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Local Lib Dems want Medway residents to get on their bikes during UK Bike Week 6th – 14th June

May 29, 2020 9:04 AM
By Medway Liberal Democrats - Alan Wells

Medway Liberal Democrats UK Bike Week logoare supporting UK Bike Week 6th - 14th June, which gives an opportunity to promote the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling around our towns.

As the UK economy recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 'lock-down' cycling has an even more important role as a healthy and green method of transport. It provides an attractive alternative to car and public transport, enabling social distancing to be fully observed.

Locally, we have called on the Council to have a clear pro-cycling policy by adopting planning policies in locations where there is scope to provide cycling connections. Graham Colley, LibDem candidate for Rochester and Strood added "I have written to the council asking them to support Cycling UK's campaign to provide temporary cycling. This would not only help people get their daily exercise safely, but would allow essential workers to cycle to work. However temporary arrangements for cyclists should become permanent. If people thought it was safe, more people would cycle."

We are strongly in favour cycling as a pollution-free way ahead for the towns and have called for the provision of more secure cycle parking and cycle paths. Better facilities would help more people to reap the benefits - both health and economic - of integrating cycling into their daily routine such as journeys to work, education and shopping.

Congestion and pollution from vehicle emissions is a huge issue on Medway's main roads such as the A2. Giving people a viable and convenient alternative to the private car will help ease congestion and improve air quality.

Liberal Democrats are calling on Medway Council to deliver a Local Plan which improves the quality of cycle infrastructure. Doing this will aid health and well-being, reduce congestion and pollution.

During the current period of social distancing, group rides may not be possible. 'UK Cycling' advises cyclists to avoid riding in groups comprising cyclists from other households, undertaking only solo rides only for the foreseeable future.

ENDS

Notes for Editors: For more information about UK Bike Week please visit: Bike Week 2020 - 6 to 14 June | Cycling UK