Present:
Christian Wolmar – London Cycling Campaign (Trustee) and HATF (Active Travel SIG Chair) Val Shawcross CBE – HATF (Board Chair)
Mark Frost – HATF (Independent Technical Advisor)
Timothy Wells – HAL (Surface Access Travel and Policy Lead)
Matthew Wooll – HAL (Route Development Lead)
Rathish Ramachanfran – HAL (Surface Access Intern)
Russell Roberts – LB Ealing
Alfie Purdue – Runway Cycling / Heathrow Cycle Hub
Marcel Steward – Runnymede BC
Spencer Clark – TfL
Shamal Ratnayaka – TfL
Kieran Flynn – LB Hounslow
Dug Tremellen – RB Windsor and Maidenhead
Amelia Hatfield – Surrey CC
Paul Murray – Sustrans
Fiona Blackley – Sustrans
Ben Amey – Slough BC
Rob Gray – Crane Valley Community Interest Company
Sophie Wilmot – LB Hillingdon
1. Welcome and Introductions
The Chair welcomed everyone to the first HATF Active Travel SIG.
2. Review Membership and Scope
The Chair asked members to let Tim Wells know if they think anyone else should be invited to the Active Travel SIGs or if the scope of the group should be altered.
3. Active Travel Programmes at and around Heathrow
a. Heathrow Proposals in the Surface Access Strategy
Tim Wells set out Heathrow’s plans to deliver a step-change in active travel provision over the coming years. See slides for further details.
b. HSPG Bid to National Highways
Russell Roberts provided an update on the HSPG bid for active travel funding from National Highways. See slides for further details.
4. Stakeholder Feedback
Val Shawcross highlighted that the SIG is a great opportunity to build partnerships to develop and deliver improvements for active travel. The Public Transport SIG delivered great results in 2021 and hopes the Active Travel SIG will do the same this year. Who is managing the interface between Local Authority and HAL infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians? Tim Wells responded that HAL need to work with each neighbouring Local Authority and TfL to ensure active travel networks are integrated seamlessly.
The Chair requested a site visit to understand the existing active travel provision at the airport.
Rob Gray stated that the Crane Valley Community Interest Company (CVCIC) was particularly interested in green routes and asked if the ‘Green Loop’ was still proposed with no Expansion. CVCIC is working with Sustrans to look at active travel, including the Longford and Dukes rivers. Highlighted a crossing of the A30 is needed as this is a barrier, but not in the same location as identified in HAL’s slides. Tim Wells answered that HAL is not currently progressing plans for a ‘Green Loop’ but focussing on improvements for colleague commuter routes, although if this includes routes through green space would be keen to explore opportunities.
Ben Amey asked if HAL was open to connecting with cycle hire schemes that TfL and/ or Local Authorities operate. Tim Wells responded saying HAL would be keen to explore this.
Tim Wells asked HSPG what type of infrastructure is being proposed as part of the National Highways bid. Russell Roberts answered that it would vary dependant on traffic volumes, available road space etc.
Mark Frost highlighted the work that had gone into a Heathrow Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) as part of Expansion and that this should not be wasted. Also highlighted that previous HAL funding enabled delivery of active travel projects pre-Covid. Tim Wells responded that HAL is still losing significant amount of money due to slow recovery from Covid-19 and that HAL will invest in improving its roads, and work with Local Authorities and TfL to improve their roads. Hopeful that HAL may be able to contribute in some cases, subject to budget and benefits.
6. AOB
None