NECA Transport Manifesto consultation – deadline

Dear member,

There is a preliminary consultation on the future transport in the North East. Please reply to it and mention the construction of a good quality cycle network and the six principles of Space for Cycling as much as you can.

Please fill in the NE survey and mention cycling https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/neca_transport_manifesto_consultation

There are several questions in the online questionnaire. Be not put off, not all need filling in. The only compulsory question is whether you reply as an individual or on behalf of an organisation. There is plenty of freetext to mention building cycleways and liveable neighbourhoods (reducing through motor traffic), creating safe routes to schools and cycle-friendly town centres.

The ‘vision’ put forward by the Combined Authority is weak and majorly flawed. It does not recognise the tensions between the different kinds of travel modes (private cars, public transport, cycling and walking), nor does it understand the process of transport transition or the urgency for change.  We need a new approach, inclusive of protected cycleways on main roads and with the vision of everyone feeling safe to cycle from all ages and abilities. We simply cannot carry on as usual, and must prioritise sustainable transport investment over motorised traffic and the use of private cars.

We know cycling is a win-win for transport, but our politicians and officers sometimes still struggle to understand this. You can point out the benefits of cycling. If we build cycleways and people see cycling as a real transport option, this will be good for

• the local economy
• health and wellbeing
• society’s coffers as well as the individual’s pocket, it’s inexpensive and efficient
• reduction of carbon emissions and climate change impacts
• the environment and liveable cities and towns (reduced air and noise pollution)
• social inclusion, it offers opportunities and
• neighbourhood cohesion, it improves residential areas

We ask you to tick as the four most important guiding principles: more sustainable transport, healthy & active livestyles, better air quality & lower carbon emissions  and land use planning that favours sustainable transport.

Fill in the online questionnaire by 8 April 2016 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/neca_transport_manifesto_consultation

Good luck and thanks

Claire, John, Katja, Rod, Sally and Scott

NewCycling Management Committee