Walks and Cycleways in Colchester

Transport Policy Sub-Committee

9thFebruary 2006

Agenda item 13 TPSC/06/04

Walks and Cycleways in Colchester

Steering group meeting

27th January 2006

Introductions were made and a brief explanation given for everyone’s interest in promoting cycling and walking.

• Pam Nelson - representing Living Streets (formerly the Pedestrians Association), wanting to promote shared space. Also representing East Colchester Children’s University Partnership; Cycle Training East and Colchester Cycling Campaign
• Dr Paul Marfleet – Sport & Exercise Medicine, Colchester PCT, wanting to encourage inactive people to take up walks to improve health and fitness.
• Julie Powell – Health Improvement Advisor from the PCT
• Alison Woolnough - Community Health Coordinator from CBC
• Peter Higgins – Colchester Civic Society, interested in new footpaths/heritage open days. Also a volunteer countryside ranger.
• Jonathan Rochford - CBC Project Officer, working on East Colchester Regeneration
• Emily Harrup – Colchester2020 Travel Plan Coordinator – seeking to encourage sustainable transport and movement away from cars to cycling, walking and public transport.
• Apologies received from Alan Morgan, Sustrans: Chris Rawlinson, CTP and Claire Taylor, VIC, Andrew Wilkinson, Enform.

Background

Paul gave some background information about what the original Steering Group that met during 2004 and 2005 were aiming to achieve and that the main barrier to moving forward had been getting the funding for a part time post for someone to bring the ideas together, identify the actions required and coordinate getting the projects off the ground.

Walking Coordinator Post

Julie said that she had put in a bid for £10k for a part time Walking Coordinator post and that the outcome of the bid should be known February/March time. The details of the role are not currently defined so open to ideas and development. Julie confirmed that if other funds were available they could be used to expand the role of the part time Walking Coordinator if the bid is successful.

Hythe regeneration project

Jonathan gave an overview of what he and his colleagues are working on and seeking funding for. The regeneration of the Hythe area includes all physical, cultural and social aspects as well as creating a sustainable neighbourhood and a viable transport system. It is recognised that the roads are congested and that viable walking and cycle links to the town centre and other areas are necessary. There are a number of neglected Green Links already in the area that need to be restored.

One of the plans is to develop a walking/cycling art/heritage trail celebrating the local economic and industrial history of the area to provide an enjoyable and educational route as well as providing practical links for travelling. Jonathan showed the group the plans and proposed routes.

The development of the trail is a long term plan, as the intention is to involve the local community in the development of the art installations. The regeneration area covers some but not all of the Green Links in the area. It was also suggested that local people, schools, community groups could be involved in restoring the green links i.e. volunteer days for litter picking etc. The team are working with Sustrans who have been commissioned to take the design of the Rowhedge Trail to the planning stage.

General Discussion

All agreed that these plans were very exciting and fitted in very well with the aims of the group. But that how the work of the Steering Group would fit in with the work being carried out by the regeneration team would have to be carefully considered to prevent duplication and exploit synergies.

Jonathan said that he was going to revive the old Green Links group which mainly consists of CBC staff but that others in due course could be involved. The Green Links group is an operational group looking at issues such as long term maintenance, which routes to upgrade, which to expand into cycle routes, and consultation on issues such as shared paths.

Discussion took place regarding whether Green Links should be widened to become dual walking and cycling routes. Pam said that she thought they should not be routinely widened to become cycle routes as we should avoid conflict between cyclists and pedestrians and that people should be encouraged to have the confidence to ride on the road.

Pam suggested that Rosemary Wilkins of ECC should be involved. Rosemary Wilkins currently has some funds available which must be spent by the end of March for upgrading paths, walkways. Discussion took place about whether some of the Green Links could be cut back and resurfaced. It was suggested that Jonathan make a presentation at the next North Essex Cycling Forum due in April.

Paul suggested that someone from Sports Science at the University such as Caroline Angus should get involved in the branding of the trails from a health point of view. As she would have the instruments to measure effort required, calories burnt etc and the knowledge to grade the routes from a health point of view.

Pam explained that ECCUP (East Colchester Children’s University Project) would fit in well with the plans and could be involved in the projects as part of their educational development, ie testing walks. This is perhaps something that the Walking Coordinator could arrange.

Pam gave Jonathon the details of a Dutch consultant who specialises in cycling routes and facilities, and suggested he be used to properly evaluate what cycling routes were required

Actions

Jonathan to get his internal Green Links meeting off the ground and to discuss the interests and aims of this Steering Group with his colleagues to see how these might integrate with current plans. Once the meeting has taken place, another Steering Group meeting to be arranged for Jonathon to give feedback and for a way forward to be discussed.

Jonathan to contact Rosemary Wilkins regarding any Green Links that could be cut back and resurfaced in the short term with the money currently available.

Julie to keep meeting updated as to progress with the bid for the Walking Coordinator

All to consider other community groups that could be involved and what actions the Steering Group could undertake to complement the work of the East Colchester Regeneration Team.