Elections
Durham County Council elections, 2021: Dawdon
| Summary: | Elections to Durham County Council in May 2021 |
| Polling date: | Thursday 6th May 2021 |
| Division: |
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| Candidates (by surname): |
Candidates who have not yet responded are welcome to contact us with their replies to the questions for us to publish. |
Questions for Dawdon division candidates (4 questions)
# Question 1
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?
Responses to this question from all divisions…
| Robert ARTHUR (Seaham Community Party) |
The alteration of disused railway tracks to cycle paths was a boon in my getting out to what i would describe as a safer option than certain roadways. On e-bikes a definite help to make cycling not easy but easier for the not so able, cost an issue. Increased traffic a big hazard and maybe the introduction of white painted cycle paths on busier highways. The possibility of cycle hire at competitive pricing. |
| Leanne KENNEDY (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Kevin Joseph SHAW (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Linda WILLIS (Seaham Community Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| David Robert YOUNG (Conservative Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
# Question 2
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?
Responses to this question from all divisions…
| Robert ARTHUR (Seaham Community Party) |
Cycling to school a great option for children but only to the older groups as traffic very heavy during school hours, gaining road sense and experience is vital and maybe the introduction of the old cycling proficiency test or is it still in use i am not sure. |
| Leanne KENNEDY (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Kevin Joseph SHAW (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Linda WILLIS (Seaham Community Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| David Robert YOUNG (Conservative Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
# Question 3
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?
Responses to this question from all divisions…
| Robert ARTHUR (Seaham Community Party) |
Cycling a huge benefit for health, fitness, wellbeing and socialising. Crystal gazing more new routes with improved signage, a large investment programme required, depends on priorities. |
| Leanne KENNEDY (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Kevin Joseph SHAW (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Linda WILLIS (Seaham Community Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| David Robert YOUNG (Conservative Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
# Question 4
What are your views on creating a one way system or other restrictions for traffic, along the seafront from Lord Byrons Walk / North Car Park to the harbour area to make more space for cyclists and pedestrians?
At present there is more space allocated to vehicles than to pedestrians, who often spill onto the road, making it harder for people to cycle safely. Drivers looking for parking spaces or admiring the view are a constant hazard, and the air and noise pollution which results is detrimental to health and detracts from the seafront experience.
Restricting access to vehicles would enable some road space to be reallocated to create a wider promenade and a separated cycle lane making it safer and more attractive for non car users.
Responses to this question from all divisions…
| Robert ARTHUR (Seaham Community Party) |
A one way system and pedestrianizing, especially along the North Road if carefully thought out could work maybe even a park and ride plan to stop Seaham centre from gridlock as the town attracts more and more tourists |
| Leanne KENNEDY (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Kevin Joseph SHAW (Labour Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| Linda WILLIS (Seaham Community Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
| David Robert YOUNG (Conservative Party) |
The candidate has not responded to the survey. |
SPACE for Durham is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by SPACE for Durham, c/o 35 Archery Rise, Durham, DH1 4LA.