David Barton reminding people to ensure they send their feedback by Sunday, July 25.

A prominent campaigner for the heritage of Southport is reminding people to ensure they send their feedback, by Sunday, July 25 2021, regarding two major Cycling Route consultations regarding Birkdale and Churchtown, to both of the key parties responsible for the ongoing Cycle Route Proposals to ensure the best outcome for everyone overall.

The Cycle Lane proposals concern arterial routes running from Birkdale to Ainsdale, and Hesketh Park to the Plough. Whilst it is recommended that people view the full proposals for themselves, Mr. Barton has summarised the key points which stakeholders in and across the selected areas may so wish to put their views forward and consider should any or all of the consultations proceed at a future date.

Reduced Free Kerb-side Car Parking: Park Crescent; Cambridge Road; Upper Aughton Road; Aughton Road; Waterloo Road; Liverpool Road.
Increased traffic delays through narrowed roads: Various clusters of Birkdale & Churchtown, such as Cambridge Road and Preston New Road as examples.
Reduced amount of space for Pedestrians: Alma Road
Quiet Streets prohibiting motor vehicles along: York Road; Trafalgar Road; Greenbank Drive; Alma Road; Birkdale Village; Welbeck Road; Walmer Road; Crosby Road; Hillside Road.
Roadblock Filters physically blocking roads along: York Road/ Weld Road Junction; Trafalgar Road/ Grosvenor Road Junction; Little Bibby Road; Alma Road; Dover Road.
Cycle Lanes along: Park Crescent/ Queens Road Junction; Park Crescent/ Cambridge Road Junction; Churchtown Lights Junction; Preston New Road/ Fairhaven Road/ North Road Junction; Waterloo Road; Liverpool Road; Ainsdale Road Roundabout; Waterloo Road/ Sandon Road Junction, Liverpool Road/ Carr Lane Junction; Aughton Road; Upper Aughton Road.
David Barton, former Councillor for the Dukes Ward covering the Town Centre and West Birkdale, has noted the extension recently granted in light of the magnanimous response to date already and is seeking to ensure that everyone has now had the chance to submit their views before the final deadline of Sunday, July 25 2021.

The community campaigner, whose ultimate focus has been and remains the restoration of Southport believes that there are also many key stakeholders that don’t even realise the invaluable role they can take should they decide to engage in the democratic process, especially Places of Holy Worship, Schools, Medical Centres and Sports Clubs to name just a few concerned parties.

Mr. Barton says: “In consideration of the fact that so many people have already submitted their feedback, I would strongly recommend anyone that still hasn’t to do so, especially those that may not ordinarily complete a consultation that may have an interest in one or several of the areas cited in the proposals.”

He says: “To the best of my resources, I have continued to raise and highlight this matter proactively yet meaningfully and I hope that others that may be in a position to do so, consider direct canvassing now that restrictions have eased substantially since this particular Consultation first began.”

“Whether you live, work, visit or spend a lot more time in the area, your say is crucial in determining the future layout of our roads and highways infrastructure, therefore I hope that as many people across the length and width of the Southport Constituency do take part if the town is to indeed recover fully and more swiftly after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Remember each response counts so if there are multiple people living in a household or using a Community Centre, etc then please be sure to contribute your feedback also.”

Mr. Barton has once again provided several key Places across Birkdale and Churchtown that may wish to now provide their views and concerns alongside the normally associated key stakeholders, such as people residing nearby or shops and businesses situated within close proximity:

Medical Centres (Staff, Patients)
Places of Holy Worship (Officials, Parishioners)
Sports Clubs (Coaches, Players)
Government Buildings (Civil Servants, Personnel)
Rail Stations (Staff, Commuters)
Nurseries/ Schools (Staff, Parents)
For further information, please view the Online Consultations here.

Originally Posted by roving-eye

David Barton reminding people to ensure they send their feedback by Sunday, July 25.

A prominent campaigner for the heritage of Southport is reminding people to ensure they send their feedback, by Sunday, July 25 2021, regarding two major Cycling Route consultations regarding Birkdale and Churchtown, to both of the key parties responsible for the ongoing Cycle Route Proposals to ensure the best outcome for everyone overall.

Duh - the anti-cyclist strikes again!

The best outcome will be when local people feel safe enough to use their bikes, reduce their carbon footprint - and to do their bit to help save the planet.

The worst outcome would be to kill off these schemes and continue pumping out CO2 on every trip - so accelerating global warming with all its unwelcome consequences. The recent freak rain event in Europe to name just one of many......

You still don't seem able to comprehend the fact that people don't ALL work in the Town they live in. You may do but a lot of people DON'T, but this is all about YOU YOU YOU.

Your pipedream is never going to happen whatever you eat whatever you wear whatever you wipe your useless ar5e with is all brought in from distribution centres around the country.
How much of the stuff you work with is manufactured in Southport or even the UK how many jobs do you go to on your bike. You once told us that you and your "friend" put your bikes in a vehicle and drove to Pendle to do some cycling if you were anything like a cyclist you would have ridden there but you're just an apology for a cyclist. Your hypocrisy knows no bounds, but you are always right in that warped mind of yours which obviously is still living in the 1950's.

You are like king Canute thinking you can reverse nature but believe me you can't.

Originally Posted by Little Londoner

A) You still don't seem able to comprehend the fact that people don't ALL work in the Town

B) You are like king Canute thinking you can reverse nature but believe me you can't.

A) Never said they did.....But I will say majority of trips (of all kinds) made on local roads are local trips, trips that are ideally suited to the bike.

B) Haven't you noticed, nature (in the form of extreme weather) is telling us she's not a happy bunny?

Originally Posted by The PNP

A) Never said they did.....But I will say majority of trips (of all kinds) made on local roads are local trips, trips that are ideally suited to the bike.

B) Haven't you noticed, nature (in the form of extreme weather) is telling us she's not a happy bunny?

Have to disagree with you there PNP - the roads in town are not ideally suited to cycling, less so since the cycle lanes have been put in place, cycling in town is now far more precarious than ever before. Unfortunately people are not programmed like robots and you can never be sure what any pedestrian/motorist is going to do.

Cycle lanes are REALLY needed on the outskirts of towns where cyclists ride for enjoyment but who are hampered by the sudden natural flow of traffic which is necessary in preventing accidents. The natural flow of traffic is absolutely necessary, but there are very few continuous amenities for cyclists on these roads.

Cycle lanes are provided - but they are not continuous they are in segments. Unfortunately, I do not have a flying bike to negotiate the non cycle path bits.

Originally Posted by said

Cycle lanes are REALLY needed on the outskirts of towns where cyclists ride for enjoyment but who are hampered by the sudden natural flow of traffic which is necessary in preventing accidents. The natural flow of traffic is absolutely necessary, but there are very few continuous amenities for cyclists on these roads.

My late Uncle Peter (Woods) one of the longest serving postman in the UK,started aged 15yrs to retirement,and he also worked at the Petrol station on Water Lane,used to live in Old Park Lane,and he would ride his old racing bike from High Park over to the Trough of Bowland regularly at the weekends,and that was back in the sixties and early seventies,and there were NO cycle lanes as such in those days,apart from those on the bypass,so would have had to to navigate traffic from Crossens to the other side of Preston...

Originally Posted by SteveandLois

My late Uncle Peter (Woods) one of the longest serving postman in the UK,started aged 15yrs to retirement,and he also worked at the Petrol station on Water Lane,used to live in Old Park Lane,and he would ride his old racing bike from High Park over to the Trough of Bowland regularly at the weekends,and that was back in the sixties and early seventies,and there were NO cycle lanes as such in those days,apart from those on the bypass,so would have had to to navigate traffic from Crossens to the other side of Preston...

But at the same time, there was also considerably less traffic to contend with.

Originally Posted by SteveandLois

My late Uncle Peter (Woods) one of the longest serving postman in the UK,started aged 15yrs to retirement,and he also worked at the Petrol station on Water Lane,used to live in Old Park Lane,and he would ride his old racing bike from High Park over to the Trough of Bowland regularly at the weekends,and that was back in the sixties and early seventies,and there were NO cycle lanes as such in those days,apart from those on the bypass,so would have had to to navigate traffic from Crossens to the other side of Preston...

Remember how quiet the roads were during the first lockdown?
That’s how quiet the roads were back in the 70’s. Nothing like as much traffic as there is this day and age.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52461913

Originally Posted by donkey22

Remember how quiet the roads were during the first lockdown?
That’s how quiet the roads were back in the 70’s. Nothing like as much traffic as there is this day and age.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52461913

I realise that the roads were definitely quieter back in the day,but was just stating that that was a regular journey for my uncle,just his way of getting some exercise,for his own enjoyment.

Originally Posted by said

A) Have to disagree with you there PNP - the roads in town are not ideally suited to cycling, less so since the cycle lanes have been put in place, cycling in town is now far more precarious than ever before. Unfortunately people are not programmed like robots and you can never be sure what any pedestrian/motorist is going to do.

B) Cycle lanes are REALLY needed on the outskirts of towns where cyclists ride for enjoyment but who are hampered by the sudden natural flow of traffic which is necessary in preventing accidents. The natural flow of traffic is absolutely necessary, but there are very few continuous amenities for cyclists on these roads.

Cycle lanes are provided - but they are not continuous they are in segments. Unfortunately, I do not have a flying bike to negotiate the non cycle path bits.

A) Agree, the roads as they stand certainly are not ideal....but neither were many Dutch roads. Yet the Dutch, after making the investment, now have an enviable cycle network, enabling many more to use their bikes for everyday purposes.

B) That's down to poor design standards. Side roads should give way to cycle-paths/lanes that continue unimpeded across their junction.

Originally Posted by SteveandLois

I realise that the roads were definitely quieter back in the day,but was just stating that that was a regular journey for my uncle,just his way of getting some exercise,for his own enjoyment.

Cyclists do still ride for enjoyment. E.g. at the weekend just as motorists do, taking the car out for a Sunday drive....But compared to the potential for everyday use, leisure cycling is a side issue. Just as a Sunday drive is a secondary use for the car, compared to the everyday trips it very probably makes during the week.

A major part of the problem in the past, has been how those at the top perceived 'cycling'. Looked upon as something frivolous, done for fun by a few lycra-clad oddballs and not worthy of serious investment.....Whereas driving has been taken seriously, so has seen huge ongoing investment in roads infrastructure, encouraging ever greater car usage.

However, Govts and Local Authorities are belatedly waking up to the potential of the bike. Not only because it will help the country meet carbon reduction targets, but because a switch to bikes improves the nations health, reduces congestion and avoids expense of further costly road widening projects.

Originally Posted by SteveandLois

I realise that the roads were definitely quieter back in the day,but was just stating that that was a regular journey for my uncle,just his way of getting some exercise,for his own enjoyment.

Must’ve been a fit bloke. Quite some journey that.

Originally Posted by donkey22

Must’ve been a fit bloke. Quite some journey that.

Peter Cycled all the time as a postie,and when working at the garage..His garden gates have a Penny Farthing on the front gates,at 52 Old Park Lane,and was a well known character with his postal customers,as he used to have a Penny Farthing stamper to put on some of their letters.

There is already a good cycle route along the coastal road running the full length of Southport. Unfortunately Sefton who are responsible cannot maintain it to a decent standard . The Ainsdale end is bumpy , rough and too narrow for passing and the northern section is a disgrace when it links from coast rd to the pumping station. This section was originally circa 2m wide hard packed gravel when built but Sefton have allowed weeds to grow through and now it’s just 150mm wide and like riding a tight rope. Sefton are responsible for maintaining this section but refuse to restore it. This council now want to spend tax payers money on a new scheme whereas they should be maintaining their existing cyclings assets.

Active Travel Schemes supported by government | letter

From the Minister of State
Chris Heaton-Harris MP
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
Tel: 0300 330 3000
E-Mail: chris.heatonharris@dft.gov.uk
Web site: www.gov.uk/dft
30 July 2021
To: Leaders of all combined, transport and highway authorities in England

Dear Council Leader,

Active travel schemes supported by Government funding

Over the last year, cycling has risen by 46%. In 2020, we saw the highest level of cycling on the public highway since the 1960s, and the greatest year-on-year increase in post-war history. Many people have started cycling for shorter journeys, saving appreciable amounts of pollution, noise, CO2 and traffic danger. In some cities the delivery bike has become as normal a sight as the delivery van. Even after these remarkable rises, according to one leading retailer, a further 37 per cent of the population now wants to buy a bike.

These things have been made possible, in part, by hundreds of school streets, pop-up cycle lanes, and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods implemented under the Government's Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF) and under statutory Network Management Duty guidance. For all the controversy these schemes can sometimes cause, there is strong and growing evidence that they command public support.

I do know that a few councils have removed, or are proposing to remove, cycle schemes installed under the fund, or to water them down. Of course I understand not every scheme is perfect and a minority will not stand the test of time, but if these schemes are not given that time to make a difference, then taxpayers’ monies have been wasted. Schemes need time to be allowed to bed in; must be tested against more normal traffic conditions; and must be in place long enough for their benefits and disbenefits to be properly evaluated and understood. We have no interest in requiring councils to keep schemes which are proven not to work, but that proof must be presented. Schemes must not be removed prematurely, or without proper evidence and too soon to collect proper evidence about their effects.

As the Secretary of State stated in a letter to all local authorities in November 2020, since the peak of the emergency had passed, we now expected local authorities to consult more thoroughly. We revised our Network Management Duty (NMD) guidance to state that measures should be "taken as swiftly as possible, but not at the expense of consulting local communities" and that "local residents and businesses should... be given an opportunity to comment on proposed changes" to schemes. Please note these requirements also apply as much to the removal or modification of existing schemes as to the installation of new ones. In many cases where schemes have been removed or modified, there appears to have been little or no consultation.

The Secretary of State also stated in his November letter that consultation should include objective tests of public opinion, such as professional polling, to gather a truly representative picture of local views. Obviously the views of the local Member of Parliament should be taken into account.

Premature removal of schemes carries implications for the management of the public money used in these schemes and for the Government's future funding relationship with the authorities responsible. The Department will continue to assess authorities’ performance in delivering schemes and, following the precedent we have already set, those which have prematurely removed or weakened such schemes should expect to receive a reduced level of funding.

We are also publishing updated Network Management Duty guidance on this subject, describing in more detail the obligations of authorities to allow adequate time to evaluate schemes and to engage with local people and protected groups using professional opinion surveys, including on any proposed removal. Authorities which are proposing to remove or weaken schemes should not proceed with their plans unless they are satisfied that they have had regard to the guidance.
CHRIS HEATON-HARRIS
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT