Travel Choices – Cycling – A Healthy Option - Summit

MCCF hosted a seminar on the 16th April 2019 to explore and share how well-designed roads and well-designed cycling infrastructure, can enable 'active travel,' and achieve a shift to more cycling and walking providing the community with a healthy travel choice for the benefit of all.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed under Local Plan Policy SP23, to delivering modal shift “through managing demand on the transport network through enhanced public transport and the continued Park and Ride services and walking and cycling improvements”.  

MCCF support their aims to improve the infrastructure for walking and cycling and our Summit explored the benefits and how these can be progressed.

Neil Guthrie from Atkins Global and Phil Jones, road engineering consultant and chairman of PJA, spoke about the benefits of active travel and about their experience of how well-designed cycling infrastructure can achieve a shift to more cycling and walking.  Their presentations are available to download at the bottom of this page.

The need for a Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan was highlighted.  Guidance on producing this is on the DfT website.

Paul Mason of Tunbridge Wells Bicycle Users Group described how Waltham Forest has delivered transformation through its 'Mini-Holland' Project.  The TWBUG video clearly demonstrates its success.

John Caves of MCCF outlined the SUSTRANS’ assessment of the current provision for walking and cycling in the town centre and along the main corridors identified by Maidstone Walking and Cycling Strategy 2011-2031. 

There followed a full and lively debate among the delegates who included elected members of MBC, KCC and MBC officers, representatives from SUSTRANS, British Cycling, Cycling UK, Kent Cycling Forums and cyclists.

MCCF representatives will use the outputs of the seminar to feed into the county wide Creating Networks seminar being held on the 26th April and in their campaigning.

Download these below.