Elections
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Question 1 - we asked:
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?
We asked this question in these 36 divisions: , , , , , , Aycliffe East, Aycliffe North and Middridge, Aycliffe West, Barnard Castle East, Barnard Castle West, Belmont, Brandon, Chester-le-Street East, Chester-le-Street North, Chester-le-Street South, Chester-le-Street West Central, Coxhoe, Crook, Dawdon, Deerness, Durham South, Elvet and Gilesgate, Esh and Witton Gilbert, Ferryhill, Framwellgate and Newton Hall, Lanchester, Neville's Cross, North Lodge, Seaham, Sherburn, Spennymoor, Stanley, Trimdon and Thornley, Tudhoe, Willington and Hunwick.
35 of the candidates responded as below.
Those candidate(s) which were elected are highlighted.
| Michael Drummond Moverley SMITH (Conservative Party) |
I'm in favour of a policy that takes account of the needs of all road users. Although I don't personally cycle I can see the benefits greater use would provide. This would include the provision of cycle routes where there is a proven need and they can be provided in a cost effective way. I also support the imposition of reduce speed limits where necessary, |
| Joshua WOOLLER (Conservative Party) |
I support a policy that would accommodate the demands of both motorists and cyclists. I am an avid road cyclist, but at times I feel vulnerable to traffic in Belmont and other areas around Durham. I would support the County Council creating more cycle lanes where possible, as the biggest barrier to cycling is dedicated, safe cycle lanes. I also support the imposition of lower speed limits on all estates. |
| Jonathan ELMER (Green Party) |
Myself and my daughter cycle to get to educational and work commitments all around the City and for me it is my main mode of transport. I rarely cycle for leisure purposes. The main barrier is cars driving dangerously and a lack of cycling infrastructure that enable a greater degree of segregation from cars. There are simply too many cars on our roads as we haven't constructed sufficient provision for public and active transport. |
| Roger Michael MCADAM (Green Party) |
Whenever possible I cycle in Durham city and in the surrounding area. Being on a bike is delightful in most weathers and adds to the enjoyment of living. |
| Derek MORSE (Green Party) |
I am a keen cyclist and being retired have the luxury of cycling for pleasure daily. Co. Durham has many good cycle ways and cycle paths alongside roads. What is lacking is safe connections between them. All too often one is obliged to take to the road and "rub shoulders" with cars etc. It is a problem that I have already highlighted in my election literature and taken up with the Council. |
| Alan OSTLE (Green Party) |
I am a regular leisure cyclist, as are members of my immediate family, and the Deerness Valley Railway Walk is a favourite route. For leisure purposes an ordinary bike is great for keeping fit, enjoying the local environment and cycling is an activity where all the members of the family can join in and enjoy the experience together. However, for commuting or going a distance with a load an e-bike opens up new opportunities. Hills are easy to climb and the bikes can carry books or shopping in panniers. These bike routes need to be direct, continuous and safe, and for daily use they need to have all-weather surfaces. Protection from traffic is a major concern and I want to see more separated bike lanes on clearly signed routes between the villages and City and to schools and shops. Venues need secure storage for bikes and e-bikes in particular. These could also offer charging ports. |
| Irene OSTLE (Green Party) |
I am an occasional leisure cyclist but close family members are keen cyclists. |
| Ian Edward STONE (Green Party) |
I regularly cycle, both for exercise and as an alternative to car travel, doing perhaps 100 miles in some weeks, and periodically cycle over to the North West. The main problem locally in Durham is the fragmentation of the system and the frequent points at which it is dangerous for the cyclist. For example, the segregation is effective near the Arnison Centre, but what happens at the roundabout? This situation is the same across Durham: you cannot cycle safely anywhere; the lanes stop and start or are non-existent; cars/lorries are unimpeded in terms of speed or giving way at crossing points/where space needs to be shared. What is wrong with the idea of having more 'give way to cyclist' points, with safe margins built in? I believe the council, some years ago, visited Groningen to learn from its system, but I see no evidence that this has led to a proper balance between bikes and cars etc. Until you have viable, safe, segregated lanes and articulation points that are safe for cyclists aged (say) 8 to 80, people will not use their bicycles to an optimal level. |
| Ryan Lee Pescod DRION (Independent) |
I was a keen cyclist but not a fit as I used to be. The Lanchester Valley Walk and Cycle Route 14 passes through Esh and Witton Gilbert. This route following the former railway line links many others both at Broompark Picnic Area and Lydgetts Junction in Consett. At Wallnook the cycle route follows Wallnook Lane which leads on to Front Street and the main road to the A691. There is no road crossing here and vehicles approaching from the A691 are at the national speed limit and vehicles heading to the A691 are traveling over the 30MPH limit before reaching the National Speed Limit.. A signalised crossing point was proposed here as part of the outline planning for up to 400 homes but would not have been operational until the 49th was occupied. The reserved matters for 342 homes was refused earlier in 2021. Though the National Speed Limit was to be reduced to 40MPH, the development if given permission would not have completed until 2034. Despite this the route is well used and links to the rest of the cycle network. Though the development of the houses may come back at a later date as part of the County Durham Plan there's no reason why a crossing can't be provided here. However a pegasus crossing would be more appropriate as horse riders also use the route. This was not considered as a suitable location however during the planning process and many of the objections to the development mentioned a Pegasus Crossing. |
| Michael GOULDING (Independent) |
I've had a bike for years, which I use solely for leisure/exercise, although not as frequently now as I used to - due mainly to time constraints and focusing on other forms of exercise (football, gym, swimming). My wife intends to buy an e-bike sometime soon. We both agree that it's a great way to get out and about when we have the time. My son has an expensive off-road bike on which he does long (20 miles plus) exercise/training runs. We are fortunate that the C2C cycle track runs through our ward, giving access to safe cycling. I consider the danger to cyclists on the roads from other vehicular road users to be the biggest barrier to more usage. Better and more commonplace cycle lanes could change this, where space allows. |
| George Coulson GRAY (Independent) |
My Daughter and son in law and there Two boys go for a bike ride every night only about five or six miles before tea. |
| John Douglas MOORE (Independent) |
We have no recent experience of cycling. I have a lifetime of experience as a motor cyclist. There are insufficient dedicated cycle ways. The speed of traffic is an issue as is the aggressive behaviour of some motorists. |
| Ken ROBSON (Independent) |
Cycling is making pedestrian safety a major concern on footpaths and in our Town centre. |
| David SMITH (Independent) |
I regularly cycle for exercise. From October 2020 my cycling has been restricted to indoor use on a trainer as its more comfortable and safer. The main barriers which prevent more people from cycling in our area are the weather, which we can’t do much about, and the way in which cyclists and other users of dedicated routes, such as the Lanchester Valley Way, are made secondary to road users whenever these walks meet road traffic. |
| Karon WILLIS (Independent) |
I myself am disabled and therefore unable to cycle. My husband and son both have cycles that they use for leisure to cycle around our local area. They tend to stick to the rural cycle paths as the roads are quite busy and not all are wide enough for cycle lanes. We do have some cycle lanes around the area, and whilst they are regularly used, we do need to try and see if we can access areas around the local estates where children and adults alike could safely cycle to assist them in gaining more independence and life lessons. |
| Chris VARTY (Labour & Co-operative) |
I have a bicycle mainly used for leisure or a quick pop to the shops. The main problem is we are part of a rural area and many of the roads do not lend themselves to family or group riding and the also are not wide enough for bicycle lanes. The costs to change these would be huge so it would be changing the riding habits and drivers awareness. |
| Rebecca ASHBY (Labour Party) |
The interaction between cyclists and vehicle drivers on roads and the limited number of dedicated cycle paths. |
| Victoria Rose ASHFIELD (Labour Party) |
I cycle frequently for leisure, particularly in the summer but as I like to cycle with my dog I rarely use roads used by general traffic. This is my main objection: the great increase in road traffic since I first cycled. I must admit that the hills put me off when I first came to Durham. I cycled much more frequently elsewhere but I am now actively considering getting an electric bike: the weight and cost are a concern. Plans for providing easier access to electric cycles (cheap loans to residents, bikes on loan / easily available short term be for hire) would probably help. For example I would be keen to hire an electrc bile before venturing to buy one. |
| Karan Elizabeth BATEY (Labour Party) |
Too many cars on the road and no cycle tracks in the built up areas ie sea front |
| Anne BONNER (Labour Party) |
Grandchildren cycle frequently. They day biggest hazard is lack of street lights at night. |
| Omide DEINALI (Labour Party) |
my wife and children cycle along the hart to haswell path in summertime for leisure but we do not cycle to commute as that is impractical in rural east durham. |
| Christine Anne FLETCHER (Labour Party) |
My husband and I cycle. |
| Brian Andrew FREEMAN (Labour Party) |
Although I would love to ride a bike around Durham, I’m unable to do so because of medical reasons. My wife never had a bike as a child and lacks confidence. The amount of traffic deters people from riding in Central Durham. Only a cheap, integrated transport system will change the current situation, which I would work towards creating. The new bus station is a good start. Although the use of electric bikes do make bike riding in hilly Durham more achievable, they are expensive for many on low incomes. Public health initiatives promoting fitness that would encourage people to reach levels of health that would make them feel confident of tackling the hills would be a better option for many. |
| Ben GRAHAM (Labour Party) |
I don’t to be honest; I haven’t really cycled since I was a teenager. Part of this is that I lived in Nottingham City Centre for ten years and had no need to go far out of town, and didn’t really have the space in my flat for storing a bike for leisure. Since moving to Durham I’ve needed a car as my commute is too far out for a bike, and I haven’t really had much opportunity to travel around for leisure! For exercise I tend to run rather than commit to buying a bike. Barriers to entry for residents are that roads are busy and dangerous, bike storage, the added cost of buying and maintains a bike |
| David Wilson HARDAKER (Labour Party) |
I have not cycled for many years main problem is poor drivers |
| John HARDMAN (Labour Party) |
Myself and my partner often take our daughters out cycling - we have a trailer for them to ride in and they love it! In regards to ebikes, I feel that for a reliable model prices may not be attainable for all - yet that being said, traffic is a far greater issue. It can often be very busy around our area, which can make road cycling slightly nerve-wracking! |
| Jed HILLARY (Labour Party) |
In the main, the pavements are too narrow to cater safely for cyclists and pedestrians. As a child in the 60's and 70's the Highway Code required cyclusts to ride on the road. Today the roads are too busy. Significantly more cycle routes are required. New developments should be designed with wider pavements like those in Europe, with split pedestrian/cycle lanes. |
| Dave HYNES (Labour Party) |
Very little experience of cycling in Durham. Main barrier in area-amount of traffic and particularly speeding traffic and lorries. |
| Kester NOBLE (Labour Party) |
Sadly I do not own a bike. I do think that more access should be made for safe cycling routes. There has to be consideration for both pedestrians and cyclists. A lot of pedestrians find it frustrating how fast cyclists can travel on shared routes. The main barrier to cyclists in my area is the speed that the inconsiderate motorists have towards cyclists. |
| Julie Anne SCURFIELD (Labour Party) |
We live near the coast to coast cycle track in Chester-le-Street and for the past 20 years we have benefited greatly from having this on our doorstep. My husband and boys are all avid cyclists and I have recently purchased an e-bike so that I can also enjoy this activity. Whilst off-road cycling is pleasurable and safe, on-road is an entirely different matter. There are some dedicated cycle lanes around Chester-le-Street and I would like to see more of these as it does make on road cycling safer and more attractive. I would also like to see more cycling proficiency classes for children as well as adults being made available to support those new to biking or those who may be returning to it after some time. |
| Julie Michelle STIRK (Labour Party) |
I have no experience of cycling. I feel that we are not considerate enough of cyclists on the road. I have seen cars, on occasions, passing too closely to cars. I feel a campaign to raise awareness of the need to pass wide and putting in more cycle only lanes would help. |
| David TONER (Labour Party) |
My family and I are regular cyclists and walkers on the fantastic Cycle paths that surround us, in fact the back my house in Lanchester looks onto the Lanchester Valley Walking and Cycling route, we use it most days. I am also a keen long distance walker and I walked the Camino (the way) in Spain in 2019. We are members of Consett Hiking Group. I pledge to protect these walks and Cycle routes from the Conservative plans that threaten them. |
| Liz BROWN (Liberal Democrat) |
Have not been on a bike since my family were teenagers. I think that the amount of traffic and lack of cycle paths do put people off. Getting more people on bikes, into public transport and walking involves a complete rethink of transport options. The County Durham Plan and the Nighbourhood Plan both promote sustainable transport which is a step in the right direction as long as their policies are adhered to. This survey is about cycling but there are other sustainible options to get people out of cars. |
| Michael WATSON (Liberal Democrat) |
Sadly my own cycling days are over due to mobility problems. However, I was a keen cyclist some years ago and used the local Sustrans route 14 cycle way. My eldest daughter & partner are both keen cyclists, but on occasion experience issues with motor vehicle drivers. I feel e-bikes are a brilliant innovation to encourage bike use and are appearing more and more in Durham. E-bikes obviously encourage leisure and fitness pursuits and don't leave a carbon footprint, great for the environment. People can see their locality whilst riding a bike, the flora and fauna around them! The main barriers that contribute to people being prevented from cycling in my area would be a lack of local authority investment regarding decent and safe cycle route infrastructure which leads to some fear of road traffic conditions in and around Durham. If elected to County Council, I would lobby Durham County Council to access central government funding pots to start installing decent and safe cycle lanes. Investment must be made to reopen Belmont Viaduct, located in Kepier Woods, as a cycle route (and footpath) to access the Durham Sustrans cycle route. |
| 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. |
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.