Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the Cycling Strategy.

The Cycling Strategy Update was taken next, out of order compared to the published agenda for the meeting, to follow on from the deputations. The Select Committee received a report on behalf of the Director of Economy Transport & Environment, providing an update on the progress of the Hampshire County Council Cycling Strategy adopted in September 2015 (see Item 10 in the Minute Book).

Members heard that:

·         The County Council was interested in engaging with cycling groups, however sometimes there were opportunities to bid for funding for schemes with short timescales

·         The County Council was working on local strategies that would sit alongside the overall cycling strategy, for example the Winchester Movement Strategy, which would be out for consultation in November

·         Officers were willing to follow up with the deputees regarding examples they had identified where they had feedback about schemes that had been implemented

·         The County Council’s approach was to take a balanced view between the needs of cyclists and car drivers

·         Some funding for infrastructure projects was allocated via the Local Enterprise Partnerships

Members commented:

·         There was potential opportunity for a working group to look into the Cycling Strategy, given the feedback received from the deputations

·         Members were supportive of the County Council engaging with cycling groups on an ongoing basis

·         Policy prioritising cycling was needed at a national level

RESOLVED:

To retain the Cycling Strategy on the work programme for a further update in future, and to give consideration to setting up a Working Group or alternative method for Members to further discuss this topic.