Building A Political Consensus Space For Cycling Building A Political Consensus Derby Cycling Group January 2016 A presentation to investigate how we can build a political consensus which favours the development of cycle transport in Derby. Moving from a position where cycle transport in Derby has little or no strategic significance in transport planning - To one where it’s development is a well known, stated policy of the council, supported by all political parties. Presented by Tony Roelich Campaigns Coordinator  Derby Cycling Group 2016

Build political awareness of cycle transport issues Space for Cycling Aims Things must be better for cycle transport The national Space for Cycling campaign aims to create the conditions where anyone can cycle anywhere. At Derby Cycling Group we want to: Build political awareness of cycle transport issues Gain cross party support for the improvement of cycle infrastructure and support services The hardest part: committing to the concept Once you accept that, the rest is easy Mere detail Starting with DCG’s assertion that… So today, we are trying to show you why you should commit yourselves to the development of cycle transport in Derby and give your support to our campaign.  Derby Cycling Group 2016

Space for Cycling: So Far Derby Cycling Group’s “Space for Cycling” campaign has: Highlighted issues faced by cyclists Given reasons why more cycling would benefit people and the city Described how to deliver better cycle transport routes and other facilities Shown how it has been done elsewhere (A Guide for Local Decision Makers) Communicated this to all city councillors  Derby Cycling Group 2016

What’s in it for Councillors? Cycle infrastructure helps councillors deliver outcomes in their area of responsibility: Transport: keeping traffic moving Health: active lives = fitness = better health Job Creation: attracts business to the city Inward Investment: Decision makers are often cyclists Housing, Education, Leisure, Communities, Children… Delivery of solutions to all departments Improves transport choices in every ward But why would you support Space for Cycling? http://www.researchgate.net/publication/258705112_Cycling_and_Health_What's_the_evidence http://www.ctc.org.uk/campaigning/views-and-briefings/cycling-and-economy  Derby Cycling Group 2016

What’s in it for Parties? Leadership & Strategy: local and national (e.g. compared to other places) Objectives and targets for executives & officers Leading the Cycling & Walking Investment Strategy  Great return on investment Typical benefit to cost ratio (BCR) from 4.7 to 6.1* Very high because of the wide range of benefits Legacy - delivery of change for the better Travel behaviour Improvements in mental and physical health Better infrastructure Less congestion and pollution Cycle transport provides opportunities to demonstrate leadership and to develop leading edge strategies in the field of transport planning. Cycle transport planning is in its infancy Opportunities to be influential So: There are many opportunities for you to show how your support for cycling is a benefit to your residents in order to be an influence on voters. Whether as a ward councillor or from a party political perspective there are many political benefits to be had from supporting cycle transport. * DfT Report “Value for Money Assessment for Cycling Grants” August 2014  Derby Cycling Group 2016

Where’s the Money? Aspiration, Inspiration, Imagination Internal Projects: Protect existing budgets: make Active Travel no.1 priority Deliver cycle infrastructure with other schemes: LTP3 “balanced approach” Resurfacing/top dressing / Signal upgrades Cycle audits: Missed opportunities every year External Funding: LEP (D2N2) – keynote source of future funding Government funding pots (there’s never been more) LSTF / Safer Cycling Fund / Cycle City Fund Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 2015 Developer contributions: Maximising the benefit Development Control – cycling related planning conditions Money is not the issue: The issue is whether you believe cycle transport should be made better. It’s down to your aspiration, inspiration and imagination. Funding is , of course, important LTP3 Balanced Approach: Not just cycle-specific projects which deliver cycle infrastructure, but ALL projects CWIS: Major funding targeted at towns with a quality, supported, aspiration for cycle transport So: There are sources of funding, but we must make sure we are submitting quality bids for all external sources and are being efficient in utilising our internal projects to maximise outcomes for cycle transport  Derby Cycling Group 2016

External Funding = Cycle Strategy External Funding needs a strong Cycle Transport Strategy Derby doesn’t have one We need one now To justify our bids & satisfy their scrutiny Show how the bid fits Derby’s vision of the future To Include: Aspirations for cycle transport & cycle network A Network Plan Infrastructure Standards Transport Strategy enables building the network in pieces ensuring it fits together  Derby Cycling Group 2016 7

Liberating Cycle Transport Competing for Business: Leicester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham: Cycling Ambitions Bikes sell a city: Economic Development Competitive Advantage Unique Offering Velodrome is our competitive advantage: How can we capitalise on it? So the end game is to liberate cycle transport in Derby Use cycle transport to our competitive advantage Bikes in a city epitomise good quality of life – desirable lifestyle Suggest: Use the velodrome at Derby Arena as the flagship around which to build our cycle transport credentials. From America: http://www.bikewalkalliance.org/resources/reports/protected-bike-lanes-mean-business  Derby Cycling Group 2016

What is Expected? Councillors who sign the pledge are already helping build a better environment for cycle transport You may also like to: Devise cycle-friendly party policies Encourage cabinet, executive and officers to develop cycle friendly policies Publicise and support proposed cycling schemes Attend the council cycle forum That is our case... But what would we expect of you if you supported our Space for Cycling campaign?  Derby Cycling Group 2016 9

Are you prepared to sign our Space for Cycling pledge? The Pledge Are you prepared to sign our Space for Cycling pledge? “ I support the aims of the Space for Cycling campaign in Derby and will promote them in my ward and throughout the city” What does supporting Space for Cycling mean? That you agree with the notion that better cycle infrastructure is needed. Are you prepared to sign our S4C pledge? “I support the aims of the Space for Cycling Campaign in Derby and will promote them in my ward and throughout the City Council”  Derby Cycling Group 2016 10