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?

Major private investment is going into the development of the Integra 61 site at Bowburn. The initial planning application estimated that 97% of employees at this development would arrive by car. Despite the obvious need, there have been no improvements in the area to give people safe cycle or walking routes to Integra 61. Connections from Coxhoe, West Cornforth, Ferryhill and Spennymoor could all be provided. Would you commit to working to get safe routes delivered, and how do you think this could be achieved?

The County Council's Strategic Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan proposes completion of the Great North Cycle Route along the A167 within the next four years, which will provide Ferryhill and Chilton with a cycling link to Newton Aycliffe. This will be useful for accessing employment. The project has been delayed many times, and further north where the path has already been improved, there have been no changes at the many busy roundabouts so people still do not feel safe using this route. How can you ensure this project is completed on time to a good standard?