Peterborough Cycle Forum hits out at ‘inadequate’ council plans to boost cycling and walking

Peterborough City Council last week unveiled a plan of action which included enhancing the city’s Green Wheel - a 45-mile circular route of traffic-free paths, quiet roads and urban cycle lanes - as well as considering vehicle restrictions by schools, additional cycle parking and working with businesses to encourage sustainable travel.

The proposals were a response to a government push for more walking and cycling as the country eases out of lockdown.

However, the package has been criticised as “lacklustre” by the Peterborough Cycle Forum which said government guidance includes installing ‘pop-up’ cycle facilities, using cones and barriers to widen footways along lengths of road and introducing London style ‘school streets’ where cars have restricted access.

It said: “While cities across the UK from Leicester to Brighton have already implemented innovative schemes, Peterborough has lagged behind. The Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Transport and combined authority mayor James Palmer have all issued clear directives for change, but plans released by Peterborough City Council have been met with despair from locals.”

A spokesperson for the Peterborough Cycle Forum added: “After almost a month of deliberation, the proposals from the city council do little more than patch up existing cycle lanes, clear vegetation and put up signs, all of which it should already be doing with existing funding.

“We have been told the transport team has been working extensively to respond with appropriate initiatives, but the proposals do not address the Transport Secretary’s stated expectation to see significant changes to road layouts with more space for cyclists and pedestrians. The proposals from the city council are woefully inadequate.”

They added: “Significant new funding is being made available to Peterborough to make it safer and more convenient for many more residents to walk or cycle. Members of the cycle forum have a range of specific ideas on how funding can be used most effectively but have so far been given no opportunity to discuss these with councillors or council officers.

“There is now a real opportunity for positive change but it requires the city council to demonstrate a genuine openness and the courage to make radical change.”

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