Agenda item

Following the exclusion of the public and press, the Senior Policy Officer – Planning Policy (Transport) presented a report providing a briefing in respect of the feasibility study and commercial viability of the public bike share scheme for Guildford and an update regarding the commissioning of the project.  The Council’s project consultant, Mark Strong, was also present.

The report explained that the Place-making and Innovation EAB had considered elements of the feasibility study and progress with progressing the bike share scheme at its meeting held on 21 October 2019.  These elements were the Council’s revised proposal to deliver Phase A of the scheme, the consultant’s recommendations for the scheme and the consultant’s draft plans for the Guildford cycle network as identified in the route assessments feasibility study.  This further briefing responded to the request from that EAB for an opportunity to consider the commercial viability of the scheme.

The primary aims of the feasibility study were to consider the commercial viability of a bike share scheme in Guildford and allow the Council to make a decision on whether to progress a scheme; to assess compatibility with the existing University of Surrey scheme; and, if a decision was taken to proceed with a bike share scheme, to provide initial information and guidance to instigate the procurement process.  The assessment of the commercial viability of a Guilford bike share scheme was set out in Appendix 2 to the report which was exempt from publication.  An update in respect of the commissioning of the project was provided in Appendix 3 to the report which was also exempt from publication.

In order to inform the further development of the project to deliver a bike share scheme in Guildford, which was included in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2018-2023, the report recommended that the Board noted and provided comment on the consultant’s assessment of the commercial viability of a bike share scheme and on the update regarding the commissioning of the project.

The following points arose from related questions and discussion:

·             Research concerning a bike share scheme in Guildford had featured two meetings with local stakeholders and learning from experiences of similar schemes in other towns.

·             Transport for London, benefiting from a significant scheme development budget, had undertaken market research that other localities had not.

·             In addition to students, many people of all ages made every day trips and would gain health benefits from cycling.

·             The road safety impact was raised as a possible concern.  The Board was advised that bikes in share schemes were well maintained and safe, often more so than private bikes.  Wearing of protective clothing was not required by law and there was evidence that cyclists who wore cycle helmets had a more risk-averse approach to cycling than those who did not.  Reference was made to the research into the driving behaviour of motorists overtaking cyclists wearing helmets and those who were bareheaded.

·             The outputs from the route assessments feasibility study could be used in the evidence base to inform the preparation of a policy on the improvement of the cycle network for the part 2 Local Plan (Development Management Policies), which would also draw on Surrey CC’s (the Local Transport Authority) Guildford Local Cycling Plan.

·             Experience showed that the provision of a good network of cycle routes was a key factor in how well a bike share scheme was used. The Council bike share scheme did not include improvements to cycle routes.

·             A bike share scheme in Guildford may not be attractive to potential users owing to the topography and nature of the town and its population profile.  Market research could assist with determining the feasibility and viability of a scheme.

·             A bike share scheme may be of interest to the numerous companies located at Guildford Business Park which currently chartered buses to transport their employees.

·             The Sustainable Movement Corridor running across the town from east to west could be utilised by cyclists including those using Council bike share scheme.  If a Guildford bike share scheme proved to be successful, then this could provide impetus for Surrey County Council to improve cycle routes in Guildford.

·             Security issues, such as vandalism or theft of cycles, was known to have been a problem, and in one city this had been gang related.  Early liaison with the police would assist with tackling any issues.

·             The bikes would be electric and feature GPS tracking devices which would enable an operator to know their location and levy fines for out of area use.

·             The Department of Transport appraisal tool had indicated that the scheme would achieve three benefits for every £1 invested which was higher than some other areas.

·             The proposed scheme was financially viable and all operational risk could be contractually attributed to the operator.  The potential for the Council to seek to arrange a profit share with an operator was welcomed by councillors.

·             Although some negative views concerning the proposed scheme had been expressed, some councillors highlighted the positive aspects such as health benefits and reduction in pollution and congestion which would help to tackle climate change.  It was felt that issues raised at an earlier stage had now been addressed by the consultant.

In conclusion, the Board agreed to recommend to the Executive that the University of Surrey be approached with a view to seeking a financial contribution towards the bike share scheme.