Developing a wider network of Ruettes Tranquilles could attract more tourists

Perhaps Guernsey no longer has the most sunshine days in the UK, but its all-embracing lifestyle is privileged up-market for everyone, a long way from ‘low-cost’ and to be heartily preserved.

Simplicity is often the ‘nec plus ultra’ of sophistication.

Born in 1948, having lived in European metropolis for most of my life, and Guernsey since 2016, I have discovered with relief this island environment, its wonderfully natural countryside and seaside, a vestige of the Norman ‘bocage’ of small fields, lots of well-maintained hedgerows, watercourses, old narrow lanes with old and new houses hiding in the natural habitat.

Les Ruettes Tranquilles were identified and dedicated to the slower pace of more convivial transport, notably walkers, cyclists, horse riders, etc. to enjoy a more carefree promenade in the countryside, while at the same time travelling from A to B, and at all times of the day.

Guernsey could, in the new world of zero emissions, become a cyclist’s paradise and a walker’s haven. A real tourist attraction.

Sadly, I have progressively witnessed that the explosion of motorised vehicles on the road (more cars than people in Guernsey) has now invaded the Ruettes Tranquilles and on an unprecedented scale at certain times of the day creating a serious conflict with anyone walking a dog, pushing a pram or just ambling, jogging or horse riding.

The original idea for creating the Ruettes Tranquilles is now more valid than ever and should be reinforced. For example, the speed limit of 15mph could be reduced and enforced regularly.

By definition, the Ruettes Tranquilles, narrow lanes winding through the island’s natural beauty, are a means to encourage and promote the more healthy means of transport, i.e. walking, cycling, jogging, but in a more safe and sure environment.

In other words extraneous, motorised vehicles should be confined to the main roads and thoroughfares and thereby banned from all designated Ruettes Tranquilles, with of course the exception of local property access.

The roads of Guernsey are in general too narrow to create and designate protected cycle paths everywhere, as in the large cities and urban centres. Major centres, such as Paris and Brussels, are severely reducing vehicle traffic flows while improving car-free zones.

The Ruettes Tranquilles are the natural solution, separating and protecting cyclists, walkers and pram-pushers from the continual harassment and menace of motorised vehicles.

Guernsey could look to develop a wider network of Ruettes Tranquilles throughout the whole island stimulating ‘island-wide’ natural travel at a human pace. Nowhere is far in Guernsey.

Also a tremendous and meaningful tourist attraction notably for the French and Scandinavians.

Could be more successful than island-wide voting.

Philip Mallard

Castel

GY5 7DA