Decision details

The Cabinet was provided with an overview of how comments gathered through public consultation on the Cycling and Walking Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan had been incorporated into both documents. Cabinet approval was sought to adopt the final versions of Solihull’s Cycling and Walking Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

The report before Members detailed the extensive work that had been undertaken regarding a consultation exercise on Solihull Cycling and Walking Strategy and associated Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), the key issues highlighted from the consultation and the further work undertaken with specific user groups, all of which had helped to inform the Strategy and Plan.

In welcoming and supporting the report Members made a number of comments/observations which Officers responded to and in summary included:

Ø  Assurance was sought that the Plan was linked in to the Solihull on the Move Initiative. Officers confirmed that this was the case;

Ø  With regard to bike sharing Officers confirmed the West Midlands Bike Share Scheme was still being rolled out, and Solihull was in line to receive both pedal and E bikes in July;

Ø  Members recognised that there was a need to balance the needs of all road users and encourage people to shift from car use to active travel. To this end it was important that the infrastructure was in place to support this, such as well-planned shared space, cycle routes were fully connected inside and outside the Borough and end point storage was available; and

Ø  Officers confirmed that the Plan had been designed to meet the principles set out in LTN 1/20 cycle infrastructure design. On the question of the use of canal towpaths for cycling, Officers confirmed this was still under consideration when funding allowed.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the comments received through public consultation on the draft Cycling and Walking Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (as set out in Appendix A) be noted;

(ii)  That the Solihull Cycling and Walking Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (Appendices B and C respectively) be approved and delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director - Growth and Development to make any minor amendments necessary to improve clarity or accuracy, in consultation with the portfolio holder; and

(iii)  That it be agreed to publish the Cycling and Walking summary document (Appendix D).