The launch of a 15 year masterplan to boost cycling in Derbyshire was launched last night (January 19) – with D2N2 Local Enterprise Chairman Peter Richardson (pictured, fourth from left) invited to talk about the economic advantages increased activity could bring.
Among the ambitious aims of the Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016-2030, launched at the Derby Arena cycling velodrome last night, is to make the county a world-class cycling destination and double the number of people cycling regularly by 2030, to 212,800 (including 50,000 women).
It also aims to double the percentage of commuters travelling by bike as their main mode of transport, and to double the number of children regularly cycling to school.
The Plan was developed, following public consultation, by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group; including Derby City, Derbyshire County, and district and borough councils; Derbyshire Sport, the University of Derby, British Cycling, Sustrans, Peak District National Park Authority and the National Forest Company.
Mr Richardson was invited by the launch event organisers to be part of an expert Q&A panel, to speak specifically to the economic benefits to be derived from more commuter and leisure cycling and cyclists, such as:
- improved general health for employees being better for companies;
- reduced road congestion, with fewer cars on the road meaning less time lost by commercial vehicles and in commuting;
- improved air quality, making D2N2 area a more attractive to live and invest in;
- tourism development, a plus for the Visitor Economy – one of D2N2’s eight key economic – and for cycling in areas such as the Peak District.
- Giving those who are unable to get to work by other means, or who are unemployed and are looking for work, the opportunity to access employment.
D2N2 – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers and community groups, which promotes economic growth and jobs creation in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – has invested significantly in cycling across its catchment. Providing “efficient and resilient transport networks” is a pledge in the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan.
An example is the £12m from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund, given to the £90m ‘Our City Our River, Derby’ project, to improve flood defences and cycle routes benefiting the Derby City and Pride Park areas. Work began on Phase One of the project late last year (2015).
Mr Richardson said: “It was a real pleasure to be invited to the launch of the Derbyshire Cycling Plan, which has received input from a lot of partners.
“Many of the principles in it reflect what the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership is doing around sustainable transport, not least highlighting the sometimes overlooked economic advantages of someone choosing to switch from commuting by car to bike. I am sure the Plan will make a real change.”
Around 200 guests attended yesterday’s launch event.
Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said: “This Cycling Plan demonstrates the commitment to cycling development shared between all partner organisations, from those strategically involved, to the hundreds of individuals and community level groups who have helped to shape it. We are working together to get more people cycling more often, and the future is very exciting.”
The Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016-2030 is available to download at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan
For more information about how the D2N2 LEP is promoting sustainable transport in its area see its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Home
Media requiring more information about the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
