Hundreds support closure of Chesterfield road to create cycle path to Royal Hospital

Some residents on Crow Lane have criticised the recent move to prevent vehicles from using the route and have launched a petition calling for it to be reversed.

However, another petition, which supports the closure of the lane to create a green and sustainable route from the town centre to Chesterfield Royal Hospital, has also gained the support of more than 300 people.

Alastair Meikle, secretary of Chesterfield Cycle Campaign, said: “The point of this route is to give staff at the Royal Hospital a safe, sustainable transport route as an alternative to using cars and public transport.

MORE: Chesterfield road closed to traffic to create cycle path for Royal Hospital staff

“To support this the hospital have just introduced a scheme to help staff purchase an electric bike. It also helps residents of Brimington Common and Calow to have a direct walking and cycle route to Chesterfield.”

Alastair says the number of extra cycle journeys being made in Chesterfield has almost doubled compared to this time last year – as the Government continues to urge people to avoid public transport as much as possible.

“There is a cycle counter on the station link cycle path which has recorded an average of 223 cycle journeys per day in the last few weeks compared to 108 last year,” he said.

“This increase is in line with the growth in cycle journeys being seen nationally.”

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Horse rider Jill Hancock has signed the petition and says the route was dangerous previously with drivers ‘speeding right up close behind expecting us to scale the banks to get out of their way’.

Derbyshire County Council said the Government asked local authorities to look at a range of measures to help get more people cycling and walking amid the coronavirus pandemic – and this route was identified as a safe route between the train station and the Royal.

County Hall said a ‘large number of people’ had contacted the council to say how much they appreciate the road closure.

To sign the petition supporting the road closure, click here

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