Agenda item

Report of the Director of Environment and Culture

It is agreed that:

1.      Cycling is permitted within part of the Racecourse in accordance with the provisions of byelaw 5(ii) of the Council’s byelaws in respect of Parks and Pleasure Grounds that prohibits cycling except in the exercise of any lawful right or privilege

2.      The tracks indicated as dark dotted lines on the map attached to the Cabinet report are designated for joint use by pedestrians and cyclists, and the path around the parameter of the park, as mark in black ink is used solely for pedestrian use.

Councillor Hawkins addressed Cabinet and explained that she was a frequent user of a number of parks. She was concerned about a conflict of use between cyclists and other users and felt it was essential to look at the byelaws affecting other parks. She was not clear on who had the primacy of use and asked Cabinet to ensure that for all such decisions, equal rights were given to cyclists, walkers and other park users.

Councillor Clarke supported the principle of the report but was concerned about its application. The byelaw applied to all parks and pleasure grounds and the Racecourse was being treated separately.  He was concerned that the paths were not wide enough for the joint use of cyclists and pedestrians and was worried about the possible damage to sports pitches by cyclists in the parks.  It was important that there was appropriate signage to indicate where cycling was permitted.

Councillor Mildren addressed Cabinet and clarified that the NCC had identified the paths in the Racecourse as suitable for shared use, apart from the perimeter path.  He was concerned at how this would be enforced, especially if the Friends of the Racecourse could not agree to the amount of signage that may be necessary.  He was concerned, too, about the timeframe for putting white lines down and erecting signage.  He further commented on the demise of the cycle bell and felt that there were health and safety aspects to consider.

Councillor PD Varnsverry confirmed that there was regular consultation with the Friends of the Racecourse regarding signage.

Councillor Crake presented the report to Cabinet and confirmed that the police did not have the resources to enforce the current byelaw with regard to cycling in parks. It was not possible to have a blanket law for all parks as they were each to be considered separately.

Councillor Church referred to the map and advised that none of the designated paths currently crossed sports pitches.  Whilst there were frequently complaints about cyclists on pavements, it was rare to hear complaints about cyclists in parks, most of which offered tracks with good visibility.  However, he accepted that there were some parks with blind corners and places where it was not appropriate for cyclists.

Councillor PD Varnsverry pointed out that the Racecourse was one of the largest and most prominent parks in the Borough with a lot of tarmac areas but it was important to consider the relaxations of byelaws on a park-by-park basis.  He hoped that the Friends of the Racecourse would be consulted and would accept at least the minimum legal requirement for signage, bearing in mind the appropriate health and safety needs.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet agree:

1.      Cycling is permitted within part of the Racecourse in accordance with the provisions of byelaw 5(ii) of the Council’s byelaws in respect of Parks and Pleasure Grounds that prohibits cycling except in the exercise of any lawful right or privilege

2.      The tracks indicated as dotted lines on the map attached to the Cabinet report are designated for joint use by pedestrians and cyclists, and the path around the parameter of the park, as marked in black ink is used solely for pedestrian use.