Publication Draft

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.

Cycleways, a local group promoting cycling in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth, considers the Local Plan Section TR3, in particular the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, as inconsistent with national policy. The relevant national policies are the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and the government's White Paper on Transport (Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon, Making Sustainable Transport Happen, HMG 2011). Whereas the general objectives of the Local Plan are in line with the objectives of the national policies, the IDP dos not deliver these objectives.

The main focus of the IDP is on increasing road capacity, and provides much detail on how the road junction capacity in urban areas can be increased to benefit motor vehicles. An example can also be seen in the planned development of Europa Way to a dual carriageway. The resulting higher car traffic volume will inherently be a barrier for people switching to other modes of transport, particular cycling, and the IDP provides little or no detail of how the needs of cyclists or pedestrians will be met. This is in contrast to the NPPF which asks to "give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements" and "create safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians" (NPPF para. 4.35).
Likewise, one of the objectives of the White Paper is to encourage people to make "more sustainable travel choices...........genuinely sustainable transport modes.........socially sustainable" (para. 9, p. 8), in particular for shorter journeys which make up two thirds of all travel (para. 4, p. 7).