Tameside Cycling Forum

Meeting Held 6.00pm Monday 16th March 2009 at Ashton Council Offices

1. Present:

• Cllr Andrew Doubleday Tameside MBC (Chair)
• Nigel Gilmore Tameside MBC
• Peter Brocklehurst Janus Road Club
• Sarah Peevers Cyclist
• John Bloomfield Cyclist
• David Collins CTC
• Alan Pickles Cyclist
• Chijioke Ebizie Tameside MBC (Minutes taker)

Apologies:

•  Toby Wood Sports Development

2. Minutes of meeting Monday 15th December 2008 and Matters arising

2.1 (Previous Minutes 2) Members of the Cycle Forum were informed that the Ashton canal towpath by Cavendish Mills will be fenced off, but can be re-opened if British Waterways can fund repairs to the collapsed retaining wall.

2.2 (Previous Minutes 5.1) A member of the Cycle Forum felt that a general statement made regarding cycling parking provisions outside libraries in Tameside could be misconstrued to be a criticism of the Ashton Library in particular.

2.3 A member of the Cycle Forum complained that the bike stands on Katherine Street which have been re-installed were hidden and not easily found.

In response the Cycle Officer stated that the location was the best that could be done at that location. Putting it in the footway will be an obstruction to pedestrians and a hazard for those with visual impairment. There is also an added benefit of being covered. The location will be properly signed for cyclists. Chijioke Ebizie to update group.

2.4 (Previous Minutes 4.1) David Collins asked for a paper copy of the completed Cycle Facilities report. Nigel Gilmore informed the Cycle Forum that the Report was now online and can be accessed at www.tameside.gov.uk/cycling. A copy of the report will be sent.

3. Presentation of the Current Action list of schemes

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

4. 2009/10 Capital Programme

4.1 Chijioke Ebizie gave a presentation of the Cycling Capital Programme proposal for 2009/10

4.2 A member of the Cycle Forum wanted to know how long it took to get the Capital Programme approved.

4.3 The Chairperson informed the Forum that since some of the proposals in the Cycling Capital Programme involved amending Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) with particular reference to the NCN66 corridor, that some of the proposals for the 2009/10 Capital might not be completed in one financial year.

4.4 A request was made by a member of the Cycle Forum for the proposals for the Cycling Capital programme 2009/10 to be floated to the Forum members for inspection and comments prior to commencement of the schemes.

In response forum members were informed that whilst they highlight cycle problems and issues within the borough which contribute to proposed capital programmes the final decision rests with elected members of the Council.

5. Any Other Business

5.1 A member of the Cycle Forum wanted to know if the Council was aware of access issues on the NCN62 proposed route at Godley linking Station Road.

In response Chijioke Ebizie stated that he was aware of the issues and did attend a site meeting, during which a resident informed the group that Sustrans do not have a Right of Way. The legal aspect is being looked into by Sustrans.

5.2 Alan Pickles wanted to know if usage of the school bike stands was being monitored, also if Safer Routes to Schools were being implemented.

In response Nigel Gilmore informed the Cycle Forum that this was part of the School Travel Plan process and that the Council’s School Travel Plan Co-ordinator deals with such issues.

5.3 John Bloomfield in reference to the Keeperschase housing development wondered why clear cycle provisions are not incorporated in new schemes.

In response the Chairperson informed the Cycle Forum that this issue will be looked at again.

5.4 David Collins wanted to know if the Bus Priority scheme on the A57 was still being considered.

Nigel Gilmore stated that this will be considered in light of post TIF discussions.

5.5 Peter Brocklehurst provided information on locations requiring cycle directional signage to the Cycle Officer.

Chijioke Ebizie expressed his gratitude for this assistance.

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 completed
Installation of Bike stands New Bike Stands at Tameside College 10 Bike Stands installed at Tameside College
Installation of Bike stands (others) New bike stands installed in Mossley Town centre and some schools in Tameside. Work substantially completed
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. Prices revised upwards taking into consideration design costs.
Dowson Primary School – Creation of new access and installation of a new cycle track ‘Cycle for life Trail’ and Armitage Close access to Dowson Primary School. Work substantially completed.

2009/10 Capital Programme 
Scheme Details Progress

NCN66 Cycle Link from Oldham Border to Turner Lane, Ashton Town Centre NCN66 corridor improvement
DfT Links to School Droylsden/ Audenshaw Improve existing disused railway line path from Hawthorn Road to Manchester Road
Ashton – Dukinfield – Hyde Improvement of existing accesses
Ashton – Audenshaw – Denton (On and off road routes) Improvement of existing routes

7. Date of next meeting June 22nd 2009, time 6.00pm at the Council Offices