To receive a verbal report from Gordon Oliver, Principal Transport Planner (RBWM)  on the above titled item.

Gordon Oliver, Principal Transport Planner (Project Centre), updated the forum on the above titled item. Members were reminded of the close pass initiative and details of how it was carried out in public. Members were told that a RBWM have had a close pass mat produced and that this could be used for public events and for would help in delivering road cycling safety plans with Agilysis. It was highlighted that there were three Urban Limits events taking place in RBWM and it was intended that visits to major business parks would be scheduled in 2019. Members were told that the ambition was to increase knowledge of safe overtaking distances for motorists. The forum were told that Thames Valley Police had limited resources and that they would not be able to operate the close pass initiative in RBWM, but that high impact areas such as Hampshire and Portsmouth had existing operations in place.

Forum Members noted that this was a good scheme and that it would promote a positive difference to road users with better education. It was felt that there would be a greater importance placed on addressing the safety concerns of cyclists. Gordon advised that if forum members had any ideas for promotions that could use the mat, such as pop-ups in shopping centres, car parks and schools that they should contact him directly. It was highlighted that there were a small number of motorists who passed closely to cyclists with malice or intent, but that the majority was due to a lack of awareness of the implications of their actions. Members felt it would be beneficial for a pack of information to be provided along with the close pass mat. It was noted that information was already available and had been produced by Thames Valley Police, however, this information was being re-produced by the borough to be more visually engaging. A forum member highlighted a scheme from another borough, whereby motorists and cyclists “traded places” and that this provided positive and enforced messaging about safe overtaking spaces. A forum Member felt that it would be a good campaign, but that it would take police involvement to reinforce a stronger message.

Members felt that a multi-media approach was the best approach to encourage change and education for road users, including appropriate videos. It was highlighted that extra resources would be needed in addition to the close pass mat at events to increase engagement and retention of the knowledge on offer around safe overtaking distances. Members wished to see an item in the “Around the Royal Borough” newsletter which is sent to households three times a year.

ACTION - That the Chair communicate with the relevant officers to include an item in the March edition of “Around the Royal Borough” newsletter.

Members discussed changes to the driving theory test and that there were revisions within the Highway code which were being looked at currently. Members also discussed ways in which messaging and signage could be used, including variable message signs. It was confirmed that fixed signs promoting safe overtaking distances were not currently legal in the UK. . The Chair reminded members that he had written to the Secretary of State and that this letter had been circulated.

ACTION - That Cllr Wilson chase a response from the Secretary of State and circulate to members of the forum.

David Lambourne highlighted facts in relation to the number of known cyclists deaths and it was reported that there were 211 deaths in 2010-2014 and it was noted that pothole repair performance had vastly improved. Members discussed that dinge repairs were not always adequate and that presented problems for cyclists and road users. Councillor Wilson informed the forum with details of “my street” which was a service operated by RBWM council where potholes could be reported and that RBWM had good quality roads compared nationally. A Member of the Forum felt that a radical shift in mindsets was needed and that more money should be allocated to cycling measures instead of housing developments and car parks. Cllr Wilson highlighted that all property developments now gave consideration to cyclists and transport requirements and that developers had to give consideration to cyclists. The previously submitted Borough Local plan and recognition of specific cycling sites/routes were rejected by the planning inspectorate and that the new plan referenced the older sites. Members highlighted the need for a cycle route on the A308m and that there was work that needed to be carried out with this route.