Letter to MP - Active Travel

Today I wrote to my MP about an amendment to the Infrastructure Bill, and how it should support active travel.

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Dear Sir George,

I hope you will be able to support the APPCG amendment to the Infrastructure Bill on Monday afternoon, so that funding for cycling can be increased through a Cycling & Walking Investment Strategy.

Our infrastructure for cycling really is not fit for purpose, with any work made on a piecemeal basis and usually at standards far below which are either safe or useable. A long-term vision to provide adequate funding is badly required, along with a clear statement of the level of funds to be allocated.

As you are aware in Whitchurch we have some serious issues with cycle provision and the dangers and risks of using the present roads is high. The B3400 between Whitchurch and Overton, along with any routes to schools and workplaces are of high need of investment. With the increased housing and traffic being planned, provision for walking and cycling becomes even more important.

Right: 
There is still no safe route along the B3400.

Each morning when my son and daughter leave home to cycle to work in Andover and Overton on these inadequate roads it is more than worrying. Only earlier this week a young driver was left fighting for their life after another crash on the B3400. Should cyclists have to use these same roads? No; provision should be safe and segregated.

Meanwhile the roads in Whitchurch are congested and overflowing, with drivers using pavements regularly while others try and walk or cycle their children to school. There is little adequate safe provision, even for these short journeys.

Left: No safety on pavements.

Similar situations are present throughout the county and the country, with the UK falling far behind our continental neighbours in support for sustainable and active travel.

As a keen cyclist yourself I know you recognise these issues, so I call on you to support the Amendment and speak in favour of its acceptance.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Best wishes,

John

John Buckley

Whitchurch Bicycle Users Group
Hampshire Cycle Training
Whitchurch Cycling

More information and how to contact your MP are here:
AMENDMENT TO INFRASTRUCTURE BILL