It now feels like we're about to get into the same situation again. The current UK government has launched what it calls a Cycling Delivery Plan and has invited local authorities to come forward with expressions of interest. A couple of weeks ago when I was visiting my parents across the other side of the County I noticed in their local paper that their District Council, Harrogate, (we have two tiered local authorities here with North Yorkshire County Council sharing some responsibilities with smaller district councils) was already developing their expression of interest. So, when I returned home I wrote to the relevant officers of our district council to draw their attention to the scheme and see if they were preparing to make an expression of interest.
The reply came back that timescales were short, that supplying the information requested would be challenging and that we should, I quote, "Bear in mind that cycling is not really on our members agenda and we are strapped for cash."
Well the only way it can get onto the members' agenda is if they know about it, and that's the primary purpose of this post.
Whilst there are a number of requirements I think, apart from the political will that I'm not in a position to provide, that the task is not as hard as it might initially seem. Here they are
B.1
The Department for Transport
is calling for expressions of interest from local authorities who would
be interested in setting a long term ambition for walking and cycling in
their area, and who, as part of that ambition
would like to work in partnership with government to secure its
delivery.
B.2 Expressions
of interest in working with government on partnership projects to
increase levels of walking and cycling should include the following
information:
An indication of the local authority's level of ambition for cycling and walking over a defined period;
In recent years the borough has developed a Cycling Strategy and a Pedestrian strategy. The Borough's Community Strategy does contain targets, albeit modest, to increase the number of journeys made on foot or by bike.
Their expectation of government's role in the partnership, and how they would like to work with government;
Since the current Minister with responsibility for cycling is also the local MP I'm sure that something here could be worked out.
Plans for engaging with key stakeholders and securing an influential cycling and walking champion;
As part of Scarborough's Urban Renaissance we had a well established walking and Cycling Action Group. This developed a number of local projects, took on the role of the Borough's Cycle Forum and was instrumental in the formation of the Friends of the old Railway which, in turn, has helped produce clear development plans, in partnership with the Borough, the National Park and the Groundwork Trust, for the track. In the urban area of Scarborough this is the key off road route and an obvious priority. A sister group, Gateway, now exists in Whitby.
A demonstration of the local authority's commitment to door-to-door
journeys, and to creating safe cycling and walking provision through
cycle
proofing new transport infrastructure;
This is where a more focused demonstration of political will would be required.
An outline programme plan, including, where relevant, a planned and funded cycling and walking investment programme.
Both the pedestrian and cycle strategies have clear priorities and objectives. Plans for the enhancement of the Cinder Track are very well developed, are largely costed and have been the subject of widespread community consultation.
B.3
Expressions of interest can be
submitted on an ad hoc basis, and local authorities will be contacted
by a member of the Cycling Policy Team to discuss their proposal.
B.4 Submissions should be made to
Walking.Cycling@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
So, a political decision needs to be made. Of course it may well be that there isn't the local political will but at least councillors will have known that the opportunity was available.
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