What the next mayor should do for cycling

The Bristol Cycling Campaign has launched its Manifesto for Mayoral Candidates in which they set out three top priorities that they want the future mayor of Bristol to tackle.

The campaigners have sent the candidates three top priorities they see as essential to creating safer cycling infrastructure in order to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and get on their bikes instead. 

Gloucester Road is a notorious spot for accidents. Data also suggests that cycling on Gloucester Road has become increasingly popular over the years– a road count comparison between 2000-2013 found that during this time the number of bikes had more than doubled.

The third priority also deals with the problem of space for cyclists on the road, but this time focusing on creating a cycling loop connecting key parts in the city.

The second priority goes further than the other two. The aim of a Living Heart for Bristol is to get the future Mayor to agree to make Bristol more pedestrian and cycling friendly, much like other European cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

The questions were sent to the Mayoral Candidates and their replies are listed below in alphabetical order of the candidates last name.

Kay Barnard – Liberal Democrats

“I support the Space for Cycling campaign to improve facilities and infrastructure for cyclists in Bristol.  I am myself a cyclist but rarely cycle in Bristol because of the poor infrastructure and lack of safety.

“Reducing the congestion on Bristol’s roads has to be a priority, freeing up space for everyone, including those car drivers who have mobility problems.

“Improving the ability of children to safely cycle to school is vital to get young people into the habit of cycling as a means of transport and to improve fitness levels.

“There is no point in having 20mph speed limits unless there is adequate enforcement, particularly in areas of high cycling and pedestrian use.” 

Tony Dyer – Green Party

1.      “If we are serious about cycling as a transport option then, by definition, we much ensure that there is space for cycling on our major transport arteries.

“As one of the founders of Living Heart for Bristol I am very supportive of it aims. Many vibrant cities have successfully rebalanced their city centres creating space for pedestrians and cyclists that have also generated economic, environmental and health benefits.

“The route identified above between Jacob’s Wells roundabout and Temple Circus via St James Barton already forms part of the Inner Access Loop Road – the Inner Access Loop Road will likely need some remodelling.

“The proposed realignment of Redcliffe Way and the removal of the Temple Circus roundabout offers an opportunity to further improve this route for cycling.” 

George Ferguson – Bristol 1st

“I am one hundred percent behind the cycling manifesto.

“In my first term we have continued to deliver an enormous amount, including cycling ambition funding for more segregation and are currently building new paths and increasing the number of cycle stands.

“It is a fantastic form of alternate transport it is reliable and good for our health and well-being. As many of you will know, it is the way I regularly travel around this city.” 

Charles Lucas – Conservatives

 “My position on cycling is straightforward.

“I am entirely pro-cycling by responsible cyclists.

“Cycling safety and provision should not be at the expense of the motorist or pedestrian. ie I am in favour of freedom of choice to transport oneself around the city as one chooses.

“I am also in favour of segregated cycle lanes where safe and feasible… but not at the expense of the motorist or pedestrian.

Marvin Rees – Labour

 “I’m meeting the Bristol cycling campaign on Wednesday, and as someone who cycles I’m looking forward to working with them to make Bristol better for cycling.”

Read more: Interviews, videos and opinion pieces with all the candidates

Bristol24/7 is hosting a mayoral hustings featuring all candidates at The Lantern at 7pm on Thursday, April 28. Entrance is first come first served. For more information, visit www.colstonhall.org/shows/mayoral-hustings/