Pedals (Spalding’s Cycle Action Group) applauds last weekend’s announcement by the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, setting out the government’s plans for encouraging more walking and cycling.
This announcement accelerates Westminster’s strategy for promoting walking and cycling. (Together they are called “Active Travel”). Some recent initiatives seem to us to have concentrated on cities.
We are thrilled that Mr Shapps talks about towns and cities. We hope that an exciting time for Spalding’s cyclists and pedestrians is on its way.
This is part of a long-term shift towards active travel; it is not just the government’s short-term response to the transport issues which have arisen from the COVID-19 crisis.
In his foreword to the new statutory guidance Mr Shapps says: “We recognise this moment for what it is: a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a lasting transformative change in how we make short journeys in our towns and cities. According to the National Travel Survey, in 2017-18 over 40 per cent of urban journeys were under two miles – perfectly suited to walking and cycling.
“Active travel is affordable, delivers significant health benefits, has been shown to improve wellbeing, mitigates congestion, improves air quality and has no carbon emissions at the point of use. Towns and cities based around active travel will have happier and healthier citizens as well as lasting local economic benefits.”
Mr Shapps also said: “We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities.”
Many journeys in Spalding are of less than two miles. This is an ideal opportunity to make journeys by bicycle or on foot to such places as schools, the industrial estate, the town centre and the sports centre safer, healthier, and more welcoming.
We are looking forward to working with Lincolnshire County Council as it draws up its plans in response to the Government’s initiative and requirements, offering our local knowledge, experience and opinions.
Roger Smith
on behalf of Pedals –Spalding’s Cycle Action Group
