Guernsey Press

Campaign hopes to develop active travel infrastructure

THE Guernsey Bicycle Group has announced an upcoming campaign for action to develop the island’s active travel infrastructure.

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The only truly dedicated cycle and pedestrian path in the island runs from Town to Bulwer Avenue. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 30397262)

According to the group, investment in better active travel infrastructure would generate economic, health, environmental and social benefits.

‘Right now, our on-island infrastructure isn’t working well for anyone.

‘It’s been 11 years since the last yard of cycling infrastructure in Guernsey,’ said Ben Craddock, from the GBG committee.

‘Guernsey is significantly behind Jersey, the UK and Europe on enabling active travel, and the gap is widening.’

Mr Craddock said the issue was not about cars versus pedestrians and cyclists.

‘The one or another debate is over-simplistic,’ he said.

‘Everyone has the right to get around in a way that works best for them.

‘It’s not a one or another issue, but rather how do we make it work for everyone on the roads.’

GBG chairman Phil Le Poidevin and Mr Craddock said the group was working on an education campaign to spread crucial information about active travel infrastructure throughout Guernsey.

Mr Craddock said the campaign also includes concrete suggestions and actions for the States of Guernsey to take under consideration.

‘Our goal is to set the benchmark for what Guernsey needs to aspire to and demonstrate what’s possible within the constraints of our island infrastructure,’ he said.

‘We’ll do this by working with global active travel experts and partnering with the States and community groups to show what success looks like for our entire community and how Guernsey can achieve it pragmatically.’

The GBG has also been in discussions with the consulting firm that helped develop Holland’s successful active travel network.

Mr Craddock said the discussions were in the early stages, and the group wants the States of Guernsey as a partner to move forward.

‘The goal is clear – walking and cycling must become the safe and logical choice for most people of all ages and abilities to complete short journeys.

‘In practice, this means walking 20 – 30 minutes or pretty much any journey around Guernsey on a bike,’ said Mr Craddock.

The GBG’s immediate priorities include creating safe walking and cycling routes to schools, a segregated cycling route from St Sampson’s to town, and an East to West route.

n Anyone interested in learning more or supporting active travel goals is asked to contact the group by Facebook or by email at guernseybicyclegroup@gmail.com.

Opinion, page 15