Local Lib Dems want Medway residents to get on their bikes during UK Bike Week 5th June – 11th June 2023
Medway Liberal Democrats are supporting UK Bike Week from 5th – 11th June, which gives an opportunity to promote the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling around our towns. Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual celebration to showcase cycling, and this years theme is health and wellbeing. Cycling has an important role as a healthy and green method of transport, around Medway's urban and rural areas, it provides an attractive alternative to car and public transport.
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. We have also successfully campaigned via questions to council to demarcate safe cycle routes rather than blocking off streets for cycling as in London and Brighton producing complaints from the local residents.
We 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.
Alan Wells, Medway Liberal Democrat campaigner said, "I have called on the council to invest in cycling infrastructure for Medway City Estate. As traffic congestion adds to Medway’s emissions each year and reduces local productivity, cycling - especially at peak hours - would help reduce emissions and ease congestion across Medway. For example, at present there is no designated cycle paths or cycling infrastructure going on and off Medway City Estate. The roads affected are Sir Thomas Longley Road (most notably), Neptune Close, Royal Eagle Close, Clipper Close and Whitewall Road, Anthony's Way leading onto the estate from Canal Road and Commissioners Road.
Cycling paths on the estate would benefit workers and people using the estate. As a cyclist myself, the roads around the estate can become treacherous especially during peak times. Cycling infrastructure would also add as a incentive for people using the estate to cycle as a different and safe mode of transport, as well as added environmental benefit.
Cycling remains a great way to get around Kent and Medway, and an amazing way to explore our region's countryside, and be inspired by local cycling routes. Liberal Democrats have been consistent on 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."
ENDS
Notes and additional text for Editors:
Your health, your climate, your pocket and your community are all better by bike. Take part in Bike Week from 5-11th June 2023
Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual celebration to showcase cycling and how brilliant it is. Join thousands of people all across the UK and enjoy the simple pleasure of riding a bike. Let's make the world better by bike.
Cycling remains a great way to keep fit and active and is a good way to boost immunity, it's also fantastic for your well-being.For more information about UK Bike Week please visit: https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek