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2.5 Connétable D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding the limitation of speed along the cycle track:
What plans, if any, does the Minister have for his department to undertake a public awareness campaign to ensure that cyclists are aware of the limitation of speed when using the cycle track?
Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade (The Minister for Transport and
Technical Services):
I feel rather sort of isolated here, but I hope I will not take it personally. There are no specific speed limits for cyclists using the cycle track along St. Aubin's Bay. One reason for this is bicycles are not fitted with speedometers. While not statutory, Rule 63 of the Highway Code requires cyclists to take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people and to allow them plenty of room and always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. The cycle track along the seafront has been established under the Policing of Parks (Jersey) Regulation 2005 through which Articles of the Road Traffic Law (Jersey) 1956 apply. The Minister for Home Affairs is generally responsible for ensuring that people adhere to this traffic law and other laws in force over here. My department supports education programmes and awareness campaigns. The Home Affairs Road Safety Officer runs various cycle training courses aimed at children over a range of ages. These courses run from March to October each year and typically 500 students receive a minimum of 6 hours training in the Highway Code, safe road craft and basic bike safety maintenance. In the near future I shall be bringing to the States a sustainable transport policy for its consideration. Included in its proposals are measures to encourage more walking and cycling and to invest in improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Given a fair wind I hope to lodge this on 7th May for debate on 22nd June.
- The Connétable of St. Lawrence :
The reason, of course, that I have brought this question is because I have been contacted by people who have in fact been injured when walking or cycling on the track. I heard the Minister refer to the Sustainable Transport Policy and I think he just told us when he will be lodging it, and I am sure we are all looking forward to seeing that. But he also mentioned that it will contain measures to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists and I ask him to advise the House what those measures will be.
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
I think this is open to debate. One of the difficulties with cyclists, as Members will know, there is no registration format in place at present, although those of a certain age will remember there used to be and maybe that is something we have to consider,
but there are considerable administration difficulties to that. There are options of
putting signage on the tracks, although I have to say I am not terribly keen on a
proliferation of additional signage. I think an awareness campaign is really what is
needed and I would suggest though in conjunction as I said before with the road safety officer, I would be keen to pursue that once again.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour :
Would the Minister contend that if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, such a person could indeed engage in responsible speeding? [Laughter]
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
I think perhaps the answer to that question will come in the debate on cycle helmets at a later date.
The Deputy Bailiff :
It may depend whether all the pedestrians are wearing helmets as well. [Laughter]
- The Deputy of St. John :
Given the Minister's reply, will the department look at a full review with his transport strategy of cycles including number plates, cycle lighting, cycle helmets, et cetera, and include all of that within his transport strategy, please?
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
I think the answer to cycle helmets has already been answered and I think the outcome of the proposition by Deputy Green will probably dictate the route in which
that goes. Lights would form part of a public awareness scheme and certainly I am keen to encourage that. I think the policing of that would rely once again on some sort of registration and the costs of that would have to be established first.
- The Deputy of St. John :
The Minister seems reluctant to want to hold a review of any kind when it comes to bicycles, and I think his department have a duty of care, through the D.V.S. (Driver and Vehicle Standards) Department to have a review in that area. I would sincerely hope that he will and he will give us an assurance this morning that he will hold some type of review and look at number plates which are used in Sark and other places around the world; not necessarily visit these places but find out about them. They can do that on the internet.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Will you hold the review, Minister?
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
No, I am happy to respond to the Deputy in terms of a review. I think it probably would have benefit and I would agree to perhaps involving interested States Members in doing that. I think there would be advantages and I think we should proceed on that basis.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Can I remind Members we have got a very long session for Question Time and we really must keep moving.
- Deputy J.B. Fox:
Just to state that in police headquarters there is a great big file on cycles. The Crime Prevention Panel of the day has done a full working on it for the Defence Committee of the day regarding registration. You also have a very good road safety panel that could work thoroughly. So, the question is, I am happy to be involved; will you be happy to be involved in bringing all this information to the service which might benefit both the Constable of St. Lawrence and the various departments?
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
Yes, I would be delighted to accept the Deputy 's offer.
- The Deputy of St. Mary :
On a more positive note, would the Minister agree that it would be handy to have some form of safety audit of the track to remove some of the dangers? For instance, putting reflective strips on the lamp posts - some of them are missing - and getting the logos in the right places; just practical measures to improve the safety of all who use that track.
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
Yes, there have been issues raised in the last few months over that and I know my officers have been looking into the areas to which the Deputy refers.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
Following on from the question of the Deputy of St. John, would the Minister consider the introduction of speed cameras for bicycles and also of registration plates for joggers; in fact, registration plates for all pedestrians as well as other measures to discourage people from cycling and get them back into their cars? [Laughter]
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
Simply, I think a public awareness campaign would be successful in that.
- Deputy D.J. De Sousa:
The Minister mentioned in his answer to a question earlier that he did not want more signage along the avenue. Would it not just be simple to do as is done on the roads and put a speed limit painted on to the track?
The Connétable of St. Brelade : Yes, that would be easy to achieve.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Connétable , do you wish to have a final question?
- The Connétable of St. Lawrence :
I heard the Minister say that he would welcome input from Deputy Fox into reviewing this, but can he make it quite clear, please, does he intend to undertake a public awareness campaign before all the fair-weather cyclists get back on their bikes this summer?
The Deputy Bailiff :
He has said so twice or 3 times.
The Connétable of St. Brelade :
Just to confirm that I shall have to speak to the Minister for Home Affairs to involve the road safety officer in that and I am sure we can do it.