Chpts 10 and 11 Walking and Cycling
The Council welcomes the inclusion of the following measures in the strategy:
Measure CYC 9 – Pedal Assisted E-Bikes
The NTA and local authorities will take into account the growing use of pedal-assisted E-bikes, and the benefits they may bring, in planning and designing the transport network in the GDA.
Measure CYC 10 – Electric Scooters
Subsequent to the enactment of national legislation, the NTA and local authorities will take into account the growing use of E-scooters and the benefits they may bring, in planning and designing the transport network in the GDA.
Measure CYC 11 – Other Emerging Personal Mobility Modes
The NTA, Local Authorities and Government will monitor emerging trends in personal mobility and respond accordingly in terms of legislation, regulation and infrastructure design.
These devices have potential to change travel behaviour to an extent that has been underestimated, until recently. The Council suggest that given the level of funding available and the establishment of Active Travel Offices in Local Authorities in preparation for a significant roll out of cycling infrastructure, the potential of E-Bikes, E; Scooter and other Personal mobility Modes to affect infrastructure design should be addressed as a matter of urgency. This will ensure that the demand for cycling infrastructure reflects the wide appeal of these devices and the cross section and level of service requirements of new cycling infrastructure takes account of these changing requirements.
The Council notes the changes that have been made to the Cycle Network Plan and request that the NTA engage with them prior to the finalization of the strategy to ensure alignment with the Council’s proposals for improving cycling infrastructure.