Cabinet considered the report regarding the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and Cycling Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Parking, Highways and Transport informed that the Government published Gear Change, a national strategy for transforming the role walking and cycling play in transport. The government’s goal was for cycling and walking to become the natural first choice for short journeys and for 50% by 2030.

Growing rates of walking and cycling were objectives within our Corporate Plan, as we look to leading national practice for ways to support a post-pandemic recovery for our town centres, tackle congestion and climate change and improve population health to create a sustainable borough of opportunity and innovation.  A capital programme budget of £1.5m for investment in walking and cycling improvements had been approved for this financial year.  The plan would be kept under review an updated as new schemes became viable.

The Chairman said he supported the paper and proposed the recommendations, Cllr Hilton seconded the proposal.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Sustainability said that she ha attended a recent meeting of the Disability and Inclusion Forum and asked if their views would be taken under consideration.  She was informed that they would and that he was happy to meet with them and offciers for any schemes coming froward.

The Cabinet Member for Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime, and Public Protection asked if other schemes could be added to the plan and was informed that it was a 10 year programme that would be reviewed annually so there was scope for other schemes to be added.

The Cabinet Member for Digital Connectivity, Housing Opportunity, & Sport & Leisure said that he was pleased to see Harvest Hill included with a feasibility study due to be done.

Cllr Larcombe mentioned that the map on page 57 needed updating as it was not correct.

Cllr Price also mentioned that a number of parks were missing on the Windsor maps.  She also mentioned that air pollution was an important issue of concern for cyclists and walkers but there was no consideration of ths in the report, there was also a lack of consideration for equalities fr those with disabilities.  She also mentioned that with regards to the metricise used to determine routes they did not always give the right picture, officers should look at what they feel are the correct routes.  There was also a need for all weather parks in urban areas.  If the appropriate guidance was not followed then there was a risk of funding being lost. She welcomed greater clarity when schemes were brought forward.  The Cabinet Member said he welcomed a discussion with Cllr Price on issues raised.

Cllr Baldwin mentioned that earlier in the meeting Mr Hill had mentioned that he had been sent a Teams invite and as this was for the Part II meeting he was concerned about governance breaches.  The Chairman replied that Mt Hill had been sent an apology for the wrong meeting link being sent and that if a member of the public attended a Part II meeting in person or on line they would be asked to leave.

Resolved unanimously:  that Cabinet notes the report and:

i)            Approves the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, adopting it as corporate policy in place of the borough’s Cycling Action Plan