Minutes of Reigate & Banstead Cycle Forum held 2 October 2003

Present: Karen, David Hilder, Robin, Alan Fordham, Barbara, Raymond, Adrian, Jon SO, Graham, John Meudell, Brian Starey, Darren Kelly (RBBC/SCC)

Item	Detail	Action by
1	Apologies for absence received from Mike O, Jon E, Alison
2 a b c d E	Presentation by Alan Fordham of various items of interest Cycle Monitoring Alan gave the background to this scheme and explained the procedure. Reigate/Redhill was one of 3 areas in Surrey selected for this study, but no cash had been identified, and it was not now expected to begin until April 2004, unless as elsewhere, funds could be raised locally. We had already identified 12 sites, which would then each be fitted with electronic boxes and tested sporadically over a 3-year period. The problem was how to analyse the results, having no baseline data. Alan hoped that the results would be pro-active, and lead to further resources being diverted by SCC to cycling facilities. It should be seen as an indication of current cycling trends and road uses, rather than as desire-lines. NCR 21over The Moors Alan announced that the route was currently being carried out, with completion by mid-Oct, although it might already be usable. Maintenance of cycle tracks This now needed central funding, as local funding was now separately identified. Alan was trying to persuade SCC to adopt a strategy, and to audit paths at least once a year. In the meantime, tracks being checked by Sustrans wardens, who would also liase with RBBC. NCN 20 (Redhill-Gatton-Walton-Epsom Downs) & NCN22 (Epsom-Dorking-Guildford) Feasibility study finished July, report being written. AF putting in bid for up to £150k funds to work on the route, to develop offroad sections. Intention was to improve bridleway surfaces to make them more bike-friendly. AF would report in greater detail at future meeting. English Region Cycling Development bid. Assessment of progress: Surrey doing best in South-East, but only average for whole country. Developing action plan for future growth. AF invited suggestions for future focus.	AF AF AF
3 a	Matters arising from Forum meeting in June National Bike Week had been very successful, only real problems in Banstead area. Local press had largely ignored the whole Week, possibly not helped by coincidence with London-Brighton ride. Dates for 2004: 12-20 June
b	Social events: August social very poorly attended, possibly through very hot weather, and clash with other barbecues. Last Tuesday ride very well-attended, finishing up with pub meal
4 a	Feedback from Steering Group meetings in July & September Raymond reported that the Priory Park consultation was now completed, with some good progress. There would be a wider loop for the footpath at the lake’s western end (if landowner agrees). Need to push for further development.	RD
b	Calendar of Dates. Karen asked for copy for inclusion.	KH
5	BOAT 401 Graham reported that the appeal had been held at the beginning of August, with good support from Forum members. A decision was expected early October (see postscript to Minutes)
6	Website Adrian, Barbara & Graham reported that the new website was ready to live, just waiting for the image. More copy was now needed, such as on the traffic issues. An interactive map of Surrey Cycleway could be useful, as well as a list of publications showing cycle routes.	AS BR JSO
7	Cycle Routes At the July Steering Group, it had been decided to launch a project for members to list their favourite routes, on or off-road. These would be copied onto the website, for other members to suggest possible amendments. Members could now send in their suggestions to Karen by Christmas, with March as the target date for publication.	KH all
8	Sunday Bike Rides 2004 Jon raised the problem of the Sunday rides, where on occasions there had not been enough Forum members in attendance for safety and organisational reasons. It was agreed that at least 2 should be present, preferably more, and the following volunteered to help at at least one: Raymond, Adrian, Robin, David H, Barbara, Jon, David T, Karen. The designated leader for the ride would be responsible for contacting others for help. Raymond would arrange the submission of a bid by 31 Oct to the Borough Council for funding for Ride leaflets (in 2002 it was £220)	JSO As on left RD
9	Bike Storage at railway stations currently more cycle racks were planned for Redhill Station (not known how many), 5 at Merstham by end March, a cycle and m/cycle shelter at Reigate with CCTV cameras, and an extension at Horley. RBBC to fund. The following members agreed to survey facilities locally: Karen-Reigate, Graham-Redhill & Earlswood, David-Merstham, Adrian-Horley & Salfords, Brian-Banstead & Tadworth	KH As on left
10	Cycle Training Jon stated that he had been training young cyclists in Tandridge every week, but now needed help. He was applying to RBBC for a grant of £800 to fund equipment, literature, first-aid kit and further training.	JSO
11	Safe Routes to School Raymond announced that funds of £130k were being made available for Merstham to Redhill from end March. There would be 10 new trailer-bikes at Earlswood School, making a total of 10 in all schools.	RD
12	Redhill Cycling Club Graham announced a quiz on 7 November. Karen would email members	GH
13	Communication and liaison with Council Joint Local Committee David reported that Mike O was concerned about a serious breakdown in contacts between the Forum and SCC/RBBC, with agendas no longer being received, leading to the loss of opportunities to comment on plans, surveys etc.	MO DH
14 a b c d	Mole Valley Forum John Meudell reported on local issues, including The building of a BMX track by Dorking West station, at a cost of £10k Major concerns about the NCN22 route across Dorking The offer of a building with a warehouse which would be ideal for cycle maintenance and possibly also for cycle training Circulation of the Rough Guide to Cycling in London	JM
	There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.40 pm. The next full Forum meeting would be held on4 December	KH

Since the meeting, we have learned that the inspector to the BOAT 401 enquiry had announced his decision that full Bridleway status would be accorded to this route. Thanks & congratulations to all who have helped in this campaign.