THE deputy leader of Bromsgrove District Council has hit back at Liberal Democrats’ claims that more could be done on Active Travel.
Keen cyclist Coun Adam Kent believes Bromsgrove is better than most places in Worcestershire for walking and cycling.
He was responding to fellow cyclist and Lib Dem chairman Josh Robinson’s claims that the county council was ‘unambitious’, had only ‘painted signs on the floor’ and needed more ‘segregated cycle lanes’
But Coun Kent said the council was working to make sure all housing schemes in the town consider and implement active travel.
“Health and obesity have a massive impact on people’s lives and its really important we give everyone an opportunity to move around the district safely in whatever way they choose to,” said Coun Kent.
“Balance is key – we have to consider all forms of transport.
“Hence our bid for electric buses, the emphasis on links into rail and massive A38 improvements running into many millions of pounds.”
These £3.4million improvements for walking and cycling routes form part of the wider transport and highways plan for the area.
It will see an additional six recognised walking and cycling pathways introduced over the next two years.
The routes will provide new and improved links between the railway station, town centre, schools, as well as employment and residential areas.
And the work will also include improving other recognised cycleways across Bromsgrove.
“Roads and pavements in Worcestershire are also exceptional quality compared to adjoining areas and that also is a massive factor in encouraging active travel,” added Coun Kent.
“Here in Bromsgrove we want to implement real schemes that offer real benefits and consider all road users and that is what we will be looking to continue delivering.
“I am working on a campaign to stop pavement parking in my Wythall Division as well – another blight on walkers both active, disabled and with children.”
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Mr Robinson said Conservative district council leaders needed to have more influence on their county council colleagues.
“Bromsgrove is crippled by chronic congestion and extremely high levels of air pollution.
“Our leaders in both district and county need to work together to introduce infrastructure that will enable people to walk and cycle more and leave the car behind.”
