News | Cycling Paths ‘unsafe’


- says report UK SUSTAINABLE transport charity Sustrans branded pedes- trian and cycle provision in Maidstone “substandard” and, in some places, “unsafe”. It also found that much of the


cycle network was nothingmore than road signs and lacked “sig- nificant provision”. Off-road cycle routes fell down at “pivotal points such as junctions and crossings”. Its findings were featured in a


40-page assessment co-funded by the borough and county councils. It claimed there was a lack of continuous and dedicated cy- cling network routes, coupled with a shortage of “easy and safe pedestrian access to key destina- tions”. In the 2018 assessment, the


charity conceded Maidstone has the potential to be a “great place” to walk and cycle, identifying Mote Park and the river frontage as positive environments for cy- cling.However, Sustrans said: “If more people are to walk and cycle, the network needs to be improved.”


downsmail.co.uk


Cyclists urged to join beer routes campaign


A CYCLE campaign group is looking to swell its ranks as the boroughwrestleswith increasing traffic gridlock. The registered charity is already


in consultation on multiple fronts with highways bodies and town planners, but Maidstone Cycle Campaign Forum (MCCF) needs more riders to get involved as in- creased housing and school devel- opmentpilepressure on a creaking transport network. Membership secretary Russell


Chidwick said that current traffic issues had created a climatewhere input fromcyclistswas crucial. “Too often,we see newhousing


or development schemes and feel there’s been amissed opportunity for creating a proper integrated transport system. “We’re not talking solely about


cyclists – routes can be created to benefit all road users including pedestrians and thosewithmobil- ity issues.”


MCCF’s aspirations for easing


burgeoning traffic levels are aligned with the borough coun- cil’s. Modal shift – when people ditch cars to findalternativemeans of transport – could work, it says. But talk alone will not encourage change…actionwill. Mr Chidwick said: “People won’t leave their cars and start cy-


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cling unless getting on a bike is a pleasant, practical and safe alter- native. It’s a leap of faith. “It can be achieved.Nijmegen in


Holland is a prime example and, closer to home, the London Bor- ough of Waltham Forest has had considerable success.” At present, just four of the


forum’s members are involved in consultations as variedas theA249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme, the secondary school pro- posals atNewCut,MotePark cycle route improvements, the Queens Avenue traffic regulation order, A20 Harrietsham Highway Im- provement Scheme, and theMaid- stone bridges gyratory. Mr Chidwick added: “We’re


keen to hear from anyone who wants to improve cycling infra- structure in the borough, to enable it to be a safe, enjoyable and healthy travel choice.” For more information, email info@maidstonecycling


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