The report sets out the progress to date on the development of the Herefordshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and seeks comments or recommendations on the plan before its completion in December 2023.

The Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure and the Interim Head of Transportation and Parking introduced the item.  The committee was advised that the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was a strategic approach to identifying improvements, driven by data and analysis of commuting, leisure, and everyday trips.

The principal points of the discussion are summarised below:

1.           A committee member noted that the Technical Guidance for Local Authorities (link to the Department of Transport (DfT) guidance) suggested various data sources, with one being app-based data for existing cycle trips (e.g. Strava).  Comments were made about the potential over-reliance on app-based data and the need to mitigate related biases, including the possibility that certain groups of people could be missed, such as serving personnel who may avoid the use of geo-tagging apps.  The PJA Consultant provided the committee with an overview of the demand-led approach to identifying desire lines.

2.           The Interim Head of Transport and Parking reported that there would be engagement with some stakeholder groups on the LCWIP before broader consultation and engagement aligned to the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and the Local Plan.  With attention drawn to the LCWIP programme and progress (paragraph 10, agenda page 15), committee members expressed concerns about the lack of engagement to date and commented on the need for key stakeholders, including town and parish councils, to be enabled to input concerns and ideas.  The Chairperson considered that consultation on the LCWIP should be on a standalone basis and undertaken as soon as possible.

3.           The Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure acknowledged the need for effective engagement, including with stakeholders in rural areas, and the challenges associated with the timescales for key strategies and plans.

4.           The Interim Head of Transport and Parking reported that Herefordshire Council was working on cross-border linkages with neighbouring local authorities in Monmouthshire, Powys, and Shropshire as part of the Marches Forward Partnership.  It was noted that work was outstanding with Gloucestershire.  The Chairperson commented on the need to coordinate with all neighbouring authorities.

5.           The Vice-Chairperson noted that a key output would be ‘a prioritised programme of infrastructure improvements for future investment’ (paragraph 31 b, agenda page 19) and suggested that this could be considered for future scrutiny activity.

6.           The Interim Head of Transport and Parking reported that cycling and walking network mapping had not yet been received; the consultant, Phil Jones Associates (PJA), was auditing possible cycling routes to confirm that they were achievable.

7.           In response to a comment about the interfaces between cycle routes and busy roads, the Service Director Environment and Highways provided an outline of the proposed infrastructure improvements on Holme Lacy Road in Hereford.

8.           The Interim Head of Transport and Parking advised the committee that the outputs from the LCWIP would help to inform the LTP; evidence would be assessed in relation to different ideas (e.g. a north to south cycle route, utilising disused railway lines, etc), including opportunities to attract investment.  The Chairperson commented on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24