Cycling provision in Jersey

WQ.385/2019

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2019

Question

Further to the response to Written Question 152/2018, in which it was stated that "every year in May [the department collects] collect data on most of the major routes into St Helier to identify the percentage take up of each of the main transport modes", will the Minister –

1. provide an update for 2018 and 2019 on the percentage of commuters who cycled to work in St. Helier ; and
2. state what measures have been taken since he took up his position as Minister to improve and encourage day-to-day cycling provision in Jersey?

Answer

1. Please find below update for 2018 and 2019 on the percentage of commuters who cycled to work in St. Helier ; and

May 2018 = 4% May 2019 = 4%

While this data is collected annually and provides a record dating back to 2004, the method of sampling using a single day has limitations in terms of representing cycling numbers, because cycling rates are particular sensitive to variations in weather and season.

While there is a hard core of dedicated cyclists that cycle year round regardless of weather, there is a growing cohort of cyclists who will cycle in good weather conditions and at certain times of the year.

This is evidenced by steady 13% year on year growth in Mar – Oct cycling, measured since the installation of an automatic cycle counters in (2015). The cycle counters measure data continuously and are situated on the off-road multi-use seafront paths at Havre des Pas and First Tower.

2. Since taking up position as the Minister for Infrastructure, in June 2018, the following schemes and projects have been delivered, with the intention of encouraging day-to-day cycling provision in Jersey.

e-Bikes scheme

Following the successful e-bike grant scheme in 2016 the department received several requests to launch another one. From a survey of e-bike grant recipients in 2016, 52% of respondents said they purchased their e-bike to be more active/healthy whilst 62% of respondents said that travel on their e- bike has replaced car/van/scooter/motorbike journeys.

The e-bike grant scheme 2019 was launched in August with £50,000 being allocated, offering a grant of £150 per e-bike, equating to 333 grants. The 2019 scheme is another step towards getting islanders to use sustainable forms of transport and will support our ambition to reduce carbon emission, and take a proactive approach to tackling Climate Emergency.

Opened the English and French harbour cycling routes

In 2019 cycle routes around the English and French harbour were opened, connecting the Havre des Pas to West Park footway and cycle routes. A survey was carried out pre-construction in 2016 and post- construction in 2019 and the results show a significant increase in the number of cyclists using the harbour cycle routes. There is now more cycling activity throughout the day with peaks coinciding with the peak morning and evening rush hours. This was would suggest that a number of people have changed their mode of commuter transport to cycles from other means. A questionnaire completed by users of the cycle routes gave more positive comments in comparison with the questionnaire in 2016, with 93% of respondents stating they felt either safer or very safe on the new routes.

Undertaken development of the emerging Sustainable Transport Strategy

As the emerging Sustainable Transport Policy develops there are 4 key areas to increase day-today cycling.

1. School Transport Challenge – encouraging the younger population of the island to cycle to school and ensuring schools have the facilities such as bike parks to facilitate this.
2. Workplace travel planning – Creating travel plans for the workplace in Jersey to include more bike parks at the workplace along with shower facilities for those cycle commuting.
3. Behaviour change & ride sharing – Promoting a change in travel habits, providing evidence for the benefits of cycling and walking to/from work or school.
4. St Helier sustainable transport hub – Creating an area in St Helier that is easily accessible by cycle routes and where people can lock up and leave their bikes safely. In the future this could also include docking stations for bike should Jersey introduce this scheme.

Met with cycling groups to better understand their needs

There has been regular correspondence with local cycling groups to best understand their needs. These groups have been informed about proposals for cycle routes and asked for feedback. This ensures that all groups have the opportunity to give their comments and feedback on proposals.

Developing school lesson plans for bike to school week

The Eco-Active Programme works closely with local schools. In line with Bike to School week 2019, a lesson and accompanying lesson plan will be sent to all secondary schools to be taught in PSHE lessons or where it best fits the curriculum. The lesson includes information about climate change, carbon neutrality and the importance of changing travel habits to achieve carbon neutral status. The aim is to encourage the island's younger generation to take ownership of their travel, not only to/from school but also at weekends. This will also help us understand any barriers that younger people have to cycling/walking to school.

Extend the Eastern Cycle Network - Trial closure of Rue du Maupertuis to reprioritise road space to support walking and cycling and a Safer Routes School' to Le Rocquier and the adjacent primary schools.

The Maupertuis scheme has assisted with the delivery of safer routes to schools programme and is designed to encourage the uptake of cycling with school children and residents. This has also opened up the Eastern Cycle Network from La Hocq to Les Squez, therefore providing a safer route for cyclists commuting to/from school and work.

Secured over £73,000 from development proposals towards improving the Eastern Cycle Network and £235,000 to support sustainable transport measures in other areas.