Alison McGovern: Safer routes for cycling

Oct 31 2012 Bromborough and Bebington News

OVER the past few years we have seen a greater number of children starting to cycle to school in the North West. There has been an increase of almost 1,000 children in the region who go to school by bike. It’s positive seeing young people in Wirral becoming active in their daily lives.

It is fantastic to see an increase in the amount of people using their bikes as there are many benefits from cycling. Instead of taking the car we can save on fuel and reduce our carbon footprint. Approximately £15 on fuel a week can be saved if small trips are taken by foot or bike rather than using cars. Additionally, cycling can improve health – burning up to 900 calories daily and improving muscle fitness.

Whenever possible I would encourage people to use their bike instead of their car. However there are real safety concerns that need to be taken into account. Cyclists are almost 100 times more likely to suffer from serious injuries and fatalities due to an accident on the road.

If we want to see further development in both children and adults using their bikes then we need to address these problems within the Wirral. We need to encourage the development of good cycle routes across Wirral.

I have always been concerned about the safety of my constituents especially regarding road safety. Through further development of cycle routes and ensuring road crossings are safe, we will see more people using their bikes and see a decline in the amount of accidents that occur on the roads. Please, let me know where you would like to see road conditions improved at my website www.alisonmcgovern.org.uk/campaigns/road-safety/