Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65362
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Cycleways
Agent: Cycleways
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
This objection relates to the STA evidence document.
With regard to cycling, as part of the SWOT analysis (table 2.1, p.16), it quotes a "well developed cycling network" as presented as a strength of the area. In section 2.2.24 the document refers to a figure of 3.5% of the population as cycling to work from the 2001 census while also claiming that the "cycle network has been expanded and improved over the last 10-15 years" (section 2.2.22). However, more recent census data from 2011 (http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/cycling-to-work/2011-census-analysis---cycling-to-work.html ) show a decline in the cycling to work percentage from the 3.5% in 2001 to 3.1% for the district.
Thus, in spite of the investment in cycle infrastructure over the last 10 years there has been no corresponding increase in cycling. The 2011 census also shows that in the same timeframe other local authorities have succeeded in increasing these percentages from similar levels over the last 10 years to much higher percentages in 2011. The lack of an increase in cycling in the Warwick District, in spite of the increase in the cycling infrastructure, could be attributed to its poor quality, as identified in a recent study by Cycleways, (http://www.cycleways.org.uk/campaign/review-of-cycling-provision/).
The study shows that much of the problem lies in poor design and in non compliance of planning standards. In addition, one of the most salient features of the STA, in relation to cycling, is the lack of an integrated approach to transport, as identified in Cycleways' Cycle Review (section 7.1.2.).
In conclusion, there is no evidence base to support the claim of a well developed cycling network that encourages more sustainable transport in the district and would be able to mitigate increases in transport from the proposed developments of the Local Plan. Getting the evidence wrong has resulted in a lack of development planning for sustainable transport options and cycling in particular in the Local Plan.
This objection relates to the Strategic Transport Assessment evidence document.
With regard to cycling, as part of the SWOT analysis (table 2.1, p.16), it quotes
a "well developed cycling network" as presented as a strength of the area. In section 2.2.24 the document refers to a figure of 3.5% of the population as cycling to work from the 2001 census while also claiming that the "cycle network has been expanded and improved over the last 10-15 years" (section 2.2.22). However, more recent census data from 2011 (http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/cycling-to-work/2011-census-analysis---cycling-to-work.html ) show a decline in the cycling to work percentage from the 3.5% in 2001 to 3.1% for the district.
Thus, in spite of the investment in cycle infrastructure over the last 10 years there has been no corresponding increase in cycling. The 2011 census also shows that in the same timeframe other local authorities have succeeded in increasing these percentages from similar levels over the last 10 years to much higher percentages in 2011. The lack of an increase in cycling in the Warwick District, in spite of the increase in the cycling infrastructure, could be attributed to its poor quality, as identified in a recent study by Cycleways, (http://www.cycleways.org.uk/campaign/review-of-cycling-provision/).
The study shows that much of the problem lies in poor design and in non compliance of planning standards. In addition, one of the most salient features of the STA, in relation to cycling, is the lack of an integrated approach to transport, as identified in Cycleways' Cycle Review (section 7.1.2.).
In conclusion, there is no evidence base to support the claim of a well developed cycling network that encourages more sustainable transport in the district and would be able to mitigate increases in transport from the proposed developments of the Local Plan. Getting the evidence wrong has resulted in a lack of development planning for sustainable transport options and cycling in particular in the Local Plan.