INTERREG IVA 2 Mers Seas Zeeën Crossborder Cooperation Programme Part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Care-Lands Clusterproject Interreg IV A 2 Seas Programme Kent Downs AONB Low Carbon Access Research Darent Valley, Kent

Carelands Action 1 – Research Brief Darent Valley Path 31 Km

Darent Valley Path 31 km path largely traffic free path following the banks of the river Darent. It is also part of National cycle network route 125

UK and Dutch Cycle Networks

Darent Valley Path Aims Google Trekker project providing an internet based ‘Street View’ walkthrough of the path. Build on the popularity of the path linking it to train stations Improve path quality and address barriers to continuous riverside access created by major roads. Extend the route by 7km Provide more opportunities for use by bicycle. Review existing interpretation plan for the path. Enhance waymarking, on-site interpretation Apply European best practice and innovations

Contract Awarded to SUSTRANS UK leading Cycling Campaigning and Promotional Charity and Goudappel Coffeng Holland’s leading consultancy in the field of mobility

Why learn from Holland

The Research Path Design and Surface Generally speaking design and surface recommendations are similar in UK and Holalnd Widths vary from 1.2m to 4m depending on location, and if it is identified as footpath, cycle path or mixed. Dutch experience tells us that the increase in e-bikes and their speed is altering this with greater widths recommended.

Dutch Cycle Highways principles Non-stop routes through design and traffic prioritisation Connecting cities and villages Increase cycling journeys

Bike Hire Principles in Holland and UK essentially the same

Innovations

Solar Roads – a new concept. 3 year trial period. Energy created through solar panels on roads

Innovations Solar Technology Improving

Lighting 600 meter long innovative Van Gogh path between Eindhoven and Nuenen has cost about €

E-Bikes The use of E-bikes results in 50% to 75% faster movements by bike and the catchment area is widened by 75%. Promote e-bike use. Charging points. Integration with public transport system.

E-Bikes : Try and Buy A growing number of organizations offers its employees the possibility to experience commuting by e-bike. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague. Commuters who live in the proximity of 7 to 15 kilometers can benefit by trying an e-bike for a couple of days onto a week. The results show that 10% of those who tried the e-bike actually buy one afterwards. For Darent recommend to large local employers Charging point every 2.5 to 5 km. A charging point on solar energy for example costs approximately € to € And a simple wall model charging point costs approximately €

Innovations can also be found in tunnels, where the use of mobile phones (based on GPS) can change the lighting in tunnels. This is recommendable in existing or new tunnels on the Darent Valley Path. Tunnel Lighting

Lighting 600 meter long innovative Van Gogh path between Eindhoven and Nuenen has cost about €

Next Steps More detailed studies of priority sections of route Explore funding options for innovations Develop delivery project for the UK’s first cycle highway in line with Dutch principles

Action Plan

Action 4 Local Workshop Event 24 th March 2015 Darent Valley

Workshop 37 stakeholders 5 year £3.6 million scheme How to make the scheme low carbon Stakeholder interest in cycling, innovation, and integration with rail/bus

Next Steps Desktop study to identify needs and wants of existing audiences, audiences not represented and barriers to this. Research gathering; visitor studies, focus groups, questionnaires. Analysis of data and Action Plan Part of Future Interreg Project?