Cycling UK Forum

Local Authorities in England & Wales are having to do a statutory consultations on their local transport plans which this time around will be called LTP3. As cyclists we need to stand up be counted and make our voices heard and make sure cycling is on a slightly broader agenda than "good to train the kiddies at school" and "here is a safe cyclepath in your local park for your family to ride on of a Sunday"

We need to be getting local authorities to realise, accept, and adopt plans of action which recognise that utility cycling is a sustainable, health giving,
relatively safe, and realistic alternative to car use for many people for large parts of the year.

Have you done your bit and said your piece yet?

Any ideas about who we need to contact?

Your Local Authority, so in the shires your county council. They have a statutory duty to consult on this.

By way of example this is my LA's version

Haven't some of the consultations long finished?

E.g
"The West Midlands Metropolitan Area Local Transport Plan (LTP3) will be a statutory document setting out the transport strategy and policies for the Metropolitan Area to 2026. LTP3 will supersede the current LTP2, which expires on 31 March 2011.

A key part of any LTP is its Vision. We are undertaking consultation on our proposed Vision for LTP3 until 18 December 2009"
http://www.westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/

Central Beds (with no indication when the consultation period closes )

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/images/100705_Cycling%20Strategy_First%20Draft%20for%20Consultation_tcm5-30423.pdf

I wonder whether it might be a bit academic, given that the Department of Transport is going to have its budget cut by 40%.

So the big issue is what ought to be cut? All schemes to increase the car carrying capacity of roads if you ask me.

George Riches wrote:Haven't some of the consultations long finished?

some have yes, others haven't.

imo vision statements come cheap, everyone believes in motherhood and apple pie. delivery is what matters.

George Riches wrote:I wonder whether it might be a bit academic, given that the Department of Transport is going to have its budget cut by 40%.

So the big issue is what ought to be cut? All schemes to increase the car carrying capacity of roads if you ask me.

DoT don't pay for your local roads, nor for your local cycling infrastructure where, unfortunately, that doesn't mean 'roads'. Yes it is likely that your LA's budgets will be slashed and burned by our great leaders' plan of death by 1000 cuts (but not the kiddies' milk - oh no that's sacred) however many cycling schemes are paid for from Section 106 monies levied on developers so your LA will still be able to do some things if you are prepared to hold their feet to the fire.

One idea that may be useful to consider is for the County Councils and others to provide park and ride by train where major roads cross suitable train lines. A transfer from road to rail, possibly income producing for the CC's. They may need an extra station, platform and car parking space. It could save people the trouble of driving into cities and time.

Some examples could be the A1, near to York and Leeds, leave the car and catch the train the York, Leeds.
A1 again, catch the train to Harrogate or York, Scarborough.

A1 Nottingham.

M6 to Manchester or Blackpool

Reducing cars/buses in cities, combined low cost family tickets could make them attractive options.

Environental assessment could be useful.

I went to a seminar about LTP3 in Derby back in May.

Details here; http://www.derbycyclinggroup.org.uk/news.php