Issue - items at meetings - Improvement to the National Cycle Network 2 - (Brighton Pier to Marina)

Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached).

(1)      That the Member gives approval for Officers to conduct public consultation with key stakeholders and residents on the NCN2 Cycle Link proposal detailed in this report.  Members will be informed of the outcome of consultation and permission to proceed with the scheme will be sought at a future Environment Cabinet Member Meeting following public consultation.

83.1       The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Environment the proposed consultation on the National Cycle Network Route 2 (NCN2) capital programme works (for copy see minute book).

83.2       The Cabinet Member explained that the scheme would provide a route for cyclists where a gap in formal provision for NCN2 currently existed along the Brighton seafront and that it would enhance east/west movements made by cyclists and improve accessibility into the city for commuters, residents, shoppers and visitors.

83.3       The Opposition Spokesperson welcomed the consultation and hoped that cycle groups would be included early on in the process.

83.4       Councillor Davey welcomed the report and was interested to know whether the route would be located along Madeira Drive (lower route), as a natural continuation of the route, or along Marine Parade (upper route), to avoid disruption for cyclists when events were held on Madeira Drive. He was also concerned that the route be safeguarded in the event of future transport schemes in the area.

83.5       The Cabinet Member confirmed that the proposed route was located along Madeira Drive and that the necessary modifications would be made to ensure that it was the best option for cyclists. He stated that as events only took place on a small number of days each year, the disruption to cyclists would be minimal, and such events meant that any future transport systems were unlikely to threaten the preservation of this route.

83.6       RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendation:

(1)   That approval be given for Officers to conduct public consultation with key stakeholders and residents on the NCN2 Cycle Link proposal detailed in this report.  Members will be informed of the outcome of consultation and permission to proceed with the scheme will be sought at a future Environment Cabinet Member Meeting following public consultation.