Vote bike 2018 Results

Whether elected or not I intend to also work to better maintain and link up existing off road cycling provision to create / expand the network of Greenways / bridleways / cyclepaths in and around the Moortown and Meanwood area and linking with surrounding areas of Headingley, HydePark, Chapel Allerton, Moor Allerton, Adel.

I believe we need to create safe cycling neighbourhoods in addition to the key trunk routes that are identified in the Leeds Cycling Campaign map, so that kids and families can safely cycle to local schools, shops and facilities from their homes, as well as the longer distance journeys on the more major routes. 

My aim would be for cycling to become something that most people do on a regular basis in the Moortown ward and across Leeds, to make it a normal every day activity for most people and ultimately to take over from the car as the most regularly used form of transport at least for shorter journeys.

1). The creation of a comprehensive network of radial and orbital routes, either segregated or giving cyclists clear priority, and properly maintained and swept.

My response: I would support/propose this point unchanged.

2). Residential areas must be made safe for families through properly enforced, ubiquitous 20mph speed limits.

My response: (Caveat) Residential area is unclear. For example, in my ward (Moortown), Street Lane is 30mph and is a residental street. Stonegate Road is 40mph and is also residential. If you mean 'B' roads, or roads that do not currently support 1,000 vehicle journeys per day (as in they are not arterial or feeder roads), then I accept that a 20mph speed limit is acceptable. If a separate cycle lane is provided, then a greater speed limit (of 30+mph) is acceptable.

3). Leeds City Council must commit to ambitious targets for cycle mode share, with timescales and practical implementation plans.

My response: Conceptually supported, however 'ambitious' as a definition is ambigious and not specific enough.

Is 'a 10% increase in cycle path miles over the next 5 years' ambitious? is 11% abitious? 15%? This needs to be a specific target, and I suggest that 5% per year over the next 5 years is ambitious (especially as 5%/year represents compoud growth.)

4). Leeds City Council must commit to targets to increase the number of children cycling to school, and actively lead in achieving these.

My response: I totally agree with this, although whether people walk or cycle to school is down to their preference. To dictate that they must cycle rather than walk is rather prescriptive. What I would say is that we must reduce the numbers of children arriving by car. For able-bodied/capable pupils of high school age travelling under 1 mile, this should be in low single digits. For those (able-bodied/captable) between 1 and 3 miles, this should be below 10%.

5). Highways and Transportation policy must commit to put into practice the Council’s stated strategies on prioritising walking and cycling. This must include using existing road space for cycling, and consequent reduction in vehicle capacity.

My response: I agree with the increase with the strategy to improve the prioritisation of walking and cycling. However, I suggest we keep vehicle capacity as is rather than reduce it. We have no concept of what the future holds. Should fully automated electric vehicles become the norm in 20 years, where deliveries are brought to our door or a local collection point, we will need that capacity. Reducing the capacity is counter-productive in the long run. Yes, it's wonderful to think that reducing capacity will increase public transport requirements or encourage more people to take up cycling, but this isn't looking at the problem in a holistic manner. We may indeed need that capacity for cyclists!

6). Leeds city centre must be made convenient for walking and cycling. This will include provision of convenient cycle parking, and convenient routes into and through the centre of the city.

My response: The city centre is already convenient for walking, although I would like to see every road within the inner ring road boundary to have a cycle lane and a rethink of traffic light timings for all traffic to improve flow. Additionally, we should provide secure, sheltered and lit cycle parks. For example, the old International Pool site could be repurposed for exactly this. It is currently an open car park. If this were to be converted into a sheltered cycle park for hundreds of cycles, this may encourage people to cycle into the city more often.

7). Wherever possible, Leeds city parks and gardens should contain paths suitable for family cycling.

My response: I agree with this proposal unchanged.

8). West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council highways enforcement must use their powers effectively to address dangerous and antisocial vehicle use.

My response: I agree with this proposal unchanged. In fact I would go further, and allow cyclists/dashcam video evidence to be used to prove/disprove incidents. The penalty for aggressive driving/cycling should be a minimum of two weeks mandatory impounding of that vehicle, with release fees (fines) to recoup costs.

Drivers/cyclists will then have two weeks without their vehicle in which to consider their actions, with an additional financial penalty being added to their cogitation.

Thank you for inviting me to participate and giving me the opportunity to respond.