THE launch of a groundbreaking report into cycling has shown 69 per cent of residents support building more cycle tracks even it means taking space away from car users.
The 2019 Sustrans Bike Life Report, which is the UK's largest assessment of cycling in major cities and urban areas, surveyed 1,491 people and found 79 per cent of residents believed that more traffic-free cycle routes should be implemented which would encourage them to cycle more.
The report, which was revealed in Runcorn on Wednesday, showcases that cycling is one of the best ways to reduce transport emissions and calls for a step change in investment for zero-emission modes of transport such as walking and cycling for everyday journeys.
Since its opening in 2015 funded by a £2.7 million injection from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, the St Helens and Runcorn group has been a well-travelled path, as a commuter and leisure route. Linking under the M62 it provides a safe and convenient route running from Sutton Manor to Mill Lane in Widnes, with further links extending onto the path on the Widnes end from Cranshaw Lane.
Backing the plans for a more eco-friendly mode of transport in the future and explaining how it would benefit the Runcorn and Widnes areas, Halton Council leader Rob Polhill said: "This was a good event. People need to be able to ride in safety so over the next 10 years cycle lanes will link up to certain areas to make this happen."
The report also shows a £94.9 million economic benefit created by cycling for individuals and the region, while £3.5 million was saved each year in the NHS in the area.
People struggling to get work and struggling financially, with access to a bike, helped improve transport options as well as their mental state.
The research highlighted that safe, well lit and well maintained footways and cycle routes would help encourage more people to travel by bike or by foot.
The report further revealed:
- Cycling trips across Liverpool City Region saved 18,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions last year. Cycling took 29,000 cars off the regions roads each day.
- - Whilst the majority of residents never cycle (70%), 30% would like to start.
- - Half of residents agree that too many people are driving in their neighbourhood.
Rosslyn Colderley, north of England Director for Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity said: “UK cities and towns like Liverpool City Region face huge challenges, including the climate crisis, congestion and air pollution. At the root of these problems is the fact that transport in our cities and towns have been largely designed for cars.
"The Bike Life Report clearly demonstrates public support to turn away from car-centric planning and make it easier for people to choose to cycle, walk and take public transport."
Echoing these sentiments was Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram who added that supporting more people to cycle was vital to improving the climate emergency whilst choosing to cycle helped with people's health and well-being.
Simon O'Brien Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Liverpool City Region said: "What we have done for cities is just not good enough and I think there is a panacea. This can be done by putting basic infrastructure where it's needed.
"We can do it. We must do it.
"This bike ride report gives the message we need. Let's get this done."
Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester Chris Boardman who has ditched the car in place of a bike added: "If you travel this way you could save money for a holiday. No parking fees.
"Ask any parent would they want that they would say yes."
The report also earmarked residents' safety concerns as a reason for them to cycle less regularly with 77% of disabled people who think this needs to be improved.
Describing the everyday pitfalls of cycling was wheelchair user Kay Inckle, 47, from Liverpool, who said: "The road quality is appalling with potholes and broken glass as I cycle on three wheels.
"The attitude of drivers - car drivers even in residential areas who think they have priority on the road.
"What I would like to see going forward would be road speeds down to 20 mph with segregated lanes on all roads and an inclusive cycle design strategy like in London.
"It needs to be inclusive and accessible to everybody."
A Sustainable Transport Enhancements Package (STEP), a £42 million programme of sustainable transport improvements which will include a range of cycling infrastructure upgrades such as new cycleways, improved signage, cycle parking at transport interchanges and junction improvements in a programme concluding in 2021.
Over the next decade a 600km network of new and upgraded cycling and walking routes linking all six districts of the city region will be implemented including Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral. The routes will not only be safe, but will have double the cycle storage of the current fleet.
More details on Bike Life reports can be found at sustrans.org.uk/bikelife.
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Report launched in Runcorn says people happy to create cycle lanes at expense of cars - Runcorn and Widnes World
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