Island should expand small cycle network, says GBG chairman

His comments follow news that Boris Johnson’s UK government has committed to spending £2bn. on walking/cycling infrastructure, including thousands of miles of new protected bike lanes, cycle training for any child or adult, creating a long-term cycling programme and budget and increasing access to e-bikes. Its aim is to create healthier and more active population, alleviating some of the pressure on the NHS.

GBG’s Sam Field said it was a terrific step forwards and the science on active travel is clear – people who walk and cycle more are healthier, happier and wealthier due to lower transport costs.

‘Countries that have actively travelling populations have healthier populations that require less public health spending on largely avoidable health conditions,’ he said.

GBG have long said if it is easier, safer and more convenient to cycle, people will choose to so.

‘A well-designed transport network will make it easier to walk, cycle and drive [and] we may have to make some choices such as turning some roads in to contraflow style systems, such as the Baubigny system, but it would still be possible to drive to every location on the island, and done right there should be no need to remove any parking.’

He believed that with a well-designed system, everyone wins.

GBG recently introduced the States to the Dutch Cycle Embassy which has decades of experience in helping cities and towns across the world design such systems.

It hopes the States takes the opportunity to invest some of the Revive & Thrive pandemic recovery package into expanding the island’s small cycle network into a larger system to give people more choice as to how they travel.

Mr Field added: ‘Guernsey’s bike fleet is pretty well maintained, but it would be terrific to see more e-bikes being made available to people who may struggle to cycle for either age or medical purposes.

‘E-bikes strip away so many of the barriers to cycling that they should be available on prescription.

‘Hills and wind cease to be a problem, and you can carry a lot of shopping and equipment on an e-bike meaning they can replace a vehicle for many types of journey.’

For people whose existing fitness may preclude them from conventional cycling, e-bikes make cycling accessible and enjoyable.

He said Guernsey can learn from the UK and also Jersey, which is making great strides in this area.

‘It takes courage to take those first steps and commit to implementing such a program – courage to say “we’re going to do this”, and start that journey. But once you do, it will bear fruit.’

n Environment & Infrastructure has been contacted for comment on how Guernsey might follow the UK on this idea.