Dynamo – The Lancaster and District Cycle Campaign have launched a campaigning for a direct off road cycle route between Heysham and Lancaster, which will be along existing footpaths and bridleways.
The campaign group argues the current routes, via Oxcliffe Road and the Bypass, are simply not safe enough, with the only alternative cycle path route being through Morecambe.
Dynamo have raised this with Lancashire County Council and continue to discuss their plans at the various cycle forums. “We need now to show a good level of public support in order that the council will consider taking the ideas forward,” says Paul Stubbins. “We would like to achieve this route in the same timescales as the M6 link road.
“Much of the necessary infrastructure is actually already in place for this route,” he explains, “including a bridge over the railway line. This new safe route would reduce the journey by bike from Heysham to Salt Ayre sports centre by a full mile from 4.5 to 3.5 miles and from Heysham to Lancaster down to five miles.”
In order to build support, Dynamo has registered an e-petition with the County Council and will be hosting a number of paper petition events in Heysham during March and April.
If you’re a cyclist or simply in favour of more cycling (and providing a means for cyclists to cycle off busy roads in the area), then consider signing either the e-petition or one of the group’s paper petitions.
“It would also be helpful if you would contact your local County Councillor and encourage him/her to support the scheme,” says Paul.
• The e-petition is here on the Lancashire County Council web site