Tameside Cycling Forum

Meeting Held 6.00 pm Monday 15th December 2008 at Ashton Council Offices

1 Present:

• Cllr Andrew Doubleday Tameside MBC (Chair)
• Nigel Gilmore Tameside MBC
• Peter Brocklehurst Janus Road Club
• Sarah Peevers Cyclist
• Stuart Bailey Sustrans Ranger
• David Collins CTC
• Chijioke Ebizie Tameside MBC (Minutes taker)

Apologies

• Janis Hett Mossley CRT
• Dieter Weichart Cyclist
• John Bloomfield Cyclist

2 Minutes of meeting Monday 8th September 2008 and Matters arising

(Previous Minutes 4.2) DC wanted to know if ASDA have been asked to contribute to the failed retaining wall by Cavendish Street. In response NG informed the meeting that the area belonged to British Waterways who currently have no resources to make an effective repair.
CE informed members of the Cycle Forum of a Planning Application submitted by New Charter Housing to permanently close the section of canal towpath mentioned above. This information was passed to Forum Members and all the responses received, were fed back.
In order to try and resolve this issue NG promised to look into the matter and report back to the group.
(Previous Minutes 6.1) DC raised the issue of the new Traffic Light controlled junction on Darnton Road at the entrance to Tameside Hospital. He stated that the signal phasing was inconsistent and the layout design posed a danger to cyclists.
In response CE stated that the Officer responsible has been consulted on the matter, to which he attributes the layout to lack of space in the vicinity. The light phasing (timing) will be taken up with Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Unit (GMUTC).
All other minutes of the meeting were approved as a correct record.

3 Presentation of the Current Action Items

3.1 CE gave a presentation on the current “Action Items”. See item 6

4 Tameside Cycle Facilities Report

4.1 NG informed Cycle Forum members that the final Cycle Facilities Report has been received and is available. The report will be uploaded onto the internet once approved by Councillor Andrew Doubleday.

5 AOB

5.1 SP raised the issue of the poor cycle stands available at Tameside libraries. She felt they were inadequate and can cause damage to wheels.
C.E. agreed to look into the issue with a view to updating them as appropriate.
DC highlighted his experience with detector loops not picking up cycle movement at Traffic Signals. In response CE stated that the problem lies with the sensitivity of the detector loops at the respective sites. Cyclists were advised to forward such complaints to him, for onward transmission to GMUTC.
DC asked what was happening with the recommendations from the Cycle Facilities Report, with particular reference to the Scotland Street link. In response NG informed the forum that the schemes were being prioritised and broken down into manageable units.
SB and PB drew attention to the lack of adequate directional signage in the borough, with particular reference to the Regional and National Cycle routes criss-crossing Tameside MBC. In response CE informed the Cycle Forum that the Council is currently evaluating the locations for signage and that Cycle Forum members are welcome to contribute.
NG informed the Cycle Forum that the bid by Greater Manchester for the Transport Innovation Fund was not successful, therefore cycle related improvements proposed under TIF would not go ahead.
CE asked forum members to forward ideas on suitable cycle schemes for the 2009/10 Capital Programme.

6. Action Items

Schemes Description Progress:

• NCN66 improvements Fencing and “A” frame at Wilshaw Grove in Ashton Fencing and “A” frame installed
• RCN85 (at Booth Road) Cycle route through “Keepers Chase” housing development by Fairfield Station Work ongoing on site
• Droylsden cyclepath Path linking Moorside Street to Hawthorn Road Work commenced on site
• Installation of Bike stands New Bike Stands at Tameside College 10 Bike Stands installed at Tameside College
• Connect2 Big Lottery schemes 1. Survey and Environmental impact surveys at Park Bridge 2. Meeting with Stakeholders regarding Peak Forest canal towpath (NCN66) Preparatory work ongoing, different cost options and designs produced for the Park Bridge scheme.
• Dowson Primary School – Creation of new access and installation of a new cycle track Cycle track to be created on school playing fields and a new improved access from Armitage Close. Work commenced on site.

7 Date of next meeting March 17th 2009, time 6.00pm at the Council Offices.