CYCLISTS could be in for an easier ride following a proposal to improve cycling routes across Warwickshire.
A lack of safety measures for cyclists was raised at a Warwickshire County Council meeting by Liberal Democrat and Green Party councillors.
They have been looking at possible new routes and improved measures to make it easier and safer for residents to get around on bikes in a bid to reduce car travel.
The put forward a motion demanding the county council develops a strategic costed three year cycling plan.
Lib Dem councillor Jenny Fradgley said the party was determined to make sure its conclusions would not be ‘kicked into the long grass’.
She added: “It can be hard to cycle safely in our county. We have patchy cycle ways often disappearing at difficult points, insufficient cycle stands, not all traffic lights have safe cycle boxes painted on the road and little joined up connectivity between places where people want to go.”
Green councillor Jonathan Chilvers added: “Building cycle infrastructure is a no-brainer. It is low cost, helps reduce pollution and congestion and makes a highly efficient form of transport accessible to all.”
Bob Bearman, chair of the Stratford Cycle Forum said: “Anything that can get more people on to bikes is good for everyone, especially for short urban trips – it keeps you fit, of course, but less pollution and less congestion benefits the whole community. But to encourage more people to use bicycles to get around, there’s a need for a network of safer and more convenient cycle routes – and this can only happen with some realistic funding.”
