a potential new cycle route linking thetford to high lodge in … · 2017. 4. 20. · robert j....

Introduction Justification Related Projects / Plans Potential Route Requirements & Next Steps

A Potential New Cycle Route Linking Thetfordto High Lodge in Thetford Forest

Robert J. Whittaker

February 2017

Robert J. Whittaker Thetford High Lodge Cycle Link


About Me

Lecturer in Mathematics at theUniversity of East Anglia.Keen recreational cyclist.Volunteer with Sustrans, thesustainable transport charitythat maintains the NationalCycle Network.Group Coordinator for theSustrans ‘Breckland andWaveney Valley’ volunteergroup.Chair of the Greater ThetfordDevelopment PartnershipCommunity Sub-Group.



Benefits of Cycling

Health & Fitness

Loose weight, improve fitness, stay healthier.

Help the Environment

No harmful emissions.More fuel efficient than driving.

Cost & Mobility

Cheaper than travelling by car or public transport.Increased mobility for those without access to cars.

Beat Traffic Congestion

Cycling can be quicker in congested areas.Congestion reduced for remaining drivers too.



The Local Case

Thetford

Population: 24,340Almost 10,000 homes23% of households donot have access to acar or van.(2011 census data)

Outline permission for5,000 new homes to bebuilt 2019–2043.

High Lodge

Cafe and toiletsOver 50 items ofoutdoor play equipment36 miles of cycle trails8 miles of walking trailsOrienteering courseBattlefield liveGo Ape and Segways

River Ouse, major roads and the railway all form barriers toprevent easy access.A few unofficial routes already exist, but some minorimprovements, legal permissions and signage are needed.



Thetford Area Action Plan — ‘Thetford Loops’

Promises a number of cycling routes under Policy TH 12‘Thetford Loops’.

“The Thetford Loops . . . will be multi purpose, high qualityroutes for pedestrians and cyclists for leisure and utility trips.”

“Breckland Council, Norfolk County Council and MTF willconsider how they can contribute to delivery of the Loops,although it is anticipated that some sections will be directlyprovided as part of developments.”

One proposed loop is already impossible because of a lackof action by Breckland Council to ensure an underpasscrossing near Olley’s Farm when the A11 was dualled.As far as I can see, Breckland and Norfolk councils havetaken no action to implement any of the loops so far.



Breaking New Ground — ‘Brecks Forest Way’

As part of the HLF-funded ‘Breaking New Ground’ project,the ‘Brecks Forest Way’ originally promised:

“Walking, cycling and horse-riding are popular activities in theBrecks. Though there are a number of existing trails betweenThetford and Brandon.

“Led by Norfolk County Council this project will create amulti-use route, with short sections and circular paths,connecting Thetford to Brandon along the Little Ouse valley.”

Subsequently scaled back to just a walking route along thefull length of the river, with some multi-user improvementsto the stretch near Brandon.



Little Ouse River Valley Project

Ongoing initiative led by Stuart Wright of Thetford TownCouncil, with an eventual aim to open up the Little Ouseriver to navigation, and make other improvements toincrease recreational use of the river valley.

Project is still in its infancy, but a Waterspace Study hasbeen commissioned to look at the possibilities andrequirements of such a scheme.

It is possible that some parts of the proposed High Lodgecycle link could be achieved through this project.



Route Constraints

The A11, the railway, and the Little Ouse river all presentsignificant barriers that constrain possible routes.Only real option is to cross the A11 using the Little OusePath, and to cross the Little Ouse at Middle Stanch.

Forestry Commission is concerned about route inspections— which are required for waymarked trails on its land.To minimize requirement for additional checking, the routeshould make use of existing trails and public rights of way(which already need to be inspected regularly) as much aspossible.



Overview of Proposed Link Route



Route Detail (Town Centre to Middle Stanch)



Route Detail (Middle Stanch to B1107)



Route Detail (B1107 to High Lodge)



Initial Requirements

Permissive access agreements from landowners:Forestry Commission, Crown Estate, Breckland Council

(Main issue from FC point of view appears to be resourcesfor ongoing safety inspections of any new routes.)

Surface improvements on a short stretch west of MiddleStanch foot-bridge. (200m currently boggy and overgrown.)

Some work to create a safe crossing point on the B1107.

Supply and installation of direction signs.



As funding becomes available

Surface / width improvements on riverside path fromCanterbury Way to A11.

Surface improvements or development of alternative routearound B1107 crossing.

Crossing island on B1107, north of Thetford Golf Club.

Development of alternative riverside path between A11and Middle Stanch.



Next Steps

Gather support for plan from local interest groups andstakeholders, including Thetford Town Council, GreaterThetford Development Partnership, & Friends of ThetfordForest.

Meet with Forestry Commission to discuss route options.

Explore funding options for initial work.



Any Questions?

Please feel free to contact me for further information, or if youhave any questions:

Name: Robert WhittakerAddress:Email:Website: http://thetfordranger.wordpress.com/Twitter: @rjw62


a potential new cycle route linking thetford to high lodge in … · 2017. 4. 20. · robert j....

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