Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/17/49) seeking scheme and estimate approval  to the construction of Phase 1 of the E4 Cycle Route, a two-way cycle track on Cumberland Way and Pinhoe Road, Exeter (between Hollow Lane and Pilton Lane) with raised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on road humps at side roads, previously considered by the Exeter HATOC,  attached.

(Councillors Biederman, Connett and Hannaford attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/17/49) seeking scheme and estimate approval to the construction of Phase 1 of the E4 Cycle Route, a two-way cycle track on Cumberland Way (between Hollow Lane and Pilton Lane) and Pinhoe Road, Exeter, with raised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on road humps at side roads, previously approved by both the Exeter HATOC and the Cabinet.  

Members noted that this would be the first of the Exeter strategic cycle routes to be constructed, providing a new class of cycle facility in Exeter and Devon. It would continue the development of Exeter’s strategic cycle network, giving priority to the E3, through Heavitree to the City Centre, and E4 routes.  The E4 route would connect the east of Exeter, an area of growth and development, with the University. The scheme would be a bi-directional cycle track, segregated from pedestrians and vehicles, and Cabinet noted that the National Productivity Investment Fund and developer contributions were funding the construction of this section of the route.

The Cabinet noted that a special meeting of the HATOC provisionally set for 12 September 2017 (HATOC Minute 14/4 July 2017) to consider the outcome of consultations which had ended on 1 September 2017 had been cancelled as no longer being necessary given there had been no objections to the proposals during the three week consultation period.

The Head of Service’s Report also incorporated an Impact Assessment relating to the possible impacts of the proposal, which had been circulated previously for the attention of Members at this meeting in order that as part of its determination of the next steps in the process the Cabinet might have full regard to the responsibilities placed upon it to exercise its Public Sector Equality Duty, under s149 of the Equality Act 2010, where relevant. 

The Assessment recognised that not only would the proposal contribute to reducing congestion but it would have a positive effect by providing improved, more accessible routes for cyclists and non-motorised users, enable easier access for pedestrians to and across side roads, offer safer routes for young people attending schools in the vicinity, enable disadvantaged groups to gain access to training and employment opportunities, enable people of all ages to enjoy being active for leisure and sport, improve access to help people better connect with their communities and engage in social activities, contribute to physical and mental health and wellbeing among the older population by providing an active means of independent mobility and help tackle health problems, such as those associated with obesity.

The matter having been debated and the options and/or alternatives and other relevant factors (e.g. financial, environmental impacts, risk management, equality and legal considerations and Public Health impact) set out in the Head of Service’s Report and/or referred to above having been considered:

It was MOVED by Councillor Hughes,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50