March 2023 Newsletter

Posted on March 13, 2023 by John Garnsworthy

News from the Council

Earlier this year, the council presented its Corporate Plan identifying six priorities for the next five years and it’s pleasing that cycling features in three of them:

Action on climate change

“…delivering four new school streets by 2024……developing and delivering cycle parking, cycle hangars and cycle lanes and continuing to deliver a cycle training programme; continuing the e-bike trial until October 2023 and working towards delivering a permanent solution….”

Strong and fair economic growth

“…Develop and agree an improved layout for the town centre gyratory with stakeholders which includes sustainable transport improvements for cycling…”

Campaign for quality local services

“…improve cycling and walking access in the area [around Belmont station]…”

Action, of course, will speak louder than words but, at least, the plan places some importance on cycling and the role that it can play.

Short film: Active Travel – The Art of the Possible

For those of you who missed it, we highly recommend a short film Active Travel – The Art of the Possible by Simon O’Brien, Liverpool City Region’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner. Simon presents a powerful case, including interviews with residents and shopkeepers (and some London examples). Many of you will be more familiar with him from Channel 4’s long-running Brookside!

What happened next?

Following last year’s local elections we wrote to all councillors highlighting the film and have held meetings with some, including Barry Lewis, chair of the environment and sustainable transport committee, who continues to remain in touch. Unfortunately, however, progress in the borough can feel painfully slow and we’re under no illusions that we’re in for a long haul.

Is 20 the new 30?

Transport for London has reported on new data showing significant improvements in road safety in London following the introduction of 20mph speed limits. Whilst some roads in the borough have such limits we need 20mph to become the norm in order to save more lives and reduce injuries.

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel

Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel takes place 20 to 31 March. It’s the UK’s largest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge, inspiring pupils to make active journeys to school to improve air quality in their neighbourhood. Why not get your school to take part?

Sutton stats snippet

The Office for National Statistics has published a fascinating profile of how Sutton has changed over the last ten years, including:

“In 2021, Sutton was home to around 34.1 people per football pitch-sized piece of land, compared with 31.0 in 2011. This area was among the top 10% most densely populated English local authority areas at the last census.”

Put simply, the population is growing, but the spaces for travelling around are not. We therefore need to be smart and creative about transport to keep our town moving for a bright and prosperous future. Cycling, of course, is a key element of that solution.

Many thanks,

Get Sutton Cycling