The paper submitted to Stratford District Council and Warwickshire County Council on 18 December 2008 may be downloaded HERE (pdf, opens in a new window)

The concept was endorsed by the Committee and Officers instructed to liaise with the volunteer group to advise on feasibility etc.

Introduction

This paper sets out a case for the development of a signed network of cycleways encircling Stratford-upon-Avon and connected to the town by a number of ‘spokes’

The proposal is illustrated in the draft map as a "rim, hub and spokes"

The uses of cycling

A significant minority of the population enjoys cycling for recreation or exercise whilst in certain, generally flatter areas, older people use cycles as a means of travel over short distances to go to shops etc. But commuter cycling to school or work is rare and many people own bicycles which they use only rarely. It is significant however that adult commuter cycling over distances up to around 15 km is now growing in London as it is perceived as more flexible, environmentally friendly and cheaper than travel by car or public transport.

The position in and around Stratford-upon-Avon

The town and its hinterland are intrinsically ‘cyclable’. The area is relatively flat.   Many places of interest lie within 15 or so kilometers of the town as do a number of  commercial and industrial estates.   Conversely, many people live within that distance of the town and regularly travel into it, generally by car.

Cycling for leisure and exercise in the area is popular.   In the town itself there are several clubs and other organisations devoted to the pursuit and clubs from other areas, notably Birmingham and Solihull, are often to be seen cycling in and around the area.

Tourist use of bicycle routes is limited.   Handouts illustrating the present routes are available from the tourist authority and hire bicycles are available in the town.  There are existing routes which offer tourists the possibility of half or full day trips out of town and back again.   But routes are not generally centred on the town, being for the most sections of routes which go through and beyond.

Other than a few people using the Greenway to go to work at Long Marston, there is little commuter cycling and few children go to school by bike.

All told, even the most popular cycling routes remain uncluttered even at times of peak use during summer weekends and there is clearly scope for more use of the bicycle in the area.

The case for development of a web

The case hinges on four factors: leisure and health of residents; development of tourist potential; value for commuting as car travel becomes more difficult for cost and environmental reasons and safety.

Leisure and health - The case on these grounds needs little elaboration.   It is sufficient to note that, if they keep fit, all age groups are likely to feel better in pursuit of their everyday lives and are less likely to impose costs on the health service.

Tourist potential - The number of tourists visiting the town has been in decline for some 30 years.    It is only by expanding the range of attractions that this decline is likely to be arrested.   In tourist destinations across the world, cycling is encouraged; indeed for many people holidays are the only time in the year when they mount a bicycle.   Open countryside and many attractions are within easy cycling distance of the town.   A network with ‘paper’ appeal could be strongly marketed as a significant attraction and as part of a package which might encourage more visitors to take stopovers in the town, giving themselves time to visit – by bicycle – places of interest beyond the town boundaries.

Commuting - The growth in use of the bicycle in London is a clear indicator of likely developments.   Several factors are coming together to bear down on car use and people will look for alternative means of transport.   Jitneys and other public service vehicles might mop up some of this demand but many younger people may favour the bicycle for distances which will take them around half an hour to travel.   The development of a network of signposted routes will both respond to and encourage this development.

Safety - There is a chicken and egg problem here.  Many people perceive the roads to be unsafe for cycling but until there are more bicycles on the roads facilitating the development of understanding between motor vehicle drivers and cyclists, those fears may remain.   Well signposted routes which are apparent to all road users combined in some cases with new 30 mph limits will encourage more potential cyclists to overcome their fears.

Next steps and timing

Within a year:

1.    Introduce signage to define the web as indicated on the map.
2.    Prepare and publicise
a. a map of the web with text
b a single page leaflet with diagrammatic map
3.    Start work on a detailed study of the routes, so that

Within 5 years

a.    the routes are related more closely to places of interest and work places
b.    the routes are, where possible, reserved with some off-road sections
c.    the spokes are extended to join the major settlements in the district to Stratford town.

Note : The map is a very crude representation to support this paper only - it indicates the concepts but needs professional assistance with mapping software (and the copyright issues from the Ordnance Survey)