We fully
support the Mission Statement of the Cycling Embassy of Great
Britain, and believe that cycling should be the simplest, easiest,
and most convenient way to get around the towns and villages of North
Devon.
As the North
Devon Cycling Forum, we want to see a network of direct, well-designed, and
separated cycle routes, away from fast traffic which are safe for anyone to use
- men and women, old and young, rich and poor.
This is our
mission because we believe that cycling can contribute to making North Devon a
less congested, fitter, leaner, greener, cleaner, quieter and above all happier
place.
This involves:
- Lobbying relevant government
departments to remind them that increased cycling is a cost effective
solution to congestion, pollution, obesity, and stress. Reminding all
local authorities that ‘Sustainable Transport’ means walking, cycling and
public transport, and that budgets will be most effectively spent
promoting these, rather than widening or extending North Devon’s roads.
- Become a resource for
information about the best practice in design and infrastructure to
promote safe and healthy cycling for people of all ages and all abilities,
particularly those using their bikes for everyday transport.
- Highlight the current state of
cycling infrastructure in North Devon, and identify where simple
changes can be made to improve the network.
- Develop relations with
employers to promote the ways that cycling can produce a fitter,
healthier, and happier workforce; encouraging them to throw their weight
behind cycling and walking in their communities.
Our primary aim
is for well-designed and properly implemented bicycle infrastructure, to
encourage and enable everyone to ride. Cycling should be the
quickest, most direct way to get to shops, workplaces and schools and
local cycle routes should be integrated with longer-distance
transport like trains and buses to allow for long-distance car-free travel.
By freeing up
space for both pedestrians and bicycles in our towns, more people can travel
actively and leave their cars at home, making for a more pleasant and enjoyable
place for us all to live.
