http://www.kingston.gov.uk/news.htm?id=37981
Kingston sets cycling targets
By 2011, Six per cent of all trips made by residents of the borough will be
on a bicycle. This is one of the key targets of the Cycling Strategy, which
was approved at a meeting of the Council's Executive on Tuesday 30 August
2005.
The strategy also sets targets for a reduction in casualty figures, the
completion of strategic cycle networks and a 25% reduction in cycle thefts.
The targets will be met through a variety of initiatives including the
provision of more secure cycle parking facilities, particularly in Kingston
Town Centre, and the upgrading of existing cycling facilities on main roads
(rather than just quieter residential roads, as was the approach recommended
by the previous policy).
New cycle routes will be implemented, with a preference for making existing
roads safe for shared use through traffic calming and reduction measures.
Further efforts will also be made to ensure that cycling is fully integrated
with public transport to facilitate cycle use as part of longer journeys.
Councillor Tricia Bamford, Executive Member for Transportation and
Sustainable Development at Kingston Council, says: "Cycling has the
potential to be one of the most healthy and accessible forms of physical
activity as it can so often be integrated into daily life. We already have
excellent cycling facilities in the borough, comprising of approximately 80
kilometres of signed routes.
"Whilst the increase in the numbers of those cycling in the borough has been
modest over recent years, the number of journeys made by bike has doubled to
approximately 1,500 trips per 12 hour day. The aim of the new Cycling
Strategy is to ensure cycling journeys are safe, secure, convenient and
attractive and encourage more people to get on their bikes!"
The Executive also:
a.. Approved a new Rent Income Recovery Strategy developed by Housing
Services, aimed at maximising the Council's rent collection and minimising
the level of rent arrears
b.. Agreed that the Council should work alongside Kingston's MPs, MEPs and
the Local Government Association to apply pressure on central government to
introduce measures to curb the use of disposable products and unnecessary
packaging
c.. Heard an update on Kingston Theatre, following consideration of a
report into the funding of the project by the Community Leadership and
Resources Overview Panel.
A full copy of the Agenda and Minutes can be viewed at:
www.kingston.gov.uk/committeeminutes