Longbridge Action Plan

"The AAP includes plans for 10,000 jobs and over 1,450 new homes, (built to high environmental standards), as well as a new local centre to provide a wide range of local facilities, services and a series of public transport and highway improvements. The aim is to create a truly sustainable and well designed new community."

LAAP Newsletter as pdf

Cycling?

The Sustrans 5 route, going out of the city, exits the Rea River pathway at Northfield adjacent to the LAAP. Route 5 then diverts along roads to rejoin the Rea River at the northwest edge of the LAAP zone.
It looks like a fantastic opportunity to reroute Sustrans 5 off road and along the Rea River

There is a "linear open space walkway" planned exactly along this route.

At the Cofton Hackett consultation this afternoon (18/4) staff were unable to find any information as to what standards would be applied to this walkway.

The artists drawings in the brochures show pedestrians but no bikes or cycling facilities. It was, quite reasonably pointed out that the artists were unlikely to have been briefed in detail about this aspect of the design.

What needs doing?

This is a once in a century chance to enhance Sustrans 5 and provide an exemplary facility which encourages cycling, walking and the enjoyment of the parks & open spaces.

Standards for the provision of such facilities are urgently needed for a meaningful consultation and high standard implementation:

  1. Ensure that the facilities within the LAAP link directly to adjacent facilities such as Sustrans 5
  2. Shared walkways are only workable if both foot and cycle traffic is low and there is little crossflow. Given that this should become a well used community facility with shops etc, this is unlikely.
    Even worse, it sets the stage for conflict between walkers & cyclists.
  3. Best practice, exemplified by Holland, is to provide defined cycleways and adequate cycle parking.
    see photos and our own JimBobs experience in Holland.