Agenda item

Petitions

To receive any petitions submitted in accordance with the Council’s Petitions Scheme.

 

Minutes:

Dr Alex Jones presented a petition concerning the proposed K2L cycleway. She stated,

 “Thank you for inviting me to present the petition for the K2L cycle route between Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, on behalf of three local cycling groups, Cycleways, Kenilworth Cycle Group and University Bicycle User Group. Our petition achieved over 3000 signatures this summer.

 

 When signing the petition, people commented that they used to cycle between the towns but were now afraid because traffic has become faster and heavier, drivers expressed frustration that cyclists on the road hold up rush hour traffic, parents said how much they would like to have a safe cycle route particularly at weekends, students enthused that they would be able to visit the neighbouring towns more easily in the evening.

 

 In addition to signatures, Warwick University has expressed its official support for K2L, in a letter to WCC from the pro-vice chancellor, Simon Swain, and we understand that Chiltern Railways will also write soon, since the southern end of the route could improve commuter access to Leamington rail station. K2L is supported by Leamington Spa Town Council and has received attention in local papers and was mentioned in a parliamentary committee by our MP for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western. Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam, also has expressed strong support.

 

 The proposed K2L route is a segregated cycle path parallel to the A452 between north Leamington to Kenilworth via Rocky Lane. K2L would dramatically improve cycle access between these two towns, benefiting schools, the university, and business parks. Additionally, shop and restaurant owners in Kenilworth could expect more local business, similar to studies commissioned by Transport for London that show that traffic reduction in retail areas benefits local retail.

 

 Our county suffers from some of the worst air pollution in the country and one third of UK's CO2 emissions come from transport (Dept Energy figure). These problems are caused by two different type of pollutants, but both can be improved by cleaner transport. Furthermore, cycling to school or work can enable people to increase their regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Physical inactivity directly contributes to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK, the same number as smoking, creating a burden on health services. It is time to prioritise infrastructure for healthy sustainable transport.

 

 The provision of cycle routes makes good financial sense, as the Dept of Transport recently noted, investments in walking and cycling on average yield £5.50 of benefits for every £1 invested. This is excellent value for money, and a far higher benefit-to-cost ratio than many large road and rail schemes. Investment in K2L would be a useful contribution to WCC’s strategy to move to a low carbon transport system.

 

 On 25th July this year, the WCC declared a climate emergency. Warwickshire needs a coherent and comprehensive cycle network. Let K2L be the start of a bold and necessary new strategy in low carbon transport for the county. This is an ideal opportunity for you to demonstrate responsiveness to public opinion and take action to address the climate emergency.

 

 To conclude, the proposed K2L cycle route between Leamington Spa to Kenilworth has strong public support and this a scheme meets all of WCC’s policy objectives. We look forward to receiving your response and hope to publicise the construction of K2L on our social media accounts”. Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) thanked Dr Jones for attending the meeting and presenting the petition. Councillor Clarke promised that a full response will be provided by the County Council to Dr Jones.