At a G-BUG public meeting on 12th June 2019, Guildford Borough Council and their consultants presented the results of a study to define a cycle network for the town. This study was conducted in tandem (scuse the pun) with a study into a bike share scheme for Guildford, in order to identify where route improvements will be necessary to make the scheme attractive to users. Below are the presentations from that meeting, a definition of route ‘typologies’, and a map defining the proposed network in more detail. There is also a summary of the meeting. G-BUG has been asked by the Council to obtain feedback from our membership: please provide your views by July 21st 2019 to info@g-bug.org
Guildford Cycle Network presentation to G-BUG – June 2019
DRAFT Guildford Cycle Network – Route typologies – June 2019
DRAFT Guildford Cycle Network – Core, Local & Greenway routes – June 2019
Summary of meeting
Guildford Cycle Network Ken Spence – Independent transport planning consultant, Transport Initiatives Amy Priestley – Urban Designer and Planner, Urban Movement
Ken presented details on audits of cycle usability that have been performed. These analyse residential roads, busy roads (that form barriers to pedestrians and cyclists), and crossings that solve some of the barrier issues.
The audits score an area using the bike-ability levels. Level 1 is basic control of a bike (cycling, turning, braking etc). Level 2 skills are the basics required to ride on a road, and would be the level that a child would achieve on leaving primary school. Level 3 simply adds the ability to tackle busy traffic and difficult junctions.
The audits result in a series of colour coded maps.
Cycle Skills Network Audit
This audit colour codes all the roads and junctions depending on the skill required to use the route.
Area Porosity Analysis The area bounded by busy traffic routes are coded by the ease with which you can move to the adjoining areas. Red = can’t get out of the area! Amber = few crossing points to adjoining areas. Green = unhindered access to adjoining areas.
The cycling potential was shown using the DfT’s Propensity to cycle tool. Thus finally a potential route network for Guildford was presented (see slides). Amy presented the detailed research completed in Guildford using the defined principles, and then demonstrated the areas of Guildford which would provide most opportunity for cycling as a utility and for enjoyment.
Guildford has a variety of different types of roads and paths which lend themselves to cycling to varying degrees. The full analysis defines areas suggested for treatment with more crossings, active mode links, traffic calming and modal filters. Bridges over major barriers are particularly needed in Guildford – the Wooden Bridge was identified as a specific example in need of improvement. The double roundabout at Northway/Southway was highlighted as an example of a particularly difficult junction for cyclists. An analysis had also been conducted of the potential for cycle lanes on London Road.
“Village” schemes can be used to restrict traffic in a zone, so creating a better environment. An example of this application could be to put modal filtering (stop the cars rat running) along Larch Avenue, Bellfields. This would shut the rat-run and in conjunction with other measures, produce a better environment for waking and cycling. It is worth noting that in such a scheme, the properties within an area which are accessible by vehicle would continue to be accessible by vehicle.
There are planned developments for 1000s of new homes in Guildford. It is known that people are most likely to take up cycling and walking to work when they are moving jobs or moving home. This presents an opportunity for the implementation of improvements around new developments.
Guildford Bike Share Scheme
Donald Yell, Project Manager Guildford community bike share, GBC Planning.
Donald presented the planning and policy work that has been completed including feasibility and current plan and next steps.
A bike share scheme provides a fleet of bicycles or electric bikes for one-way-capable rental. They are either docked at either end of the journey, or in a dockless scheme, they are left locked anywhere in a given zone. A hybrid scheme allows normally docked bikes to be left undocked for an additional charge. The ability to leave bikes undocked would likely be limited to defined areas of the town.
The study recommended that the best option for Guildford would be a hybrid scheme with electric bikes considered to have significant potential to increase use given the hilly nature of much of Guildford. The study recommended that the scheme is developed in a phased manner. Phase A would be the initial rollout covering the centre of the town and out to the west. This also covered the University. Interoperability with the University scheme is highly desired. Phase B could be a later addition covering North Guildford and additional hubs in the Phase A area.
Status
Feasibility has been completed and reported on by the consultants to the council. The Council has £530,000 of provisional capital funding available with £300,000 of LEP funding sought to proceed. Next steps include identifying hub locations, electrical connections, Surrey County Council and Network Rail agreements. After a mandate from the GBC executive, procurement would progress. Following a set up period, the scheme might open in Spring 2020.
Way Ahead
Donald Yell agreed to provide G-BUG with the slides from the Guildford Cycle Network presentation plus draft maps, and would welcome feedback from the G-BUG membership, preferably as a collated set of comments. Donald noted that the study of the Guildford Cycle Network was a sub-project of the Bike Share project, and that feedback from this engagement with G-BUG would be taken into account as the study work was completed. He also noted that the bike share scheme does not provide funding for such wider cycle network infrastructure improvements.
Guildford Borough Council statement
Guildford Borough Council Leader, Caroline Reeves made a statement about the intention of the Council to support initiatives that will contribute to the improvement of Climate Change situation that the world faces. Thus she was very supportive of initiatives such as those presented which encourage cycling and create “neighbourhood zones”. She stressed the analysis was a starting point, and the Council would have to validate the findings, consult with all those affected and prioritise investment. She would continue to engage with G-BUG to help in this process.