Cycling and Health in Gosport
th Highest Cycle Rates in UK Gosport has 6 th Cycling levels are over 3x higher Hampshire & national average 2011 Census showed 10% of all journeys to work made by bike 17% people cycle 3x per week in Gosport (2015-16 DfT data) Average 39% of secondary pupils travel to school by bike in Gosport The national average is only 3% 75% of Primary children in Gosport walk to school. National average is 53%.
Why is this important? People walking and cycling prevents reduces traffic congestion More and better cycle routes could get more cars off the road Improves air quality as no emissions Cycling and walking are great for health and well-being Low cost of cycling = accessible to everyone including people on low incomes and those with health conditions which prevent them from driving. Supports local economy. People cycling for shopping, leisure and visitor journeys spending money in local shops, café’s, bars and restaurants
Why does Gosport need a Cycle Group? Reduction in quality of design for walking and cycling is damaging the existing cycleway and footway network Poor maintenance affects safety and usability of routes Major new developments – opportunities missed to improve routes e.g. Alver Village, Eclipse Busway, Brockhurst Gate Lots of future major developments = opportunity or threat No group to be consulted about major schemes - need a voice for local riders
Poor Highways Maintenance Standards HCC Resurfacing and ‘safety improvements AFTER – May 2017 Before – May 2009
Cycle routes more dangerous aft fter works HCC Resurfacing and ‘safety improvements AFTER – May 2017 Before – May 2012
What will a new group do? Be a voice for local people to improve local walking and cycling network and facilities (e.g. cycle parking) Act as a consultation group so the Council takes account of cyclists Work with other community groups to have a bigger impact and help to improve and shape the future of Gosport Champion new ideas and initiatives to make Gosport better by Bike
How Can You Help? Become a bicycle ambassador and champion cycling through your work! Develop and incoporporate cycling into health programmes e.g. exercise referral, memory café, provide information and guidance Joined up progressive thinking, planning and action required. Influence decision makers – use your power and influence to educate, inform and challenge relevant bodies to engage and join forces. Make case for dedicated staff to input directly to planning process. Engage Public Health England to trial Healthy Towns approach in Gosport to ensure better development. Encourage Council staff to undertake certified ‘Planning for Health’ training and adopt higher standards with greater scrutiny. Learn from others: Southampton, Southwark, Manchester, West Midlands, Seville, Denmark, Holland Make the Case for a Walking & Cycling Commissioner for the Solent area
Health Examples Horsham – Healthy Rides programme Healthy Towns – Public health England TFL Healthy Streets Waltham Forest Mini Hollands Project Cycling UK – Cycling for Health Manchester – Bee Lines
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