Screening Grid Characteristic Could this policy, procedure, project or service, or any proposed changes to it, affect this group less favorably than others in Kent? YES/NO If yes how? Assessment of potential impact HIGH/MEDIUM LOW/NONE UNKNOWN Provide details: a) Is internal action required? If yes what? b) Is further assessment required? If yes, why? Could this policy, procedure, project or service promote equal opportunities for this group? YES/NO - Explain how good practice can promote equal opportunities Positive Negative Internal action must be included in Action Plan If yes you must provide detail
Gender Yes – A survey in the UK indicated only 4% of women were cycling more than once a week, nearly 8 in 10 women never cycled, but 43% of women had access to a bike. Also only a quarter of UK bike journeys where by women (Sustrans 2009) None Low Yes – ensure any publicity, consultation and new signposting introduced to support this route have relevance and appeal to women as a targeted group. Contact the Breeze ride organizers to see if they can organize a local event. Review adult bikeability training in the area. Gender identity No None None No No Race No None Low Yes – ensure any publicity, consultation and new signposting introduced to support this route have relevance and appeal to the local community, including where local population data indicates a high proportion of one or more BAME groups Religion or belief No None None No No Sexual orientation No None None no No
Part 1: INITIAL SCREENING Proportionality - Based on the answers in the above screening grid what RISK weighting would you ascribe to this function – see Risk Matrix Low Medium High Low relevance or Insufficient information/evidence to make a judgement. Medium relevance or Insufficient information/evidence to make a Judgement. High relevance to equality, /likely to have adverse impact on protected groups Low Risk. The overall ambition for the proposed new cycle route is to improve the cycle network in the area allowing local residents and tourists to increase the number of journeys they make by bike. The cycle route design will meet all design standards and maximize access for all, whilst limiting any negative affect on vulnerable users in the area. Whilst some risks have been noted in the initial screening, the overall impact of creating a new joined up route has positive outcomes for the identified groups. Any risks identified above are targeted in the following Action Plan, showing how we intend to reduce any negative impacts. Context At present central Folkestone has limited designated cycle routes and the links for pedestrians and cyclists in a north/south direction are poor, partly due to the bifurication effect of the railway line. This scheme plans to create a new cycle route from Harvey Grammar School on Cheriton Road, linking to the existing cycle route at the jct with Cornwallis Ave, continuing through to the Leas. The scheme plans to utilize an underused safe cycle/pedestrian tunnel under the railway line, which currently has no links to the cycle network.The route would have the advantage of directness in encouraging local sustainable travel. The proposed route will improve cycle access to a number of cycle trip attractors, including: Folkestone rail stations, Harvey Grammar School, Morrisons, The Civic Centre and Law courts, Folkestone Coastal park, Folkestone central business area, Proposed measures on the scheme could include: Improved signage on existing routes, Shared use pedestrian/cycle footways, New/upgraded pedestrian/cycle toucan crossings, Widened and re-aligned footways and kerbs, Re-surfacing and more level footways,
Equality Impact Assessment Action Plan Protected Characteristic Issues identified Action to be taken Expected outcomes Owner Timescale Cost implications Age During construction age groups reliant on walking may experience reduced accessibility as works reduce access. Shared pedestrian/cycle routes may increase the perceived vulnerability of older and younger people using pedestrian facilities. Adequate advance notice of closures and signage during planned works. Signage at entry and pinch points should remind all users to share the route respectively. A safety audit will be completed at the design and construction stage The design will meet all statutory requirements including the Equality Act 2010, and recommended cycle route design guidance from the Department for Transport. The construction phase will be managed effectively to minimize any reduced public access The final design will encourage inclusive access whilst meeting minimum design standards Kent County Council Highways Before and during construction Adequately managing the construction phase meeting all health and safety standards should be costed within the project planning The design should consider current users and potential users and this should be included in design costings
Disability As above As above . Also, route design should, where feasible, take into account the needs of wheelchair users, recumbent bikes and trailers. The route should be de designed to be as accessible as possible, whilst considering the safety of all users Kent County Council Highways Before and during construction As above Gender Survey data indicates less women than men cycle in the UK Ensure any publicity, consultation and new signposting introduced to support this route have relevance and appeal to women as a targeted group. Review adult bikeability training and cycle events in the area. Users surveys indicate more than a quarter of cyclists using the route are women Kent County Council Highways Once constructed and open Using volunteers to complete user surveys once the route is complete would reduce costs Race Analysis census data to determine the ethnic and cultural diversity in the area Ensure any publicity, consultation and new signposting introduced to support this route have relevance and appeal to the local community, Users surveys to confirm all groups within the community are using the facility Kent County Council Highways Once constructed and open As above 7