Concerns over funding and current cycling in Burton

Those who regularly read the blog will be aware that I always try to portray cycling in a very positive light and encourage people to partake.  I do this as part of my work for Sustrans.  I would like to point out that this article consists of my own views and is not necessarily representative of Sustrans.

Over recent weeks I have become a little disenchanted with my commute into Burton and have tried to address these issues with relevant authorities.  The original lack of response angered me slightly but it appears that the problems around Burton are symptomatic of a larger issue.

Several roads around Burton have been either closed or subject to roadworks over recent weeks and months and this has had an effect on the level of traffic on the A444.  During the summer I found it easier to take a 3 mile detour through Drakelow, Rosliston and Linton because queues of traffic have made it difficult to cycle during the traditional rush hour times.

The above issues have been compounded by the closure of the Ferry Bridge over the river Trent; a key part of the cycling infrastructure into Burton.

The event had been planned for some time so there was ample time to plan and sign a diversion that was suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.  I had requested information on the proposed diversion and had no reply.  On the afternoon the bridge was closed to cyclists and pedestrians some signage was placed for a diversion route.

No way through! 

The diversion route is only suitable for pedestrians as it actually uses an area where there is a no cycling byelaw and the rest is on footpaths that are not signed as shared use.  None of the NCN signs have been changed to reflect the change.  Quite simply cyclists have been ignored.

The work on the Ferry Bridge is essential and I fully appreciate that it has to be completely taken out of action, though query why the bridge has been allowed to deteriorate so much.  I also would like to point out the excellent Facebook Group called Friends of the Ferry bridge who have been posting regular updates

With safety of cyclists and pedestrians a key concern of mine, I have been looking into improving the situation and had a Sustrans area manager come to Burton and look into the situation and liaise with the County Council.

As part of the study of the Ferry Bridge diversion we also looked at the section that links NCN 63 from the Ferry Bridge area towards the Derbyshire Border where I have concerns over safety too, especially at rush hour.

Part of NCN63 uses the A444 from Bretlands Way to Saxon Street.  I have expressed concern to Staffordshire County Council over safety during busy periods and egress from the 2 streets mentioned. I am unable to say if they have any plans to improve the section as I have not had a reply.  This is frustrating as the nearby Brizlincote mini roundabout was re-profiled recently at a cost of around £65k.

A444 during morning rush hour - this is actually on the Nation Cycle Network.

My frustration with situation was matched by a lack of response from the authority in question but this frustration has subsided more into concern over the reason for the lack of response which might be due to the fact that there are a lack of officers responsible for sustainable transport within Staffordshire. I would have liked an officer to ride the route with me to see sights like the above and ask if it was appropriate for 14 year old youngsters to ride.

I am happy to report that the Sustrans area manager had some very sensible suggestions to utilise existing paths and look at the section as a whole rather than address little parts individually.

Of course any improvements will require funding which is becoming a subject of concern.  Outside of London it is becoming increasingly difficult to come across funding.

The below article is written by the Shadow Transport Minister.  It is written with a degree of criticism of the government but is also accurate regarding the ending of various funding streams and is well worth a read.

https://www.politicshome.com/transport/articles/opinion/house-commons/daniel-zeichner-mp-will-government-break-its-promise-and

Whilst the above link is not something that is particularly endorsed by Sustrans, the next link most certainly is.  With cycling funding facing something of a cliff edge it is imperative that this is challenged through parliament.  Please write to your local MP using the following link.

http://action.sustrans.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1877&ea.campaign.id=44273