East Riding Lib Dem Councillors will be urging East Riding Council to bid for further funding for cycle lanes in the area.
The Liberal Democrats plan to push their ideas later this week when the full council meets at County Hall on Wednesday.
Cllr Linda Johnson, who represents residents in Beverley says she wants to see more cycle lanes. While she also adds she feels the cash put forward by the government is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
Cllr Johnson, the environment spokesperson for the party said;
“The Government have announced £2 Billion in funding for cycling but in practice that is all smoke and mirrors.”
“It has to be bid for and is ring-fenced for schemes that divert passengers from public transport. It fails to promote cycling for leisure.”
“We want to see more off-road cycle lanes, particularly linking our main settlements. We want to Improve the National Cycle Network 1/66 connecting Beverley and Cottingham.”
“Also we want to see more cycle access and secure cycle parking in our main urban areas.”
“As a result, we will be urging the Council to bid for a number of specific schemes that will at least make safer cycle routes.”
Cycle Lanes Expansion Supported By All Lib Dems
Secure areas to leave bikes are one issue in Beverley. Bike racks are often overfilled leaving those who choose to use their bike nowhere to leave it.
Feelings across the region are to get more people on their bikes. A Cllr in Bridlington wants to see more people use their bike when making journeys locally.
Cllr Mike Heslop-Mullens is, therefore, supporting the motion. He said;
“Here in Brid, I want to see the long-awaited North Bridlington Cycleway – a dedicated, walking and cycleway to connect schools, housing, shops and public services in the area.”
“It is very important that we provide dedicated off-road cycle routes. As lock-down eases and car traffic increases our roads become less safe for cyclists, so this Cycleway is much-needed.”
It is easy for opposition Councillors to make statements like this knowing in truth, the ERYC would make every effort to secure additional funding for cycle tracks anyway. Stunts like these are purely politically motivated and designed to cast doubt on the Conservative party who have a fantastic record of securing funding both from within the UK and from the EU for highway improvements for both cars and cycles.