Little Marlow Road Cycleway Consultation

Date: 07-09-2010

For the next 6 weeks residents are being invited to consider and comment on the proposal for the first route of the Marlow cycle network along Little Marlow Road.  Plans of the proposed route. 
 
Or alternatively, they can be viewed at Marlow library and tourist information centre.  Comments should be put in writing by the 8th October to either cycling@buckscc.gov.uk or to:

Cycling and Walking Team, County Hall, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UY

Buckinghamshire County Council is committed to improving travel choices to reduce traffic and environmental problems, and to contribute to healthy lifestyles.  As a result of the Marlow car free day in February 2007 a significant level of local support was generated for the development of a network of cycleways in Marlow.  A rally of over 200 cyclists on the day called for an improved network in the town, and subsequently a petition of around 2000 signatures was presented to the County Council and local area committee on the 19th July.  Building on this local support, a consultation was carried out in the town to find out what routes or network residents would like to see.  This was done in May 2008 and of the respondents, 86% were in favour of the proposed network.

The first route proposed as part of the network follows consultation with the Marlow cycle steering group, (comprising representatives of the Town, District and County Councils, and local cyclists,) is such that it joins with the existing cycleway from Bourne End near the Marlow bypass and continues into Marlow taking in both Great Marlow schools and Foxes Piece.  A section of the proposed route (section D-E on the plan) is not being provided.  This section is to be constructed by the developers as a requirement of a planning permission granted at Great Marlow School. 

The implementation of this route could start in February 2011.  Funding is primarily by way of section 106 developer contributions though in parallel with this consultation, a bid for part funding is being submitted to Sustrans via their 'Links to School' programme.

Valerie Letheren, Cabinet Member for Transportation said “This proposed route is the start of a long awaited network for the town.  A great deal of support for the improvements was highlighted through Channel 4’s car free day programme, and I am pleased to see that working with the local community we have been able to agree on a number of routes that will offer a real alternative to using the car for many residents.  This route is ideally placed to join with the existing route to Bourne End and will make it possible for people to access the town by bike and many more children to cycle to school”.

In addition to providing an attractive and continuous cycle route segregated from traffic, this scheme has wider benefits. The cycle/footway surfacing would be renewed along its length, and the crossing points would be improved so as to make these easier for the visually and mobility impaired to use them. 

The application of the red surfacing across the junctions identified in the plans is also recognised as best practice.  Whilst not affording pedestrians or cyclists any further priority to cross at these locations, it has been demonstrated to encourage greater driver courtesy, often leading to drivers letting people cross and, at times of queuing traffic, for gaps to be left so that people can cross the road.