Cyclists can now ride with rubbish to Raynesway

AND – UNLIKE CAR DRIVERS – THEY DON’T NEED TO BOOK

CYCLISTS are now able to ride to Derby’s Raynesway tip with their rubbish, it has been announced.

Earlier this year it was reported that bosses at Derby City Council were exploring the idea of allowing cyclists to use its Raynesway tip following calls to improve accessibility to the site.

For most of the year – and certainly since the Raynesway tip reopened following the coronavirus pandemic – only car owners have been allowed to enter the site via a booking appointment.

At a meeting in November, Derby City Council’s executive scrutiny committee called on council leaders to consider the idea of allowing pedestrians and cyclists to use the service.

Jerry Pearce, cabinet member for Streetpride, said at the cabinet meeting, held the following day, that the idea of cargo bikes had been looked into and checks were being made regarding safety aspects.

And now the Derby City Council website clearly states that cyclists ARE able to take their rubbish to the tip – and they don’t need a booking appointment, unlike car owners.

However, as soon as cyclists arrive, they must then push their bikes until they leave the tip.

To the question ‘Can I come to Raynesway by bike?,’ the answer from the council states: “Yes, customers can deliver waste and recycling by bike or cargo bike. Please take appropriate safety measures such as cycle helmets and lights.

“You do not need to pre-book, but you should wait to access site in turn with other customers’ vehicles – please do not jump the queue if there is one.

“Cycles must not be ridden on site, so please get off and push while at the HWRC (Raynesway Household Waste Recycling Centre).

“Once you are at the HWRC, go directly to the meet-and-greet cabin. You will be directed to a designated area for cycle users where you can put items into a container and leave, without accessing the main site.

“Staff will move your recycling to the appropriate area later on.”

However, it is still not possible for pedestrians to enter the site – something which the executive scrutiny committee also called for.

Hundreds of comments to the previous story were on Facebook which showed many to be amused by the idea.

One person commented: “I shall be taking a large mattress to the tip next week on my bike - will I need a wide load sign???”

Another stated: “Ridiculous idea, the HSE would have a field day with any local authority trying this.”

However, another Facebook user argued back: “The actual story is about broadening access to the site which currently is restricted to cars, vans, etc, and allowing people on bikes or on foot to use the service if that is what they want to do.”