Comment

Representation ID: 45898

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Transport for West Midlands

Whilst we fully agree with the 7 principles outlined in this policy for walking and cycling, we feel this could be strengthened further, especially in light of the pandemic and the active travel fund measures being rolled out. Under point 1 especially, in terms of ‘maintaining a comprehensive cycle network’ this should include the words ‘safe and convenient network’.

The Metropolitan Cycle Network originally identified in LTP4: Movement for Growth is now known as the Starley Network. Stronger reference to the Starley Network should therefore be made together with the West Midlands Regional Walking and Cycling Strategy. Any cycling provision proposed within the plan should connect fully to all existing routes and these should be of high quality and designed to meet guidance set out by LTN 1/20 and the West Midlands Cycle Design Guidance under the Development and Places for People section.

New developments should not only have good walking and cycling links to public transport nodes and interchanges (as stated in point 4 of the policy) but have excellent links to all local amenities and services and be of mixed use and higher density (where possible) to help make the provision of sustainable transport economically viable and reduce the overall demand to travel, as stated under policy 4 & 6.

The reallocation of road space for cyclists should also be included under this policy, covering cycle lanes and pavement widening together with the importance of active travel behaviour change programmes such as TfWM’s community engagement programmes for active travel and that of its partners including School Streets and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. Considering 20mph on all residential roads is also promoted in our West Midlands Cycle Design Guidance and TfWM’s Developer Guide, and we would welcome a 20mph policy for residential areas.

Finally, reference to the new West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme and the Interconnect West Midlands; the regions wayfinding system would be strongly welcomed.