Active Travel Task and Finish Group
RBC is setting up a Task and Finish Group to review the success (or otherwise) of the Council’s Active Travel schemes and look at how such schemes support the Council’s wider transport strategy. The initial step is collating feedback from various interest groups via a questionnaire. We would hope that the group will go on to consider how such schemes are chosen, planned and funded.
Shinfield Road
Works are underway (early May) to remedy the drainage issues on the approach to the Shinfield Green junction which resulted in the cycle lanes being flooded over the winter. Works to complete the signing and lining will be carried out along with remedial works to the dangerous kerb upstands where cyclists transition from the road to the cycle track.
Bath Road and Castle Hill
Previously we reported that RBC would be reconsulting on revised proposals for the scheme to minimise costly changes to the traffic signals at the Castle Hill roundabout due to increasing overall costs. We are awaiting a timescale for consultation on the updated proposals.
A33 Kennet Bridge
Works to complete the new shared-use bridge on the A33 over the river Kennet appear to be almost complete. The new bridge is being built as part of the South Reading Bus Rapid Transit scheme, which will provide bus lanes along the A33. 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, as not only does it join various routes from the town centre heading southwards, it also links with National Cycle Network route 4 to Newbury and Bristol along the Kennet and Avon canal as well as NCN route 23 to Basingstoke and Southampton. We don’t have details of when the new bridge will be opened but we will publicise this as soon as possible.
Cycle Hangars
RBC have secured funding for a trial of cycle hangers as part of the Capability and Ambition programme. This will provide for some secure on-street cycle storage hangars in residential streets, such as terraced housing, where there are no other suitable cycle parking spaces. We understand that costs are being finalised, and we await further information about how many cycle hangars will be trialled as well as how the sites will be chosen.
Street Pods Cycle Parking
RBC has also used the Capability and Ambition programme funding to install 36 Street Pod cycle parking stands at different locations across the town centre. These are a different design 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. The downside is that they only seem suitable for standard solo bikes. These are being installed on a trial basis so we would welcome any feedback from members with their experience of using these cycle parking stands.
Whitley Street Cycle Lane
Several cyclists have raised concerns about the cycle lane on Whitley Street being blocked by drivers parking to use the shops, forcing cyclists to pull out into the busy traffic lane. RBC has responded to this by increasing the level of parking enforcement on this section of road. We would be grateful for any feedback on whether this enforcement is proving effective from members, or whether other measures should be considered.
River Academy
Although concerns were raised about the adequacy of walking and cycling routes around River Academy school before it opened, the Council’s Active Travel Officer has been working with the school, feeder primary schools and pupils to identify improved routes to the school. This has resulted in existing routes on Richfield Avenue being upgraded along with the introduction of a new parallel cycle/pedestrian crossing outside the school. Other routes have been introduced or upgraded on Portman Road. We haven’t been involved with the development of these new routes, but we will look to include a plan in a future newsletter to ensure that more people are aware of these new routes.
Public Space Protection Order
RBC is looking to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the town centre to deal with the various issues of anti-social behaviour which aren’t presently enforced by the Police. This is likely to include issues such as rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour, excess drinking in public, but could also include restrictions on dangerous use of cycles, e-bikes, scooters etc. Naturally, we are concerned about possible further restrictions on cycle use in the town centre, especially as schemes in other towns have been very restrictive. However, we don’t presently know what restrictions will be included or how the scheme will be taken forward.
Reading Cycle Map Update
We have recently met with RBC to discuss updating the Reading cycle map. The map was last updated in 2022, since when a number of new schemes have been introduced. Although online cycle maps are increasingly popular, paper-based maps are particularly useful for publicity purposes and are used by many people, especially useful to those new to cycling. We also discussed having a Reading leisure rides map that would be suitable for novice riders and family groups.
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 meeting is the Cycle Forum on 4 September. Future dates for the Clean Air and Sustainable Transport forum (CAST) are yet to be confirmed.
Tony Carr
RBC Campaigner for RCC
