6. Integration and Application
6.1 Funding history within North Tyneside
North Tyneside Council has a track record of successful funding applications related to improved walking and cycling schemes.
In 2021/22 the Authority has secured nearly £1.6m from the Government’s Active Travel Fund (ATF) Tranche 2 for works which reallocate road space to support cycling and walking and £7.6m from the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) for infrastructure measures which support cycling, walking and public transport.
In May 2022 the Authority was successful in being awarded £3.5m from ATF Tranche 3 to move ahead with plans for a permanent, segregated, two-way safe space between the North Shields Fish Quay and St Mary’s Lighthouse, known as the Sea Front Sustainable Route.
The Authority will apply the prioritisation work described above when determining future investment plans, including seeking external funding to enhance the cycling network and walking routes.
6.2 Developments within North Tyneside
The Authority have successfully worked with developers to ensure sections of the strategic network identified within Table 3 are incorporated within the layout of their development. Contributions have also been sought from new developments to enhance and expand the network. The Authority will continue to build upon its success with housing and commercial developers to ensure active travel infrastructure is included within developments.
Developers will be expected to comply with the Transport and Highways Supplementary Planning Document which sets out the expectation that developments will be required to adhere to LTN1/20 and the North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide. This will include seeking the provision of secondary and local routes for active travel which will connect to North Tyneside’s strategic cycle routes.
6.3 Go Smarter in North Tyneside
The Go Smarter in North Tyneside initiative encourages behaviour change in everyday travel to schools, businesses and residential areas. This would be used in conjunction with new developments arising from the LCWIP.
Through Go Smarter, the Authority has implemented ‘School Streets’ at five locations within the borough, which has supported healthy and active travel and safety for children and parents in the vicinity of the school. The Authority will also look to ensure that, for any new housing developments which include schools, the highway layout is suitable for the installation of an effective ‘School Street’. The Authority will also work with developers to ensure that street layouts are designed to support convenient and direct journeys by cycling, walking and wheeling, providing an attractive alternative to car use.
Another initiative covered by Go Smarter in North Tyneside is the national standard Bikeability training. The Authority will continue to deliver cycle training to school children through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Bikeability programme. This includes a range of types of training from pedal-free ‘balance bikes’ for younger children, to standard Level 2 and advanced Level 3 training.
The North Tyneside network of Strategic Cycle Routes
