Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

Transcription

1 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

2 About Sustrans Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and inevitable. We re a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. We work with families, communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people are able to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to move through and live in. It s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. Belfast Office Sustrans Ground Floor Premier Business Centres 20 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GD Head Office Sustrans 2 Cathedral Square College Green Bristol BS1 5DD Sustrans July 2016 Registered Charity No (England and Wales) SC (Scotland) VAT Registration No Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

3 Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 An assessment of how current programmes delivered by Sustrans might help to deliver the 14 proposed Outcomes. 3.0 Comment on proposed Programme for Government Outcomes Framework. 4.0 Comment on the proposed Indicators and Measures. 5.0 Suggested actions in support of Indicators and Outcome delivery. Appendix Details of Sustrans current programmes A B C D E F G Active School Travel Programme Workplaces Leading the Way Programme CHIPS [Cycling Highways for Innovation for People and Spatial Planning] Cycle Skills Unit Training Programmes Strategic Plan for Greenways Community Programmes Volunteering Programme Tables 2 & 3 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

4 1.0 Introduction Sustrans welcomes the opportunity to respond to the consultation on the Programme for Government Outcomes Framework. We wholeheartedly support the purpose of the Programme for Government which is Improving wellbeing for all. This is in line with the Vision and Mission of this charity and our previously published Manifesto. Through our work in encouraging more people to use sustainable forms of transport and travel actively, we are promoting wellbeing across the population, and at the same time benefiting the environment and boosting economic growth. There are many issues of critical significance to our health and the environment among them our increasingly obese and inactive population, air pollution and traffic-clogged roads. These impact negatively on the environment, the wellbeing and economic prosperity of Northern Ireland and tackling them must be a priority in the next Programme for Government. Active travel getting people to walk and cycle more is central to improving wellbeing, given its known effects on physical and mental health, as well as the environment. Sustrans welcomes the broader more collaborative approach to the Programme for Government. We are keen to work with government departments to help deliver this Programme. Indeed we have for many years worked with many government departments and the Public Health Agency, as well as many local councils and other organisations to deliver programmes that are relevant to achieving the Outcomes listed. We deliver several significant programmes on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency, such as the Active School Travel (AST) Programme and the Leading the Way Programme, both in Belfast and beginning in Derry~Londonderry. Our work is evidence-based which is fitting with the Programme s 'Outcomes' based approach. As a delivery organisation Sustrans are therefore keen to be involved with the development of the action plans for the Outcomes. We have first of all set out how our current ongoing work programmes meet many of the proposed Outcomes. We then comment on the Outcomes, selected Indicators and the Measures of these Indicators. Finally, we set out some suggested actions that are linked to the overall Outcomes and Indicators. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these and other suggested actions. Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

5 2.0 An assessment of how current programmes delivered by Sustrans help to deliver the 14 proposed Outcomes 2.1 The following programmes / projects have been assessed: A B C D E F G Active School Travel Programme Workplaces Leading the Way Programme CHIPS Cycling Highways for Innovation for People and Spatial Planning Cycle Skills Unit Training Programmes Strategic Plan for Greenways Community Programmes Volunteering Programme Table 1 Proposed Outcomes A B C D E F G 1 We prosper through a strong, competitive, regionally balanced economy 2 We live and work sustainably - protecting the environment 3 We have a more equal society 4 We enjoy long, healthy, active lives 5 We are an innovative, creative society, where people can fulfil their potential 6 We have more people working in better jobs 7 We have a safe community where we respect the law, and each other 8 We care for others and we help those in need 9 We are a shared society that respects diversity 10 We are a confident, welcoming, outward looking society 11 We give our children and young people the best start in life 12 We have high quality public services 13 We have created a place where people want to live and work, to visit and invest 14 We connect people and opportunities through our infrastructure 2.2 Table 1 above clearly illustrates the cross-cutting nature of our current work and the widespread, comprehensive contribution that would be made to the 14 proposed Outcomes. Later in the document, as well as proposing the continuation of these current programmes we have set out further actions that we feel will also contribute significantly to these Outcomes. 1 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

6 3.0 Comment on proposed Programme for Government Outcomes Framework We have reviewed the 14 Outcomes and are very supportive of this approach and the clearly stated purpose Improving wellbeing for all by tackling disadvantage and driving economic growth. We would suggest however that the word sustainable should be inserted before economic. In Table 1 we demonstrate how our current programmes fully or in part deliver many of these Outcomes. We believe Outcome 7 about safety is too vague and that there should be a more specific Outcome around road safety, given the high number of KSIs (Killed and Seriously Injured) and the importance of having safe infrastructure. 4.0 Comments on the proposed Indicators and Measures Indicator 23: Improve transport connections for people, goods and services Measurable: average journey times on key economic corridors The measurable for improved connection of people and the measurable for improved connection of goods and services along key economic corridors should not be one and the same. To complement - or at least to not conflict with Indicator 25 (increase the use of public transport and active travel) the improved connection of people should take account of accessibility (location, convenience and cost) and frequency of public transport services along these key economic corridors, and not solely journey times. Particularly, but not exclusively, along Belfast-L Derry routes, the connection of people as set out in this Indicator should not be solely focused on driving journey times, but should take account of the public transport network between these two key economic centres (including the NIR network). That will require more than journey time as a measure of improvement. Indicator 25: Increase the use of public transport and active travel We are pleased to see government acknowledge the need to increase the use of both public transport and encourage active travel (walking and cycling). We believe there could be separate Indicators for these modes of transport. Our concern is around funding, that investment in public transport such as infrastructure and vehicles may consume most of the budget, leaving little for walking and cycling. This Indicator represents two quite separate challenges and also raises an opportunity to promote an important third area multi-modal journeys. In short, there could be three Indicators for each of these modes of transport, or one Indicator with three Measures. Multi-modal journeys are common throughout Europe where, for example, a journey to work can involve a cycle ride to a station, a train journey and then a walk or cycle to the place of work / destination. They are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and promote health and mental wellbeing. We met recently with Translink to discuss this Indicator and we are both keen to work together to encourage the use of public transport and promote higher levels of active travel and multi-modal journeys. Key aspects of this work will include: 2 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

7 The provision of safe walking and cycling routes to railway stations, key bus stops and Park & Ride facilities. The provision of safe, secure bike parking at these locations. The development of viable Public Bike Share schemes linked to key city and town transport hubs. The development of Active Travel Hubs to promote the connections between public transport and active travel. The development and delivery of Behavioural Change Programmes supporting the investment in infrastructure and promoting multi-modal journeys. The development of smart ticketing that supports multi-modal journeys. 5.0 Suggested actions in support of Indicators and Outcome delivery In addition to comments above in 4.0 on multi-modal journeys we believe the following actions would have an immediate impact in delivering the government s proposed Outcomes. These are just some of our suggestions. A full outline of Sustrans proposals for government are contained in our Manifesto, Prosperity and well-being in Northern Ireland which we published in January 2016 ahead of the Assembly elections. Schools Expand the Active School Travel Programme to include investment in safe routes to schools and install high quality cycle parking at all schools to encourage active travel. Invest more in school buses and public transport for pupils to reduce the high number being driven to school. This could form part of plans to encourage multi-modal journeys. Offer all P6 pupils (9-10 year olds) on-road cycle training. The Active School Travel Programme has made a significant difference to encouraging Primary school-children to walk and cycle. However, it is more difficult to have an impact on Post-Primary children for various reasons, including class timetables. Therefore we propose a separate active travel scheme that targets teenagers and young adults in community settings. Active Travel Introduce an Active Travel Bill, similar to Wales, which would ensure provision for pedestrians and cyclists and connections to public transport in land-use planning and new developments. The development of Active Travel Hubs to promote the connections between public transport and active travel. Introduce a default 20mph speed limit in towns and cities (with main arterial routes remaining at 30mph). An option is 20mph zones or traffic-free zones around schools. 3 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

8 Urban Network Long-term investment for cycling infrastructure in urban areas with segregated cycle lanes and secure cycle parking provision. This would help address cycling safety concerns and encourage this mode of transport thus boosting the economy, improving air quality and the environment and the population s health and wellbeing. In other parts of the UK, Sustrans has led a successful initiative called DIY Streets which are community street design projects in which the public realm is improved for people to live in. We believe there is great potential for this initiative in Northern Ireland which would fulfil a number of the PfG s Outcomes and Indicators. Sustrans prides itself on its innovation and to that end we propose that government supports a new cycling scheme for the low paid or unemployed to access bikes and address inequalities. This would help the most deprived in our communities get active and open up employment opportunities. Rural Network The Greenways Strategy has huge potential to improve the coverage of the traffic-free extent of the National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland. This will boost rural regeneration, benefiting local communities, by improving active travel infrastructure for commuting, schools, leisure and tourism. Conclusion We are pleased to see that Government is keen to work with the voluntary sector in achieving the Outcomes set out in this Framework document. We agree that economic prosperity must be underpinned by a well-being strategy. Active travel can help deliver both. As a key stakeholder, Sustrans is keen to be involved with the development of Action Plans to deliver the Outcomes in this Framework. Contact: Gordon Clarke Sustrans Northern Ireland Director Tel: / gordon.clarke@sustrans.org.uk Anne Madden Sustrans Policy & Media Advisor Northern Ireland Tel: / anne.madden@sustrans.org.uk 4 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

9 APPENDIX A Active School Travel Programme Sustrans has recently been commissioned by the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency to deliver a further five years of the Active School Travel (AST) Programme. We have been working over the past three years in nearly 200 schools where we have delivered a 32% increase in the number of pupils walking, cycling and scooting to school, with a corresponding decrease in those being driven. We continually monitor and report on this Programme and provide a detailed annual report of its impact. Our aim is to make active travel the normal way children get to school, thereby reducing congestion on our roads, improving air quality and improving children s physical and mental health and tackling the child obesity epidemic (1 in 4 children aged 10 or under in Northern Ireland is overweight or obese). This programme contributes to several of the proposed PfG s Outcomes including We live and work sustainably protecting the environment and We give our children and young people the best start in life, among others. It also helps progress on at least 15 Indicators, see Table 2. The latest school travel figures from the DRD s 2014/15 Continuous Household Survey show three fifths (61%) of school-children are still being driven to school instead of walking, cycling or taking public transport. Furthermore even though 53% of primary school pupils live less than a mile from school, a large proportion (44%) are still driven by car. The AST Programme covers just 18% of all Northern Ireland primary and post-primary schools. We have shown we can make a difference and change children s travel habits for the better. We welcome the opportunity to deliver the Programme over the next five years but to fully realise the Government s Outcomes and Indicators we believe the AST Programme should be expanded to many more schools. In summary, we urge Government to consider the following: Enhance the next 5-year AST programme with greater staff resource so that we can increase the support to schools, maximise efficiency and increase the number of schools the programme can support. National Standard on-road cycle training for all P6 pupils Safe Routes to Schools infrastructure capital funding B Leading the Way (Workplaces) Programme This three year programme began in autumn 2014, and was commissioned by the Public Health Agency to get people more active on their journeys to and from work and in their daily routine. It focuses on a number of large employers in the Belfast area: the Public Health Agency itself, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Council, Health and Social Care Board, and Business Services Organisation. Sustrans has just begun a similar programme in the North West covering Derry~Londonderry and Strabane. This programme is an important means to deliver the Outcome We live and work sustainably 5 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

10 protecting the environment. Given how much time is spent in traffic by commuters, it is vital to engage employers to assist workers to both use public transport and walk or cycle. By reducing rush hour congestion and increasing the workforce who travel actively, government can achieve many more of its overarching Outcomes including: We enjoy, long, healthy, active lives and We have created a place where people want to live and work, to visit and invest. As can be seen in Table 2, this programme also contributes to at least 12 Indicators. C CHIPS project Sustrans is involved in an exciting new project with leading cycling nations the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, to encourage more cycling commuters. The CHIPS project (Cycle Highways Innovation for Smarter People Transport and Spatial Planning) aims to tackle high levels of air pollution caused by car traffic in North-West Europe by building better infrastructure for cyclists and encouraging bicycle commuting. Sustrans will work with key employers close to the Comber Greenway to encourage and support people to cycle. Programmes that we develop in Belfast will be shared and implemented by partners across Europe. An Active Travel hub will be established at the Holywood Arches in east Belfast to provide a public base for the project with smart cycle storage units utilising modern technology and bike service points. The CHIPS partners forecast a 150 to 300 percent increase in the number of cyclists as a result of the project. This work will certainly support the Outcome for living and working sustainably protecting the environment, and many more, including promoting innovation and connecting people through our infrastructure. It also fulfils at least 11 Indicators. The programme will be closely monitored and evaluated and these findings can be used as additional evidence-based Measures for several Indicators. D On-road Cycle Training Sustrans identified a need for on-road cycle training provision in Northern Ireland in This followed our work to provide cycle training ahead of the launch of the successful Belfast Bike Share Scheme which was jointly funded by the Public Health Agency and Active Belfast. We have a team of cycling instructors who provide training for the Active School Travel Programme, as well as a range of tailored courses to suit a variety of groups and individuals. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and, with more bikes than ever on the roads, the need for on-road cycle training has never been higher. We know from feedback from our courses that cycle training gives people confidence and the skills to navigate our busy roads. We can encourage more people to cycle if they feel safer, which is helped by better infrastructure but also good training. Safety was one of the biggest barriers to people cycling according to the Belfast Bike Life report published last autumn. 6 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

11 We also helped develop a best practice training programme for HGV drivers and companies, including commercial goods operators, to help prevent collisions with cyclists in an urban environment. The accredited course was developed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Sustrans in conjunction with Cycle Training UK (CTUK), and has received funding through the Public Health Agency and Belfast Strategic Partnership. The unique part of this one-day course is that drivers get to experience the road from the perspective of a person on a bike. Similar training has also been done with Translink and its fleet of bus drivers. This programme certainly contributes towards the Outcome We have a safe community where we respect the law, and each other. Given the extent of road casualties in Northern Ireland, however, we believe there should be a greater focus on safety in the Outcomes, indeed a separate Outcome focusing on road safety with associated Indicators. Encouraging cycling and giving more people the skills to cycle on-road safely will promote several of the Outcomes as cited in Table 1, including We enjoy long, healthy, active lives and no less than 17 Indicators (see Table 2). E Strategic Plan for Greenways for Northern Ireland The Department for Infrastructure commissioned AECOM, in association with Sustrans to develop a Greenway Plan for Northern Ireland. This followed our work to develop the North West Greenways Plan which was published and ratified by both Derry-Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. To date over 1,000km of cycling/walking provision has been delivered across both Council areas. The vast majority, 940km, of routes are on road with 80km traffic free, 30km of which are classified as high quality greenways. Greenways are an excellent way to enable people to incorporate activity into their everyday routine whether as a means of travelling or for recreation and leisure. These off-road traffic-free routes provide a safe environment to give people the freedom and confidence to use the bicycle for everyday journeys. They also improve our attractiveness as a destination [Indicator 30] and are therefore a valuable asset for our Tourism industry. A good example of the impact of economic prosperity generated by greenways is the Great Western Greenway in Co Mayo which has boosted visitor numbers and jobs for local businesses. The Northern Ireland Greenway Strategy with proper investment will be a considerable boost for rural regeneration. This Strategy will fulfil many Outcomes as listed in Table 1 and many Indicators, not least 23 and 25 improving transport connections for people, and increasing active travel. F Communities programmes Sustrans is delivering a number of projects in the community to promote health and active travel which contribute to a range of Outcomes, including We are an innovative, creative society, where people can fulfil their potential and We are a shared society that respects diversity. These Outcomes are borne out in two of our most recent projects, the One Path Initiative and our Well on Wheels project. 7 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

12 One Path Initiative We were commissioned by three Council areas (Belfast City Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council) along with the Department for Infrastructure to encourage different users of the Comber Greenway in east Belfast e.g. cyclists, dog walkers and joggers to share the path and respect each other. This is a pilot programme which could be rolled out to other linear paths where conflict can exist between different users. The overall objective of this initiative fulfils the Outcome We have a safe community where we respect the law, and each other and in doing so we ensure the community continues to use the Greenway to walk or cycle, thus promoting the Outcome We enjoy long, healthy, active lives. Councils and the Department for Infrastructure receive complaints from the public about conflict on greenways. Therefore monitoring the volume of these complaints, which will hopefully see a reduction after this initiative, could be used as an Indicator alongside the Respect Index (Indicator 26). As part of this work we have carried out user surveys of the path, these statistics together with the data from path sensor counters could be used as Measures for a number of Indicators, particularly for Indicators 23 and 25. Well on Wheels project This new project aims to raise awareness of the health benefits of cycling, while offering practical help for people to acquire a bike, repair it and get about the city. It is aimed mainly at promoting cycling among refugees, asylum seekers and local people living in deprived areas of south Belfast. The project has been funded by Active Belfast and Belfast Strategic Partnership to help reduce health inequalities in the city by promoting physical activity and healthy eating. As part of the project Sustrans is running a series of health fairs promoting cycling and nutrition. It fulfils several of the Outcomes including We care for others and we help those in need and in particular We enjoy long, healthy, active lives. The evaluation of this project could be a Measure for Indicator 32 Increase economic opportunities for our most deprived communities because improving access to bikes and providing cycle training is a practical means of getting unemployed people job opportunities, if they can t otherwise afford transport. G Volunteering Across the UK Sustrans has 4,000 volunteers who make a difference to their local communities and support the vital work we do. Our volunteers work in a variety of ways from NCN rangers, litter clearing, event organisers and cycle training. Through Sustrans Volunteer Programme we have an impact on the following Indicators: 8 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

13 6: Improve mental health volunteering has a positive effect on individual s mental health The Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) is used as a guide for activities within the Volunteer Programme. 14: Improve the skills profile of the population the volunteer programme provides training, skills and therefore improves self-confidence and a sense of belonging to society as well as local pride. 23. Improve transport connections for people volunteer rangers help maintain and post signage on sections of the NCN and could assist with the proposed expansion of the network e.g. Greenway Strategy 25. Increase the use of public transport and active travel our volunteers champion active travel to the wider public and lead walks and bike rides on NCN routes. 9 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

14 Table 2: showing Indicators and how Sustrans projects contribute to progress on these Sustrans Projects A B C D E F G PfG Indicators 2. Reduce health inequality 3. Increase healthy life expectancy 4. Reduce preventable deaths 6. Improve mental health 11. Improve educational outcomes 13. Improve the quality of education 14. Improve the skills profile of the population 15. Improve child development 16. Increase the proportion of people in work 17. Reduce economic inactivity 20. Increase the size of the economy 22. Increase innovation in our economy 23. Improve transport connections for people, goods and services 25. Increase the use of public transport and active travel 26. Increase respect for each other 28. Increase the confidence and capability of people and communities 29. Increase environmental sustainability 30. Improve our attractiveness as a destination 32. Increase economic opportunities for our most deprived communities 34. Improve regional balance of economic prosperity through increased employment 37. Improve air quality 10 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016

15 Table 3 PfG Indicators Suggested additional Measures 2. Reduce health inequality % of population overweight and/or obese in deprived wards Employment rate of year olds by deprivation quintile 3. Increase healthy life expectancy % of children overweight and/or obese aged 10 and under 4. Reduce preventable deaths Road safety statistics 11. Improve educational outcomes Number of people with National Standard certificates in cycling. % of children who have studied Highway Code, improving their road safety skills. 14. Improve the skills profile of the population % of population with National Standard certificates in cycling 23. Improve transport connections for people, goods and services The measurable average journey times on key economic corridors should be different for people than for goods and 25. Increase the use of public transport and active travel - suggest this Indicator is separated, see narrative 4.0 services. [See narrative 4.0] Active Travel measures: Northern Ireland Travel Survey N. Ireland Continuous Household Survey, showing travel habits Sensor counters on greenways produce data on numbers walking & cycling Sustrans annual research & monitoring report for AST (Active School Travel) Programme Sustrans Belfast Bike Life surveys showing % of people who cycle, 2015 baseline; 2017 follow-up survey; invest in future surveys 26. Increase respect for each other Number of complaints about conflict on greenways received by Councils (See Communities Programme for explanation) 29. Increase environmental sustainability 30. Improve our attractiveness as a destination % of new infrastructure that incorporates environmental sustainability in plans % of tourists who come to N. Ireland for cycling and walking holidays Visitor survey feedback/ratings 11 Draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government Framework Sustrans response July 2016