East to West Chesterfield Cycle Route

Opened the debate

I am concerned about the lack of consultation from Derbyshire County Council regarding the East to West Chesterfield cycle route. Many residents in Brimington Common and other affected areas have reported not receiving any information or being contacted by the council despite overwhelming opposition to the proposal, as evidenced by a survey response ratio of 63% against closure and only 27% supporting it. I received over 70 responses within 24 hours from constituents who did not receive consultation letters, showing a significant majority against the route. The proposed scheme includes closing Crow Lane permanently and narrowing Chatsworth Road, which could exacerbate traffic congestion on already busy roads such as A632 and A619, potentially leading to increased emissions and safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users.

Government Response

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Davies, and I start by thanking the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr Perkins) for raising this important issue. Before turning to specific concerns about the east-west cycle route in his constituency, the minister highlighted Government support for cycling and walking, noting that transport is our biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that more people need to change their travel habits towards cleaner, sustainable, and healthier options. The profile of walking and cycling has risen due to the pandemic, with cycle rates increasing by 46% in 2020 compared to 2019, and a million more people starting to walk for leisure. To maintain this progress, £2 billion will be invested over five years to deliver new walking and cycling routes, wider pavements, safer junctions, and other improvements across the country. The minister emphasised the importance of local authorities providing bold and ambitious proposals that deliver real change, including properly segregated cycle lanes, street architecture that encourages walking, and measures treating cyclists as vehicles rather than pedestrians. Local authorities are encouraged to engage with their communities through professional polling to capture a representative sample of opinions on proposed schemes. With these considerations in mind, the minister is confident about achieving the Government's ambition for half of all journeys by 2030 to be cycled or walked.