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?

With the cancellation of the Western Relief Road, Durham County Council's highways team is exploring increasing the number of lanes on the A167 between Sniperley roundabout and Neville's Cross. The footway on the east side of the road is currently shared between pedestrians and cyclists. Government design guidance would require people walking and cycling to be given separate, rather than shared, space on a main road, but it will not be possible to add motor traffic lanes and also improve the cycling and walking provision. Crossing the Sniperley roundabout on foot or by bike is scary. There is often congestion around Durham Johnson School during the school terms.

What is your preferred way forward for the A167 through Crossgate Moor?

Margery Lane and Quarryheads Lane past Durham School are very busy with pedestrians, especially students during the university term. The pavement width is quite inadequate. It is also an important cycling link. Motor traffic on this road is often too fast and people walking and cycling can feel intimidated and unsafe.

During the New Elvet Bridge works the road has been closed to most traffic northbound and the conditions have been much better. Would you support this being made permanent? What other solutions would you propose if not?