Cyclists and pedestrians from Somerset made their way to Taunton to participate in the Wake Up Rally on Wednesday. It was great to be part of something where so many people were passionate and authentic in working towards a shared vision.
Unfortunately, Somerset County Highways are still someway from understanding the vision.
The clock – a gift from TACC – was politely received by the County Highways political boss, John Woodman. He made some comments, but said absolutely nothing new and some of it was inaccurate. It reinforced our view that there is little drive and leadership for walking and cycling improvements.
He told us yet again that SCC have a 10 year plan (still unpublished). Yes we know – we did the leg work for it and it took them over 2 years to produce. He didn’t name a single walking and cycling scheme that they are working on. He did make the incredible claim that ‘cycling is at the heart of’ all their big expensive road schemes. We know that these have been designed to maximise car capacity with walking and cycling as addons that function badly. Clearly more training is needed. As is more pressure.
Watch the video impression of the rally (courtesy of Hits Radio Brand Networks) »
Background of the rally
Action to improve cycling needs to start now. Somerset County Council has to stop dragging its feet with warm words but little tangible progress. Design and maintenance of cycling infrastructure needs to improve.
TACC has tried to support the County Council in a variety of ways, putting our own time into this.
The Government is calling on Highway Authorities to enable active travel. Numerous polls show strong public support for better cycling provision. The pandemic showed the appetite for walking and cycling more, when the threat from car traffic is reduced. There is a climate emergency.
The County has funded four major road schemes in as many years in Taunton. We are struggling to think of any new free standing cycling routes in the same period (other than addons to road schemes).