Active Travel Task and Finish Group
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, RBC has set up a Task and Finish Group to review progress with the Council’s Active Travel schemes. RBC has expressed thanks to those that have responded to their questionnaire about this.
The next steps include meetings with other Councils to discuss their experience, as well as meeting with RCC to firm up on ideas on how this group will take this forward.
Shinfield Road – Active Travel Tranche 2
RBC and Thames Water carried out works in May to fix the drainage issues at the Shinfield Green junction which were causing the cycle lanes to be flooded. Lining has now been completed on the remaining sections of the route. There are, however, no cycle lane signs on poles as yet.
Bath Road and Castle Hill – Active Travel Tranche 3
RBC has been reviewing key elements of the design of the scheme to minimise costly road works, especially changes to traffic signals at the Castle Hill/IDR roundabout, as well as the junction of Bath Road with Coley Avenue.
More work is being undertaken on traffic modelling and scheme design, to be followed by engagement with RCC and wider public consultation.
Palmer Park to Woodley Cycle Scheme
Although this is a WBC scheme, there is a small section of route within RBC’s area. This has been subject to local consultation and has been approved by RBC with construction due to commence later this year. The scheme includes a parallel cycle/zebra crossing on Palmer Park Avenue with the footway under the bridges on Palmer Park Avenue/Culver Lane widened to provide an off-road cycle path.
A33 Kennet Bridge
Works are continuing on the Council’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme on the A33, which includes the installation of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Kennet to allow for a new bus lane. Whilst this doesn’t provide any new cycle routes as it replaces what is there already, RBC is taking the opportunity to provide enhanced cycle facilities as part of this project.
This is an important link in the cycle network south of Reading, linking routes from the town centre heading southwards, as well as National Cycle Network routes 4 and 23. The new bridge will open when the full scheme is completed later this summer/early autumn.
Orbit Bridge Refurbishment Kennetside
The Orbit Bridge on Kennetside, behind Queen’s Road car park, was closed in early July due to maintenance issues. Reading have recently announced £560k funding to carry out works to reopen the bridge. We were hoping that the works could have included widening this very narrow bridge to make it accessible for all, including cyclists.
An upgraded bridge would provide a convenient route for cyclists from Kennetside heading towards the town centre and station via Abbey Gateway instead of Market Place. However, the available funding only extends to replacing the bridge on a like-for-like basis, rather than a widened, upgraded structure.
Roads Resurfacing Programme
The Council is continuing with its 2-year main roads resurfacing programme. As part of this work, existing on-carriageway cycle lane markings are being reviewed, to ensure the renewed markings are fit for purpose and meet the latest design guidance.
The resurfacing programme has included cycle lanes on Silver Street/Mount Pleasant and Southampton Street, which has provided a significant improvement to the surface and ride for these sections of road. Both roads now include markings for a mandatory cycle lane as well as double yellow lines.
This means that enforcement against parked vehicles can be undertaken by both the Council’s Parking team as well as the Police. Other recently completed schemes include Greyfriars Road and Oxford Road.
Street Pods Cycle Parking
RBC have funded 36 street pod cycle parking stands which have been installed at different locations across the town centre on a trial basis.
These are different to the usual Sheffield cycle parking stands as they wrap around the front wheel of a bike, which means that cyclists should only need one lock to secure their bike. Unlike Sheffield stands, they are capable of being moved, so the Council is interested in any feedback, good or bad, or suggestions for different locations to transport@reading.gov.uk.
Cycle Hangars
RBC is proposing a similar trial of several cycle hangars to provide secure on-street cycle storage in residential streets, such as terraced housing or where there are no other suitable cycle parking spaces. Funding has been secured to trial four cycle hangars and consideration is now being given as to how the sites will be chosen.
Public Space Protection Order
RBC is looking to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the town to deal with the various issues of anti-social behaviour that aren’t presently enforced by the Police, which would include restrictions on ‘dangerous’ use of e-bikes.
Naturally, we are concerned about possible further restrictions on cycle use in the town centre, especially as a few schemes in other towns have been very restrictive.
Some issues remain unclear, such as what defines anti-social behaviour, how this will be enforced, or if e-cycles and e-scooters will also be targeted. We are seeking to meet with RBC to discuss the proposals.
Future Meetings
We have regular informal meetings with RBC officers to discuss progress on the various schemes and initiatives that are on-going. If there are any suggestions or queries from members, we would be happy to raise them at these meetings.
The next formal meeting is the Cycle Forum on 4 September, and the Clean Air and Sustainable Transport forum (CAST) is on 2 December.
Tony Carr
RBC Campaigner for RCC
