|
|
 |
| |
'Cycle to work via Heath' idea comes under attack
Call for children to hop on their bikes to ease school-run chaos
BATTLE lines have been drawn between a conservation group and cyclists over plans to encourage schoolchildren and commuters to cross Hampstead Heath by bike.
In a deputation to a full Camden Council meeting on Monday, the Heath and Hampstead Society voiced its opposition to any increase in cycling on the Heath. Currently, there are four cycle lanes.
But the Camden Cycling Campaign group, which also had a deputation at the meeting, called for Heath cycle lanes to be linked so children can bike to school.
Bob Spellar, a caretaker at Hampstead Parochial School who led the cyclists’ deputation, told councillors that the existing Heath cycle paths were not linked up, did not provide direct access to many Heath facilities, and were no use to children trying to bike across the Heath to school.
He added: “We don’t want a vast increase in cycle routes, just routes that get you where you want to go. Most end in the middle of nowhere.”
But Heath and Hampstead Society chairman Tony Hillier said: “If little Johnnie has to cycle from Highgate to his school in Hampstead he already has to cycle on the road. If there are bits where they want to take a short cut they can walk.”
Although the council does not have any powers over the Heath, its “eco-champion”, Lib Dem councillor Alexis Rowell, who heads the Town Hall’s environment think-tank, hopes to persuade Heath managers the City of London to set aside an hour or so in the morning and evening for cycling commuters to cross the Heath.
Cllr Rowell said he would also like to discuss the possibility of creating more cycle routes across the Heath during school hours.
He added: “As a compromise, I’d ask for less cycling hours over the weekend. I’m interested in promoting it as a way to reduce the school run and congestion, and as a way of getting people to do more daily exercise.”
He also hopes to create a cycle route in Spaniards Road.
He wants to meet Tory environment chief Councillor Mike Greene and the Sustainability Task Force, a newly-formed advisory team, to discuss his ideas.
After listening to both deputations on Monday, Cllr Greene said: “If there is a compromise and some sort of plan is put together I will commit resources.” |
| |
|
|
|
