Norwich MP calls for safer cycling in Norwich (East of England Liberal Democrats)

East of England Liberal Democrats <info@eastlibdems.org.uk>

Norwich MP calls for safer cycling in Norwich

February 14, 2012 4:51 PM
Originally published by Norwich Liberal Democrats Online

Norwich South MP Simon Wright is calling for safer and more practical cycling in Norwich. He's written to the Transport Minister Norman Baker and signed a parliamentary motion calling for action to support the concerns of cyclists.

Mr Wright said:

"I strongly welcome recently introduced measures to help local areas become more cyclist friendly by reducing the cost of introducing 20mph zones and putting trixi mirrors on dangerous junctions.

"I wrote to the Minister to support calls from cyclists in the city to go as far as is reasonably possible to improve their safety. I would hope that further measures could be put in place to improve HGV standards so that cyclists are clearly visible to lorry drivers.

"I also discussed with the rail operator Abellio last year the need for improved cycling facilities at Norwich station including storage and hire facilities.

"I would hope that in Norwich, the council makes introducing 20mph zones in residential areas a priority. This would help improve safety for cyclists, making it a more attractive option for people. Cycling helps improve people's health without adding to air pollution. It is a good thing for government and local authorities to work together to improve facilities."

Simon has signed an EDM that states: "That this House believes that cycling is an extremely efficient form of transport which is good for health and the environment; supports successive governments' commitment to encourage the use of bikes and reduce the number of cyclist-related accidents; notes with concern that the number of cyclists killed on Britain's roads rose by 7 per cent. between 2009 and 2010; further notes that a disproportionate number of cycling accidents involve vans and lorries; supports The Times' Cities Fitfor Cycling campaign; and calls on the Government to take further action to improve cycling infrastructure and reduce the number of casualties on roads." (http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2689)