Encouraging Cycling
Useful Resources
Read our Information Sheet produced in 2007 detailing basic information about developing a travel plan
Download Travel Paln Info Sheet (PDF)
We recommend that you read at least one of the documents below as they should provide almost all the information you need to get you started. They are all available to view online or download as pdfs.
To order paper copies call 020 7944 8300 or email publications@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Planning and Parking
Planning Applications
Local Authorities require developments that are likely to have significant transport implications to develop a travel plan. Guidance on this is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (PPG13).
Travel plans should be submitted alongside planning applications for all major developments (using the thresholds set out in annex D of PPG13). However smaller developments can also be required to submit a Travel Plan if they are likely to generate significant amounts of travel
- in, or near to, air quality management areas and/or
- in other locations where there are local initiatives or targets set out in the development plan/local transport plan for the reduction of road traffic or the promotion of public transport, walking and cycling.
This particularly applies to offices, industry, health and education uses, and where a travel plan would help address a particular local traffic problem associated with a planning application, which might otherwise have to be refused on local traffic grounds. However, unacceptable development should never be permitted because of the existence of a travel plan.
Parking Standards
Parking is an essential part of new development. It is important, however, to ensure that car parking requirements don't dominate the design of development or unduly limit the re-use of existing buildings. Therefore car parking standards are set at a maximum level, which differ according to the type of development proposed.
Employees and visitors are more likely to use environmentally friendly means of travel if there is good provision of bus services and cycling/walking infrastructure on or near the site. The parking standards therefore consider access to new developments by all types of transport. Parking levels for cycles, motorcycles and mobility impaired users are set out at minimum levels to ensure that their needs are fully taken into account in the design of proposals.
In order to calculate parking standards the County Council has produced an "electronic ready reckoner" which can be accessed online. By following 5 easy steps the user can identify the accessibility of a site, the maximmum amount of car parking allowable and what provision should be made for other users on any individual site. More information on Parking Standards at www.lancashire2016.com
Local Travel Plans
Lancaster University
Lancaster University published its first Travel Plan in July 2004. The Travel Plan is required as an ongoing condition of the planning permission for South West Campus and is also necessary because the University does not have enough developable land to meet unconstrained demand for car parking.
The Travel Plan aims to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of transport at the University. It will reduce dependence on travel by car, by encouraging greater use of car-sharing, public transport, walking and cycling.
Initiatives in place:
- Set up Bicycle User Group (BUG)
- Changes to parking permit system
For more information visit the University Estates department at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/estates/
Cannon Hygiene plc
Cannon Hygiene developed their travel plan in 2003/4 when they moved into their new, purpose built headquarters on Northgate, on the White Lund Industrial Estate (see opposite).
Initiatives in place:
- 24 carshare spaces – in a central location outside of the building
- Car park also has spaces for cycles & motorcycle
- Building has showers and lockers
- Ran awareness sessions re. travel plan and in summer 2003 held an Environmental Awareness Day with staff travelling sustainably to work
Cycling
Cycling is a fast and efficient mode of transport and ideal for journeys of 5 miles and under. If you want to encourage employees and visitors to travel to your site by bike then you need to ensure that you have the right infrastructure in place.
Since October 2005 Lancaster with Morecambe has been a Cycling Demonstration Town. Visit our website at www.celebratingcycling.org
Cycle Parking
- (should be located as close as possible to the main entrance and ideally be under constant surveillance (CCTV or general public)
- ideally staff should have secure parking accessed only by keyholders (e.g a bike cage or compound)
- remember if you provide secure parking for staff you still need to provide space for visitors
- sheffield stands (u-bends) are the most popular - do not use 'butterfly' stands that ony fasten the front wheel as they are not secure and can damage bikes
- you can fit at least 10 bikes into the space taken by one car
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BikeAid (operated by Lancashire County Council) installs sheffield stands at a reduced cost - businesses contribute 50% towards the cost while schools, hospitals & charities pay just 10%. For more information and an application form please contact Collette Fleming on 01772 534144; email collette.fleming@env.lancscc.gov.uk. Alternatively visit the BikeAid website to download an application form.
See Sustrans sheet below for further guidance.
Other Incentives
- provide adequate changing facilities - this could include showers, lockers or a drying room
- provide information on local routes (see our cycling pages for more info)
- pay a mileage allowance for business travel carried out on bike (see implementing a cycle to work scheme below)
- set up a BUG (Bike User Group) where cyclists can exchange information with each other and management
Useful Information
Downloads in PDF format: