A petition has been created calling for cyclists to be banned from the A24 north of Dorking.  In response, the Green Party has called for more and better cycle lanes in Surrey and stated that banning cyclists is not a way forward.  Cycling is good for health, and the environment, cyclists pay for the upkeep of roads too (Road Tax raises a tiny amount compared to the road budget), children love it and it’s a cheap way to get to work. All praise to Surrey County Council for the improvements over the years to the cycle track between Dorking and Givons Grove, but it’s not perfect.  Debris collects there and is a puncture risk, and there are many points where cycle-path users have to give way to traffic using the A24 (there are at least six points just between Ashcombe Road and Westhumble Street near Box Hill), so for top cyclists, the cycle path is no substitute.  The challenge for Surrey County Council is to make all our highways safer and more attractive, particularly for the most vulnerable and socially-responsible users – cyclists and pedestrians.  The Green Party says the answer is more car-free routes, and more traffic calming, including better public transport, not banning cycling.   

 

The petition will be considered by Surrey County Council’s Mole Valley Local Committee at 2pm on 5 September, further details here [http://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=165&MId=4147&Ver=4].  Please attend if you’re free to defend the rights of cyclists.