GE2017 – Response from Liberal Democrats

Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrats

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Question 1: Dutch-style cycling network for Taunton

Question 2: Adopting up to date design guidance for cycling infrastructure

Question 3: Creating high quality safe cycleways

Question 4: Spending to improve bus services, walking and cycling

Question 5: Working with TACC

 

Q1. Yes, and not only would I work on this I have done so in the past as a Councillor for central Oxford where achieved physically segregated and protected cycle lanes as part of the Oxford Transport Strategy which closed the high street to motorised traffic in favour of cyclists and pedestrians. I also devised and led study visits for local authorities to the Netherlands to see their cycle friendly transport planning as part of my role as Chief Executive of the TCPA.

 
Q2. Yes, and I would do so by forming a Taunton Deane Cycle User Committee (ideally a committee or sub-committee of the County and Deane Borough Councils) and through relevant all party cycling and transport and planning groups in the House of Commons.

 
Q3. Yes, I would support cycle super highways but would expect them to follow and be part of the most direct routes from a to b and only divert off the highway where this created a clearly shorter route to the station/town centre. I would also expect them to minimise stop, start interruptions and eliminate as far as possible sharp changes in direction at any points both of which undermine the objectives of better cycle routes.

 
Q4. I believe current spending priorities are wrong in that they focus on national network projects (improving journey times on long distance routes) failing to prioritise schemes that would have more benefit for towns and villages themselves – including cycling schemes.
Cycle routes are too often fundamentally misconstrued, not taking a straight route or line form a to b is the most common fault but the building of key cycle route bridges in Taunton with the addition of signs saying “cyclists dismount” is a huge mistake.

 
Q5. Yes, I would be delighted to work with TACC – I already cycle daily as commuter. I would work with TACC to help achieve its objectives in Parliament.