Hope Valley students cycle ‘bike-bus’ convoy highlighting dangerous road

Students from villages surrounding the Hope school cycled the route with a sign towed by the rear-most bicycle which read: ‘Bike Bus Students Cycling Please Be Patient’.

The A6187 is a major route from Sheffield used by Hope Valley children from Grindleford, Hathersage and Bamford to get to school.

However most students avoid cycling along it while motorists are whizzing past them in both directions.

A June 2020 survey of pupils across the Hope Valley showed the majority would like to cycle regularly but chose not to because of safety concerns.

Although there is a stretch of cycle lane between Hathersage and Hope, bikers are forced to use the road where it ends.

Pupils have been campaigning for a safe walking and cycling route to the school since 2008 but a long-promised segregated route along the A6187 has not been completed.

Hope Valley Climate Action say a safe cycling route is even more urgent in the Covid-era.

However young people are still forced to travel on overcrowded buses - undermining efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.

On Tuesday 30 students and adults cycled the route from Grindleford as part of the bike-bus - stopping off at Hathersage and Bamford on their way to Hope Valley College.

Sarah Roberts, of Hope Valley Climate Action’s cycling and walking group, said Tuesday’s ride was a launch however it was hoped the event would be repeated - at least on weekly or monthly basis.

She said: “We’d like this to be a regular way for children to get to school - but the point we’re making is a cycle route half the way is not all the way.

“This is a major link road for all the villages in the Hope Valley - and for cyclists coming from Sheffield.”

Hope Valley Climate Action say while the Government is providing £2 billion to boost cycling and walking and has called for planned schemes to be brought forward nothing has so far been provided in Hope Valley.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.