Below is the full text of the correspondence we have received from each political party which is taking part in Derby City Council elections on 3rd May 2012, in response to a request by Derby Cycling Group for information on their cycling policies. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the party concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of Derby Cycling Group.
From: Labour
Sent: 22 April 2012 21:09
Subject: RE: Cycling Policies in Derby
Hello
I have attached a copy of our manifesto for you.
Labour has committed itself to reducing the City’s carbon footprint and we would see cycling as part of the mix to help us to do that in our pledge on the green agenda.
So yes we would encourage more people to cycle and take up cycling, and I am sure that we would agree with you on that.
Should we take control of the council on May 3rd/4th having been out of power for four years we would have to get a good understanding on what specifically can be done when we know more about budget and the implications that the current Coalition, both locally and nationally, have inflicted on the City in terms of budget cuts.
There are of course further budget cuts planned and the council tax zero per cent increase subsidy falls out of the budget next year.
regards
Cllr Paul Bayliss | Leader of the Labour Group | Labour Councillor for Alvaston| Vice Chair of Derby Homes
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From: Liberal Democrats
Sent: 23 April 2012 09:45
Subject: Re: Cycling Policies in Derby
Dear Derby Cycling Group,
Thanks for the email and letter and the opportunity to say where Liberal Democrats in Derby stand on cycling.
Firstly I would like to say that I am married to a member of your group of 15 years standing and that Lib Dem Councillors past and present are also members along with other party supporters. I therefore appreciate your campaigning and commitment to cycling in Derby.
As we have run the Council as a minority administration and part of the current coalition, at every opportunity we consider the cyclists view on road layout, shared paths, improving signage and we spoke against removal of bus lanes.
The Velodrome (renamed by Conservatives Multisports Arena) was a Liberal Democrat idea and ensuring it continued was one reason we entered the current coalition in Derby.
In our current manifesto we mention 20mph speeds which would make cycling safer in the city.
Better signage would also help along with composite manhole covers both mentioned in the manifesto.
In planning future infrastructure such as Chellaston Business Park we would want to see better provision for cycling to encourage cycling to work whether that is on the road or cycle ways, storage for bikes or changing facilities at the work place.
In Mickleover ward for example we are using S106 money for cycling to replace a footbridge as shared walking/ cycle route and supporting cycle training in our local schools.
We would want Derby to regain its status as cycle city. I think that this is now something we would need to do independent of central government as I understand cycle city status has been disbanded. However it is a useful bench mark to achieve as a first step.
Finally, we agree that more cycling would reduce congestion and pollution whilst improving health and fitness.
Hilary Jones
Leader of Derby Liberal Democrat Council Group
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From: Green Party
Sent: 23 April 2012 18:35
Subject: Re: Cycling Policies in Derby
Dear Mr Roelich,
Thank you very much for contacting me with regards to the Green Party’s position with regards to cycling and sustainable transport. I have attached both my election leaflet and then a slightly more detailed version that appears on the web site.
As a party that puts sustainability at the centre of its thinking, walking, cycling and the use of public transport is at the heart of our transport policy. I ride a bike all the time and have been privileged to do a job that encourages others to do the same.
We would push sustainable transport and active travel up to be number one on the LTP agenda.
We would support the on going core funding of Cycle Derby and other DCC projects that promote active travel and public transport.
We would want all new road schemes and improvements to be audited to ensure that they improve the experience for sustainable transport users. All new developments would have to have as a planning condition provision for people to walk and cycle to work i.e. routes to the development, secure cycle storage and facilities in the building including a shower where appropriate.
We would look again at motorised vehicle access to the city centre and remove cars as much as possible.
We would make enforcement of TRO’s where they ban cars a priority for example Victoria and Albert St.
We would have a default 20mph across the city starting in residential areas, near schools and roads with out a cycle lane.
We would allow contra flow cycle lanes on one way streets and look to allow turning left on red for cyclists.
We would install Advanced Stop Lines at all junctions with lights.
We would open up pedestrian areas to cyclists following consultation and take the necessary steps to ensure that all users feel safe.
We would actively encourage local firms to adopt the bike to work scheme.
We would make adult cycle training free to all and maintain the free provision for children in schools.
We would want to establish a cycle courier business to deliver council documents.
We would actively discourage out of town shopping and look to improve bus services and provision of bus lanes across the city.
We would open up our parks to cycling and encourage parks to establish cycling facilities in all green spaces.
We would look very positively on schemes such as congestion charging and workplace parking levy to reduce traffic levels.
We are fully in support of schemes that aim to reduce traffic speeds in particular use of speed cameras. Break the law, get a fine.
We would aim to be the UK’s leading cycling city by 2020 with 20% of journeys by bike.
I think that will do for now.
Pedal on
David Clasby
Green Party candidate Darley Ward.
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From: UKIP
Sent: 24 April 2012 15:02
Subject: RE: Cycling Policies in Derby
Hello Tony
I can offer the following:
Here in Alvaston I have been a strong supporter of the work the Cycling Group(s) do within Alvaston Park and advocated the building and more recent upgrading of the BMX track not only as an activity but also as a way of encouraging people, especially children, in taking up cycling. I have also supported members of your group at our Neighbourhood Forum with issues, in particular, to the National event coming up later this year.
As for general cycling in the city I think the council has a strong policy in favour of cyclists and I wouldn’t want to change that emphasis.
I hope that helps
Regards
Alan Graves
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From: Conservatives
Sent: 27 April 2012 16:52
Subject: RE: Policies on Cycling in Derby
Hi Tony,
Ok here goes:
We must ensure that all major developments and public realm has cycling infrastructure considered and implemented where ever possible. Council officers / planners will be encouraged to ensure they work in consultation with partners and groups when designing and delivering schemes. This will create an attractive environment where people will choose to walk/cycle through rather than use the car.
We need to look at any links that can be made in the cycle network that would encourage uptake and enhance options for those already cycling in travelling across the City. We also need to work with neighbouring authorities to take that principal outside of the City coming and in and out.
We will look to develop and promote the travel plan initiatives including posters, giveaways & incentives for walk2work, cycle2work, public transport 2 work etc, installing a cycle pod, an additional motorcycle shelter, gates have been fitted to existing cycle shelters to make them more secure. Work on increasing commuting cycling is a priority.
Ensure the close partnership continues with Sustrans, CTC, Groundwork and colleagues in Leisure services to ensure Derby is a ‘Cycling City’.
Look to secure negotiated discounted services and promotions with cycle retailers and ensure people are offered cycle training and awareness to give them confidence to commute-to-work etc. Continue to promote cycle training in schools.
Cycle hire in the City is something we want to look into as well as a website with cycle mapping.
Cycle lanes will also be installed where ever possible either retrospectively or during new construction. Contraflow cycle lanes will also be used where viable.
Kind regards,
Matthew.
Matthew Holmes | Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group | Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment
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From: British National Party
Letter Received: 1st May 2012
Dear Mr Roelich
Thank you for your letter regarding cycling.
I myself was a cyclist from a very young age until my early 20s where I used to ride to work and also take rides out into the countryside where I got a great deal of pleasure which you do not get from driving.
When I was at school a lot of people used to ride to school but I don’t believe this to be the case anymore which is a real shame.
If I were elected on May 3rd these are the ways in which I would be able to help –
- I would like to see the building of bike sheds for schools and children encouraged to ride to school to make them more healthy and alert for lessons and also cut obesity.
- Where possible put in bike lanes so we can ease congestion which will help cut pollution and improve public health.
- Make cyclists aware of places around Derby where cyclists can go for rides out like the disused train lines and canal paths which harbour lots of fantastic wildlife and many birds that most people don’t even see in their gardens anymore.
- More cycle stands
Some of these things can be done with little money but others would obviously have to be done when there are available funds. Far too much money is being wasted by the council like translations of documents into sixteen different languages which costs thousands of pounds and council tax payers having to foot £1100 of the £1400 cost to build concrete waterproof tombs for Muslim burials, which may or may not still be going on, but its is wrong, unfair and unacceptable and does not benefit the wider society. I firmly believe that money would be far better used towards cycling schemes because it would benefit everyone no matter what age, colour, creed or race they are.
If elected I would like to have a meeting with the cycling club to see what we could do for you because no one knows better about what cyclists need most, but cyclists themselves.
Yours sincerely
Paul Hilliard
Derbyshire Organiser
British National Party