Tameside Cycling Forum

Meeting held 6.00pm - Monday 9th July 2007 at Ashton Council Offices

1. Attendance

Present:

Nigel Gilmore - Tameside MBC (Chair)
Peter Brocklehurst - Janus C C
Michelle Murphy - Tameside MBC
Dave Colins - CTC
Colin Ellis - Dukinfield CC
Alan Pickles - Cyclist
Dave Chadderton - MCRC
Ian Saxon - MCRC
Janis Hett - Dowson Go Ride
Stuart Bailey - Sustrans Ranger
John Bloomfield - Cyclist
Chijioke Ebizie - Tameside MBC

Presentation - Mike Hughes - ROW TMBC

Apologies:

Cllr Doubleday - Member TMBC  

2. Rights of Way Improvement Plan

1. MH gave a presentation on Tameside's Rights of Way Improvement Plan. The presentation is one of a series to be given before the document goes out for general consultation.

3. Minutes of Meeting Monday 2nd April 2007 and Matters Arising

1. The previous minutes were accepted as a correct record.
    
2. NG confirmed that Tameside MBC Engineering staff are using COPECAT.

4. Draft Terms of Reference for Discussion and Approval

1. NG presented a revised draft "Terms of Reference". He explained the need for the Forum to shift focus to more strategic matters. 
    
2. In discussion comments received included:
   • DC asked for the inclusion of "Experienced Cyclists" within the categories of cyclists
   • IS drew attention to the omission of Cycling as a Sporting activity
      
3. In response to a question by IS, MM will check with the Sport & Physical Activity Manager regarding the promotion of any bike circuit within the borough.
   School Travel Plans to be included in the new "Terms of Reference"
    
4. NG urged members to send in any suggestions by the 23rd of July for consideration to the final draft

5. Update on Taking Forward the Tameside Cycle Strategy

1. Tameside MBC is in the process of appointing a Consultant to carry out a strategic review of cycle routes in Tameside. The Consultant will commence work in September, present his interim report at the next Forum meeting and the final report a week later.
   
   PB & DC requested a meeting with the Consultant, to input their local cycle knowledge. 
    
2. The existing draft strategy previously approved by forum members will be updated to include latest figures and the outcomes of the work to be undertaken by consultants looking at the whole route network.
    
3. The approved spending on cycling this Financial Year is £145K. The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid, if successful will see a sea change in the way our roads operate.

6. Progress Reports

1. In response to the above several comments were raised and included:-
   • DC - Could we have better location maps at subsequent meetings.
   • JH - (Item 6.5) Sustrans representative in Manchester has identified the crossing at this point to be unsafe.

7. Any Other Business

1. PB asked whether the Tameside website could be updated. CEb agreed to look into this.
    
   As part of updating the site it was suggested that a new email address be set up 2cycling@tameside.gov.uk".
    
2. PB asked are there adequate direction signs showing locations of cycle stands in Ashton?
    
3. DCh asked what happened to the request for a bike circuit in Tameside, with particular reference to Mossley. In response CEb stated that the Council is looking to identify an 8mile all terrain bike circuit in Ashton. CEb to update at next meeting.
    
4. The Tameside Tour 2007 took place on the 8 th of July. 60 people took part including Cllrs Andrew Doubleday and Kieran Quinn. It is hoped that at the January Forum next year's event date can be agreed by all, to avoid future clashes.

8. Date of Next Meeting

8th October 2007 @ 6.00pm.