Agenda item

BROMLEY SOUTH TO SHORTLANDS CYCLE ROUTE

Minutes:

Report ES17051

 

Approval was sought for public consultation on a proposed cycle route between Bromley South and Shortlands and subsequent construction of the route.

 

The route would enable residents to cycle to either Shortlands station or Bromley South station, helping to reduce car journeys and reduce peak time congestion. It would also provide a route into Bromley town centre from the north-west of the borough and serve as part of a potential route between Bromley and Beckenham. Cycle connectivity would also be improved to local communities including a safe cycle route to St Mark’s School, Harris Academy, Shortlands and the new St Mark’s Square development.

 

The scheme offered a benefit cost ration of 4.84:1, considered very high value for money by Department for Transport (DfT) guidance. Details of the route were covered in Report ES17051 with drawings provided. Construction was estimated to cost £268k, funded from the TfL LIP budget for transport schemes for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

 

In discussion Members were advised of local ward Member comments supporting the scheme. Comment had also been made by a Shortlands Member concerning cycle parking at Shortlands Station; it was proposed to work with Southeastern and seek external funding for high-quality cycle parking at Shortlands Station at an estimated cost of £50k - alternatively, LIP funding might be used.

 

The Portfolio Holder was concerned about the bulbous build out at the junction of Valley Road with Shortlands Road; however, a Member clarified and officers later confirmed that this is already extant and therefore not an issue. The Portfolio Holder was content with the explanation.

 

The Portfolio Holder also raised concern about the proposed entry treatment across May’s Hill Road on cost grounds; if it were to cost an excessive amount, he would rather see a lower cost intervention with any small amount of money potentially saved (e.g. £15 to £20k) used for purposes such as increased bike storage for cycling schemes. It was explained that the outline design had been compiled by AECOM and could be re-designed should any of these design elements present issues.

 

The Chairman also suggested exploring with Network Rail whether high quality secure cycle parking could be provided at stations in return for payment by cyclists and whether a business case could be developed for such provision as it might encourage cyclists with valuable cycles to cycle as part of their commute. It was understood that similar arrangements had been developed for a number of stations in Kent.

 

Members supported the proposed route and interventions along with public consultation and subsequent construction. Members also recommended that authority be delegated to the Executive Director for any changes considered necessary to the scheme design in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the proposed route and interventions for a cycle route from Bromley South to Shortlands be supported; and

 

(2)  the Portfolio Holder be recommended to –

 

·  agree that officers undertake public consultation on the proposed cycle route and subsequent construction of the scheme;

 

·  delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, for any changes considered necessary to the scheme design.

 

Supporting documents: