UK: Cyclists call for a greener approach

Posted by admin on 11/30/06 in Cycling Advocacy News

Northumberland Today: Cyclists call for a greener approach - 30 November, 2006

Cyclists have launched a petition for a cycle track to be put in place between Alnwick and Alnmouth. Avid cyclists are calling for the route to connect Alnmouth station with the town, enabling commuters and keen cyclists to abandon their cars in favour of the greener approach. Friends of the Earth launched the petition earlier this month and so far have received a surge of support. Victoria Fyffe, of Alnwick Friends of the Earth, said: “The matter was brought to our attention by a member who commutes into Newcastle every day.

“He doesn’t drive or use a car and wants to cycle to Alnmouth station where he will get the train. He is finding it very difficult via public footpaths that are shut off and the A1068 is a dangerous road to cycle along in the dark.”

Sustrans is currently putting in place its National Cycle Network, which takes in the coast by Alnmouth. Friends of the Earth is calling for Sustrans to extend this route to run alongside the old railway track running from the station.

Cyclist Susan Bell, of Friends of the Earth, has joined the call for the cycle path. “Safety is the main factor, in my view, for a designated cycle route,” she said.

“There is a demand for the cycle route from which Alnwick and district resident-cyclists, and visitors alike, would benefit enormously. “At present there is very little facility for families to cycle together. The Sustrans cycle route would surely facilitate this, at the same time fulfilling the Government’s concern that both children and adults need to have more exercise.”

Ms Fyffe also feels the route would be widely used by both residents and visitors. She added: “I think it would be used a lot as it is a very, very pleasant bit of countryside it goes through and it’s a nice way of getting to the coast.”

A spokesperson for Sustrans said: “Sustrans is currently exploring the possibility of a shared-use route between Alnmouth and Alnwick and we are discussing this with the local authority.”

Coun John Taylor added: “The process has been going on for some time, largely due to Sustrans having to complete the national network and this is just a small part of it.”