Saturday 1 April 2017

Interesting news from Rory Stewart

Rachel has asked me to blog this for her. Nice to hear about Watchtree.
 
Dear Rachel,
 
Thank you for contacting me about cycling safety.

I cycle to and from Westminster regularly so I fully appreciate your concerns and I also recognise the importance of cycling. I am also a strong supporter of The Watchtree Wheelers - who provide cycling opportunities for all whilst specialising in providing facilities, equipment and training for disabled and disadvantaged people. This extremely successful and popular local charity was established in 2009 and does a brilliant job in making cycling accessible to all. I can see the joy it helps bring to those who are able to use these excellent bicycles, and who gain so much from being able to cycle in the nature in and around Wigton.

I am pleased to be able to say that the number of cyclists killed on our roads fell to its lowest level on record in 2015. However, we can never be complacent. I have been assured that Ministers remain fully committed to creating a safe environment for all road users, and in particular vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Sections 204 - 225 of the Highway Code aims to educate and remind drivers of the needs of more vulnerable road users, including both cyclists and pedestrians.
A revised Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) came into force in April 2016, which contains a number of measures designed to improve the safety of cyclists on the road, including low level cycle signals, a new type of crossing and changes to advanced stop lines. TSRGD also includes changes that make it easier for local authorities to introduce 20mph speed limits in residential areas.

The Department for Transport is also working on wider cyclist safety in other ways, including changes to vehicle design, publicity, campaigns, as well as mandatory training for HGV drivers and optional training for cyclists.

I understand that the Department for Transport is looking at the issues raised in the Turning the Corner campaign, and that they are currently determining the best way forward.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

With best wishes
Rory

3 comments:

  1. I've had nothing back from John Stevenson! Dallas

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  2. I've not had anything back from John Stevenson either!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dallas and Bill.Write to Tim Farron as leader of the lib dems.would give you address but my mobile not in happy mood must have got a virus.

    ReplyDelete