of its campuses. Safe on-campus cycle routes will be provided and maintained to a high standard, with an adequate volume of good quality cycle storage in convenient locations, to meet the needs of commuters, campus residents and University employees. A specific objective is to have cycle storage adjacent to residential accommodation equivalent to one cycle for every two resident students by 2013. Safe cycling and walking should become the preferred travel modes for staff and students living within a reasonable distance of campus, though we recognise that cycling will not be an option for everyone or for every occasion. By 2011 we expect the majority of staff and students who live within two miles of campus to cycle regularly.

2. The Strategy

To achieve the vision, the University will:

  • Undertake campus traffic and cyclist-friendly improvements in line with national best practice given in Cycling England’s design checklist:
  • Work with the Local Authorities, particularly within the CyclingTown projects for Colchester and Southend, to maximise opportunities to promote cycling as a preferred mode of safe travel by the University community;
  • Liaise closely with Essex BUG, the University’s Bicycle User Group, to inform and promote safe cycling;
  • Support the sale of bikes, cycling accessories and bike maintenance services on campus through campus outlets and Dr Bike provision as well as through other initiatives such as the Government’s cycle to work scheme;
  • Promote business cycle travel, including on campus;
  • Recognise the differing needs of cycling commuters who require easy access, and residents who require overnight cycle storage;
  • Monitor relevant statistics, including levels of cycling, campus bike theft and road traffic accidents involving University cyclists.

3. Context

Colchester campus:

With Colchester gaining ‘cycling town’ project funding from Cycling England, the town will benefit substantially from gaining a first class network of interconnecting routes and various measures to promote cycling within the town and hinterland. It will make sense to utilise the best practice adopted by the Cycling Town Project where applicable, on campus.

In considering access, there are three main approaches on to the main campus: from Colchester via Boundary Road and the Wivenhoe Trail; from lower Wivenhoe via the Wivenhoe Trail and from Upper Wivenhoe via Colchester Road.These three approaches provide a useful framework for considering improving access and storage on theColchester campus. Appended are cycle routes being funded/implemented by Essex County Council which will impact on cyclists coming from Colchester and upper Wivenhoe.The construction of the ResearchPark will also affect access from Colchester, particularly with the approved signalised junction on the A133 permitting grade crossings for cyclists and pedestrians.

Southend campus:

The Southend campus will benefit from Southend’s CyclingTown status and resulting improvements to cycle routes, as well as from the University’s salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. The main campus building is situated centrally in the town and has no cycle storage facilities within the premises. However, cycle storage is available close by in Luker Road and at the Central Station, additional provision being made available from Section 106 monies.

Loughton campus:

Provision for secure cycle storage is being made 2008/9 at the campus, which has several sites. Staff joining the University’s cycle to work scheme emphasised the need for and current lack of secure storage.

Within this overall context, the following actions have been identified for inclusion in the possible projects for use of car parking income including the next financial year 2009/10.

4. Proposed Schemes

4.1 For Implementation 2009-2010

Colchester Campus

An increase in the volume of secure covered cycle storage located immediately adjacent to on-campus student accommodation. Nature and exact locations to be determined following review.

Cycle storage in vicinity of EddingtonTower and associated cycle route from Boundary Road (Wivenhoe side).

Safe pedestrian/cycle route through NorthTowers car park to link with cycle route passing above Health Centre and linking to Rayleigh Square cycle park via route from North Towers Causeway to Health Centre

Cycle route from North Towers Causeway adjacent to Health Centre path, to access the SSRC cycle park. (Only a short stretch of marked cycle path is required, from the causeway to the north end of the health centre car park, plus markings through the car park.)

Traffic calming at the junction of Boundary Road and NorthTowers car park road (with pedestrian crossing of NorthTowers road linking proposed footpath along north side of Boundary Road).

Open Quays Bridge to cyclists, with adaptation as necessary and provide cycle access to west side of QuaysBridgefromNCR 51 (Wivenhoe Trail), passing to the north side of University Quays cafe.

Provide a quantity of individual secure lockable cycle storage on campus such as those being provided for triathlete bursary students. These could be self-funding if users are charged. BUG is willing to adviseon charging and administration.

Provide adequate lockers in appropriate locations for storage by cyclists of change of clothes, lights, helmets etc.

Cycle accessories such as lights, reflectors, pumps, valves, repair kits, tyres, helmets to be on sale on campus in one of the regular retail outlets.

Continued provision of Dr Bike serviceson campus – to be weekly during term-time.

Continued provision ofsubsidised (but not free) cycle training opportunities for staff and students, particularly at the start of the academic year and early in the summer term.

Southend Campus

Provision of cycle racks as Phase 2 of Clifftown Studios completed.

4.2 For Implementation 2010-2011 onwards

Colchester Campus

Cycle route link between boiler house roof cycle park and cycle route access to back of library. This is a key missing link in the on-campus cycle route network, allowing connections from south to north.

Further improvements to secure cycle storage, including increased capacity at the sports centre and at student accommodation.

To improve security, introduce a cycle registration scheme with a view to cycle registration possibly becoming mandatory for access to secure gated parking.

Loughton Campus
Improvements to access and parking at Loughton campus.

Southend Campus
Provision of good quality cycle racks in secure area as part of the new student accommodation.

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