Armada Way Consultation

Hello.
Regarding the ongoing issue of the redevelopment of Armada Way. A consultation has been launched by ECF on behalf of the council, the plans including a cycle path. PCyC have been consulted as a stakeholder and our current thoughts are below.
As a ‘Stakeholder’ PCyC will feedback to ECF on the current plans which can be found on the commonplace website here and a pdf here
According to ECF The plans for the cycle path have been audited to ensure they comply with the Government guidance for cycling infrastructure LTN 1/20 a copy of which can be found here

PCyC Comments

  • Width of path. PCyCs interpretation of LTN 1/20 differs to the plan. The current planned width 2.55m seem too narrow for a 2-way path, bounded on both sides for much of its length by various features (Steel barriers that form the planting beds and the water feature). Our understanding of LTN 1/20 would indicate a width of 3 or 4.5m dependent on volume as the desirable width. See Note 1
  • Crossing Mayflower St? What is the intention to enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross Mayflower St.
  • What happens around Cornwall St? It isn’t clear what happens at this junction.
  • Where are all the Bike racks? The Website states, “There will also be covered cycle racks” Some can be seen on the plan, above Mayflower St to the right? PCyC contend there should be quality bike stands (Sheffield Stands) in multiple locations along the length of the path. See Note 2
  • If exiting the cycle path to access shops or homes / accommodation, how is this done i.e. Do you have to dismount?
  • Does the geometry / width work for etc especially around chicanes. Should the angled bends be smoothed out, especially to accommodate Cargo bikes, Recumbents & trikes. The website states” The cycle path has been designed to assist cyclists of all abilities by giving them a safe route through Armada Way”.
  • Sight lines should not be obscured by plantings etc, (plan is to have 500mm high beds with Hedging on top for some lengths of the path) See Note 3
  • The website states that regarding LTN 1/20 this has been approved by AECOM can this be seen?
  • Note the proposed cycle path ends at New George St, so the presumption is bikes will blend with the general pedestrian flow as a shared space.
  • There are multiple potential interactions with pedestrians along the length of the route as stated on the website “In areas where the cycle path crosses over the pedestrian footway, cyclists will need to slow down and give way”.
  • Currently this is a ‘Green route’ (slower / leisure cycling) on PCCs Strategic Cycling Network, Given the change of use of some of the buildings to accommodation / housing and as the website states “The aim is to encourage more cycling to and in Armada Way“. Is it anticipated the volume of cycling traffic will increase and what is the provision for Commuters? Seen Note 4
  • Trees, although not a PCyC remit per se, environmental considerations can’t be ignored and  the removal of any remaining trees to create the cycle route would be ‘problematic’. In fact trees are increasingly recognised as a useful form of soft segregation as per LTN1/20 7.4.6

Have your say
Please checkout the website, plans and our comments, then feedback to us, whether you agree or disagree with our views, or have other considerations you feel need to be highlighted. We would ask that comments are confined to the plans that exist. We need to feedback to ECF soon, as there is a definite timeline to the consultation (ends 28th Nov 2023). We wish to feedback in a pragmatic and timely manner (by Wed 8th Nov), in order that any resulting changes can be incorporated soonest, PCyC feel it is not in the interests of Plymouth as a whole to delay the development of the City Centre or as a pro-cycling group to be seen to be the cause of any delay.
Please note as an individual you are also able to comment on the plans as a whole.This link will enable you to register and receive updates and comment when launched. https://letstalkarmadaway.co.uk/

Notes:

  1. Tables for Recommended minimum widths for shared use routes carrying up to 300 pedestrians per hour & Additional width at fixed objects LTN 1/20 Tables 6-3 & 5-3
  2. Hedgerows should be set back at least 1.0m from the path and maintained in such a way that they do not overhang, encroach across, or drop thorns on the path (new plants adjacent to cycle tracks should be non-thorn varieties). LTN 1/20 15.2.21
  3. For short stays, users will be most concerned with convenience of access while having a safe place to secure their cycle. Cycle parking located close to shop fronts will generally provide good passive surveillance. Small clusters of stands close to main attractors are preferable to one central ‘hub’. Proximity is also essential for disabled cyclists who may be unable to walk very far. LTN 1/20 11.2.3
  4. Plymouth Strategic Cycling Network Plan

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