Issue - meetings

Report ES13112

A new off-road cycle facility was proposed in Cray Avenue, Orpington, to provide improved facilities for cyclists between the junctions of Poverest Road and St Mary Cray Station Approach. Detailed plans of the proposals were tabled at the meeting. Councillor Peter Fortune, Executive Assistant and Cray Valley East ward councillor, commended Angus Culverwell and his team for their extensive consultation on the proposed scheme with ward members and residents.

Councillor Grainger asked whether it would be possible to move the cycle lane across to widen the main carriageway just to the north of Poverest Road. Officers confirmed that there probably was space to move the cycle lane over, but this had not been part of the brief for the scheme. The precise route of the cycle lane had been chosen to take into account the surface tree roots along this stretch of road. 

The new cycle route would be on the western side of the road, carrying cycle traffic in both directions – it was suggested that this should be made very clear to cyclists. Members also questioned whether the surface of the cycle lane would be smooth enough to make cyclists want to use it - the surface of the recently installed cycle route on Court Road appeared to be too ridged. Officers explained that this was probably due to route in Court Road being over rougher ground, and this was not anticipated to be a problem in Cray Avenue. 

Officers were asked what measures were in place to ensure that cyclists were aware of traffic turning left off the main road, for example at the entrance to Denvale Trade Centre. This would be checked, but the usual approach was to paint give way markings in the surface of the cycle lane. 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to

(1) agree the proposal to implement a new cycle facility, as detailed in the drawings submitted at the meeting; and

(2) delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Ward Members, for any specification changes considered necessary at the detailed design stage.