Promoting cycling at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton
It’s great that Lilian Greenwood MP, the new Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, will join us for a cycle ride during the Labour Party Conference in Brighton. We will assemble to greet the visiting politicians on Wednesday 30 September at 08.15 and take a short but invigorating early morning ride along the seafront, where we will be promoting Space for Cycling with banners, cards and support from CTC.
We are delighted that the new Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn regularly rides a bike. We hope he comes too!
The hotel where delegates are staying is close to the popular seafront cycle track used by thousands of cyclists daily. Brighton and Hove is in the forefront of cycling provision, and recently gained the Best Cycle Network Infrastructure Award at the Cycle Planning Awards for improvements on the Lewes Road. The innovative design included cycle lanes behind bus stops and an early green phase for cyclists on traffic lights. This could not have happened without political will and government investment.
However, the political process means that subsequent elected administrations, both national and locally might have different priorities
CTC’s Roger Geffen did excellent campaigning work in getting a Cycling and Walking Strategy included in the Infrastructure Act. We must end the stop/start lottery of cycle funding!
In the lead-up to the May 2015 council elections, we promoted the Space for Cycling’s six points to the candidates:
1. Protected space on main roads and at junctions - NOT inadequate pavement conversions that stop and start at every side road!
2. Removal of through motor traffic on residential streets - local residents would still have access by car. Deliveries and refuse collections would be unaffected.
3. Lower speed limits - 20 mph in villages and built-up areas. 40 mph or lower on rural lanes.
4. Cycle-friendly town centres - people prioritised over motor traffic to create high streets that are economically viable and socially vibrant.
5. Routes through green spaces and parks
6. Safe routes to schools
Nineteen of the 54 Brighton and Hove City councillors (35%) signed up, but many of them later lost their seats, and some did not re-stand. We now have to start again with the new council!
All across the country, there is still a long way to go to shift the balance of power on the streets to recognise the value of cycling and walking. Junctions and main roads need sorting out. Cycling is still not an easy thing to do for the less intrepid. This requires political action at national and local level.
Do join us for the ride! Details here
Becky Reynolds
Campaigns Officer, Bricycles (the Brighton and Hove Cycling Campaign)
CTC local Right to Ride Representative, Brighton and Hove
