Grantham bicycle riders get a voice

A newly formed campaign group will aim to provide Grantham’s bicycle riders with representation.

Cycling UK local Advocate, Roy Redman, stated “Grantham is extremely poorly served in terms of cycling infrastructure.

“The huge benefit people gain from using bicycles for exercise and transport is being restricted by real concerns about safety and security.

“What cycle paths there are in Grantham are often poorly maintained and do not join up. And even if you are brave enough to use the road, where can you leave your bike in Grantham with a chance it will still be there when you come back to it?”

The new group will lobby the County Council and MP’s to ensure that bicycle use is properly represented and encouraged, particularly so that children can safely cycle to and from schools.

“The benefits to Grantham in terms of improved health and reduced pollution are just two of the ways increased use of bicycles will enhance life in our town” said Roy. One of the complaints motorists often make is that cyclists don’t use cycle paths and don’t pay road tax.

“It’s about time those old arguments were closed down forever, so part of our mission is to educate drivers. Sport cyclists won’t use cycleways because they involve too much stopping for roads that they cross. However, we are talking about new and inexperienced riders who wish use their bikes to get around safely.

“And as for the old ‘Road Tax’ chestnut. The tax paid on vehicles is based on the pollution a vehicle creates and is called Vehicle Excise Duty. This is why electric cars pay no VED. As bicycles produce no pollution, most reasonable people will appreciate that no ‘Road Tax’ would be due in any case.

“As roads are paid for from Income Tax, Council Tax and VAT, cyclists already pay for the roads that they only receive limited use of.”

Cyclists also come in for some criticism for bad behaviour, particularly when riding on footpaths. “Riding on footpaths is illegal but some do it as they are too scared to ride on the road.

With a suitable infrastructure, which provides segregated paths, this won’t be an issue. In the meantime, we are just as focused on educating bicycle riders to follow the rules and ride with consideration for other road and path users.” To have your say, get involved or just follow progress, please go to:
https://fb.me/g/UHjcerED/4WWWWkE3 or search Facebook for Grantham Cycling Infrastructure Campaign