Elections

What experiences do you or your family members have of cycling for either transport or leisure? Bearing in mind that e-bikes can now make County Durham's hills easy, what would you consider to be the main barriers which prevent more people from cycling in your area, and how would you tackle these?

Schools in County Durham have bike shelters but they are often empty. Children who might like to cycle are often driven to school because parents don't consider our streets safe enough for children to walk or cycle. What are your views about cycling as a travel option for children? What practical changes would you like to see in your area to enable children to cycle?

The surge in cycling during the Covid 19 lockdowns showed how quieter and safer conditions encourage people to cycle. Cycling can help address many issues:

* the climate emergency, if people cycle instead of making shorter journeys by car
* social inclusion, because cycling is affordable and enables those on low incomes to access employment and other opportunities
* the health crisis, as exercise incorporated into journeys is very effective

How big a role do you think cycling can play in tackling these urgent issues? How can Durham County Council increase investment in cycling and quickly deliver safe, complete cycle routes to key destinations?

Air and noise pollution from traffic is a problem in urban areas throughout the County. What actions would you propose to help reduce this pollution, which is a known risk to health and wellbeing? Would you, for example, support a Car Free Day once a month promoted by Durham County Council and major employers who would encourage employees to walk, cycle, or use the bus to travel to work?

Over the last year a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) has been prepared for Chester-le-Street by consultants working for the County Council. This will set out the improvements that are needed to enable people to walk and cycle their journeys around the town. Will you commit to working to get a good proportion of this plan implemented during your term of office?

Would you support the creation of a cycle lane/shared use path to enable people to cycle in safety and make cycling a viable alternative to car use between the settlements of Chester le Street, Pelton Fell and Craghead? How soon could this be built?

The B6313 which runs from Chester le Street to Craghead is a steep hill. The speed limit increases from 30mph to 40mph, then national speed limit beyond Pelton Fell. As a result people do not feel safe cycling in both directions with vehicles travelling in excess of 60mph on the downhill, and when riding uphill from the town centre to Pelton Fell and beyond, slow moving cyclists are at risk of being hit from behind by vehicles.