To receive the above report.

The Forum received an update on initial proposals to be put forward for inclusion in the proposed 2017/18 capital programme. Full council on 21 February 2017 had agreed the council budget, including £75,000 for cycling. In addition to the slippage from the previous year, this totalled £122,200, and an additional £30,000 for school cycle parking.

The Forum noted the individual proposals:

·         Maidenhead ‘Missing Links’ business case – A bid had been  made to the LEP to connect the opportunity areas around the town centre in relation to walking, cycling and public realm. A joint venture partner had been appointed to progress four of the sites. £25,000 was proposed to pay for consultants to develop the business case.. Benefits needed to offset costs by a factor of 2:1 to secure the funding.

·         Cherwell Close bridge, Maidenhead - The proposal was to replace the existing narrow pedestrian bridge behind the Magnet leisure centre to Town Moor. As a main river, EA approval was required therefore a design was needed early on in the process.

·         A329 Ascot High Street – this was a legacy scheme from the previous year.

·         Thames Path, Eton Wick - £15,000 would be required for much-needed maintenance. It was confirmed that although cycling was actively discouraged on some parts of the Thames Path, this stretch formed part of National Cycle Network Route 4.

·         Bradenham Lane, Bisham – the scheme focussed on existing cycle routes to the north west of Maidenhead. £10,000 would be a contribution to Highways England works for a new cycle lane between Hurley Lane and Bradenham Lane. The Highways England fund was to address severance issues caused by Highways England roads. It was commented that the permitted bridleway link between Dungrovehill Lane and Hurley Lane was poorly surfaced and should be improved as part of the scheme.

·         Brocas Street, Eton – the council was working with the Eton Neighbourhood Planning Group to remove the current cycle parking that was causing an obstruction, and replace it with a new larger facility. The £5,000 was a top up to the Participatory Budget scheme. It was confirmed that the new facilities would be secured before the old one was removed.

·         Osgood Park, Windsor and Victoria Park – the council had a manifesto commitment to provide cycle parking in local parks. Stephen Shepherd commented that there may be little demand, particularly as children using the parks often chose to lay their bikes on the ground rather than use cycle parking facilities. He was advised to discuss this with Councillor E. Wilson who had put in the request for Osgood Park.

·         Thames Street, Windsor – additional cycle parking between Windsor Bridge and Datchet Road.

·         Lower Road, Cookham Rise – cycle parking to be provided by the local shops.

·         Three schools were proposed for additional cycle parking facilities – Churchmead School, Datchet, Wessex Primary School, Cox Green and St Edward’s First School, Windsor. A consultation had been undertaken with all schools the previous year to identify those with no or poor cycle parking facilities.

It was confirmed that the budget of £75,000 comprised council funding and developer contributions. The Forum requested details of the split, in comparison to the previous year. The Principal Transport Policy Officer agreed to circulate the details to Members.

It was confirmed that consultation with ward councillors and parish councils would take place on all proposals before being presented to Cabinet.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the cycling schemes to be taken to Cabinet for approval be noted, and that details of the budget split between local authority funding and developer contributions be circulated to all Forum attendees.