Travel by bike
We actively promote
cycling and are working hard to make cycling safer and more
convenient. Cycling and cyclists are an important part of our
transport plans.
If we can encourage more people to cycle, we'll have a
healthier, less congested and less polluted county.
Why are we encouraging people to cycle?
Many journeys people make are less than 2 miles, which is a
distance most people would be able to cycle. There are a wide range
of benefits to cycling, for individuals, the wider community
and for the environment:
- fewer cars using the road
- it is often quicker than the car at peak times
- lower costs
- a healthier and fitter society.
Cycling takes up less road space and helps reduce the amount of
traffic on local roads. Regular cycling is also associated with a
decreased risk of ill health and premature death.
There are more and more cars and it will not be long before our
roads cannot cope with the amount of traffic. This will lead to
traffic jams and delays, more pollution and longer journeys. It's
not possible to build enough roads to cope with growing car
numbers. Nor will it be possible to protect our environment against
increasing pollution from traffic.
Cycling for businesses and schools
The daily school run is a large part of the morning rush hour
traffic. There would be an improvement in the amount of traffic if
we can encourage more journeys to work or to school by bicycle.
We are working with schools and employers to create travel plans promoting
cycling.
We are also working in partnership with organisations like
Sustrans to find practical solutions, helping people choose
sustainable methods of travel. For example, we part fund the
Sustrans managed Bike It
project in Ashford.
Cycling for health
We are working with local health professionals to promote the
fitness benefits of cycling, looking at how it can help us become
healthy and fit and reduce our stress levels. On average, people
who cycle regularly enjoy a fitness level equal to being 10 years
younger than the rest of us.