Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Could cycling soar in Kent after lockdown?
The latest government statistics highlight how rarely Kent residents cycle to work - something that could change due to a push to create more bike lanes. The campaign, led by organisations such as Cycling UK and 8 80 Cities, hopes to see the creation of more cycle paths during the lull in road traffic caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last week, the government called on local authorities to consider alterations to roads and parking to avoid a sudden rise in air pollution once the lockdown is over.
Included in the call was a suggestion of pedestrianised areas around schools and others could follow the example of London in bringing in new no-car zones. These types of initiatives are hoped to promote an increase in the amount of commuters using environmentally friendly and active ways of getting to work or travelling.
Government statistics show that on average in 2017-2018, only 1.57% of Kent’s residents commuted by bike five times a week.
Swale had the most people regularly commuting, with 3.3% of the population travelling by bike each weekday. A countywide average of just over 7% of people used a bike to commute once a month, a number that could be set to rise following the easing of lockdown. A Yougov poll carried out on behalf of Cycling UK found 9% of the British public were cycling more during the lockdown.
Another key finding was that 36% of respondents agreed that they could rethink their travel habits in the future to use cars and motor vehicles less. About 63% of the Yougov respondents said they’d cycle more after the lockdown if traffic-free cycle tracks and paths were installed in high streets and town centres.
Just over half thought more designated cycle lanes should be created on roads. Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’S head of campaigns, said: “Our poll shows clearly that people are prepared to rethink their travel habits, using their cars less and cycling more but only if they feel safe to do so. “That’s why we’re calling on local authorities to act now to install pop-up cycle lanes and widen pavements to create the space for people to walk and cycle safely while social distancing.”
In recent years, commuters have been encouraged to use public transport more in an effort to reduce pollution from cars.
But as many people fear the risk of infection in a cramped train or bus, Parliament is seeing this as an opportunity to promote other green ways of getting from A to B.
However public transport companies are attempting to allay fears, announcing a raft of new safety measures.
Train company Southeastern is encouraging train passengers to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. A spokeswoman said: “People should also plan ahead, leave longer for their journey, travel at quieter times and use contactless or buy their ticket online. “As more people return to the network, train operators and Network Rail will be making changes to stations and trains to help those who have to travel to do so safely.
“On top of more frequent and thorough cleaning at stations and on trains, these measures will include signage around stations and on trains encouraging social distancing and one-way systems at busier stations.” When asked whether commuter trends will change when life returns to normal, Southeastern said: “We are keeping this under close review, and at present passengers should follow the government’s advice and only travel by public transport if they have no alternative. “Passengers are encouraged to walk, cycle or use private cars to make their journeys.”