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?

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.