Tameside Cycling Forum

Meeting Held 6.00 pm Monday 25th January 2010 at Ashton Council Offices

Draft Minutes

1 Present:

• Cllr Andrew Doubleday Tameside MBC (Chair)
• Nigel Gilmore Tameside MBC
• Peter Brocklehurst Janus Road Club
• Ian Swindells Cyclist
• Nigel Rolland Cyclist
• David Collins CTC
• Alan Pickles Cyclist
• Chijioke Ebizie Tameside MBC (Minutes)
• Rod Whitworth GMCC
• John Williams Cyclist
• Mike Baker cc@phonecoop.coop

Apologies

• Toby Wood Sports Development
• Sarah Peevers Cyclist
• Janis Hett Cyclist
• Stuart Bailey Sustrans Ranger

2. Introduction and Apologies

2.1 Meeting started promptly by the Chairperson. General introduction by attendees.

Notes from the previous meeting were read to Cycle Forum Members.

3. 2009/10 Capital Programme

3.1 A presentation on the main elements of the 2009/10 Cycle Highway Capital programme was given. These are listed below:

• Ashton town centre cycle route
• Ashton to Stalybridge cycle route
• Droylsden disused railway path improvement phase 2
• Ashton canal towpath link
• Hyde canal towpath link
• Hyde southern access
• Installation of Cycle directional signs
• NCN66 Improvement works

3.2 Ashton Town Centre Route: The preferred route through Ashton Town Centre was explained, showing locations for new cycle parking.

RW drew Cycle Forum Members attention to the latest Cycle Infrastructure Design publication that bore a close resemblance to the Warrington Street location.
AP also wondered why cyclists could not get off their bikes in the pedestrianised areas and walk.

Members were informed that the amendments to the Traffic Regulation Orders for the Town Centre were in progress, with a view to implementing them this year baring no major opposition to the proposals.

3.3 Ashton to Stalybridge Cycle Route: NG explained the proposed works to be implemented as part of the Ashton-Stalybridge cycle route improvement scheme. The path running parallel to Park Parade will be widened. Also the provision of a single red pedestrian/cycle phase at the Scotland Street/Whitelands Road junction is being studied. Incorporated in this proposal is a green phase for traffic exiting Lower Wharf Street at every 2nd cycle. Given the potential cost of the scheme there is no guarantee it will go ahead.

PB wanted to know if any provision will be made to slow cyclists down on the proposed widened path at Park Parade. DC also wanted to know if cyclists could cycle through the subway.

In response the forum was informed that the situation with speeding cyclists will be monitored and that on safety grounds cyclists will be advised to dismount whilst proceeding through the subway.

3.4 Droylsden/Audenshaw disused railway Cycle Path: The existing cyclepath on the Droylsden disused railway path is being extended by 500m from Hawthorn Road to Heron Drive. The scheme will be implemented during the current financial year. The Council was not successful in its financial bid for this project from Sustrans because we did not meet their set criteria, hence the shortened length.

The issue of “Kissing Gates” was raised by a member of the Cycle Forum.

In response the Cycle Forum was informed that the new scheme will only have “A” frames as agreed with the District Assemblies in the area.

3.5 Ashton/Hyde Canal Towpath links: The canal towpath links from Ashton and Hyde will be signed. The Ashton cycle route link will use a path running parallel to Park Parade leading into Wellbeck Street South through Margaret Street to the canal towpath. The Hyde cycle route link will use Nursery Road and the carriageway and footway on Dukinfield Road leading to Edward Street.

A member wanted to know if the footway on Dukinfield Road between Nursery Road and Edward Street will be adequate for a shared use cycle/footway. Also DC felt that the proposed route through Asda car park would have been the best option for the Ashton link.

In response the Cycle Forum was informed that the existing footway between Nursery Road and Edward Street on Dukinfield Road was wide enough (2.5m) to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians.

3.6 Hyde Southern Access: The Hyde southern access will be signed for cyclists and the Traffic Regulation Orders on Henry Street reviewed with a view to implement a cycle contra flow on certain sections.

RW wondered if the cycle lanes will be as wide as the existing car parking bays.

3.7 Installation of Cycle Directional Signs: A cycle signage program, with particular emphasis on directional signage to and from the National Cycle Routes and Town centres is currently being implemented.

3.8 NCN66 Improvement Works: The Council will be carrying out improvements to the NCN66 Ashton Greenway in partnership with Sustrans. This will consist of granular material on 700m of unmade section from Bristol Avenue in a northerly direction. The Scheme will be implemented this financial year.

4 Potential for 2010/11 LTP Highway Capital Programme Consultation

4.1 It was explained to the group that the Highway Capital Programme is divided into a number of distinct areas. The areas that would interest the Cycle Forum would centre around Traffic Management schemes. Although these are small in number they will be circulated to the group as part of the consultation process for comments. Whilst any comments would be noted there is no guarantee they would be taken on board.

5 AOB

5.1 DC wanted to know what was happening to a request to relax the restriction on cyclists using the bus bypass at Trinity Street/Armentieres Square in Stalybridge.

In response members were informed that this scheme will be included for consideration in next year’s Capital Programme.

5.2 NG informed the Cycle Forum that the safety audit at Mottram Mudd has been completed and the recommendation was that no additional action be taken.

PB/DC stated they wanted to meet up with the Safety Officer for better clarity.

AD stated however that a copy of the Safety Audit would be furnished for information.

5.3 AP drew the Cycle Forum’s attention to the road humps and cushions installed on Wilshaw Lane - Wood Lane - Broadoak Road corridor. He feels the layout is not consistent and makes cycling difficult.

In response the Cycle Officer informed the Cycle Forum that an explanation will be requested and passed on to AP.

5.4 PB stated that he was not happy with the advert for the establishing of a Traffic Regulation Order for the Alt Hill Quiet Lane scheme. He feels that Cyclists should have been informed during the planning, design phase and before construction.

A member of the Cycle Forum stated that the Quiet Lane concept was a good idea.

5.5 NG informed the Cycle Forum that the Council has withdrawn from the Connect 2 bridge project at Park Bridge.

RW wanted to know if this included the short length bridge over Alt Hill Lane. This was confirmed.

6. Date of next meeting May 10th 2010, time 6.00pm at the Council Offices.

Action Items

• Cycle Signage Replace sign at the A57/Stalybridge Rd junction
• Obstructive Parking on Danby Road Complaint from a member of the Cycle Forum regarding “obstructive parking” on Danby Road” Asked for details and have informed Parking Services about this problem.