Your chance to shape Derbyshire’s cycle network plans

Derbyshire County Council are offering the opportunity to help shape what the cycle network in Derbyshire should look like as Derbyshire Council and Active Derbyshire work towards their goal of making Derbyshire the most connected county for cycling in England by 2030.

The current suggested network map can be seen here. All the suggested projects would be welcomed but it would be useful if you could review the map and then make your comments as to how the Derwent Valley Cycleway would be the most useful project.

Cycle connections from Derby to the north are sadly lacking especially when compared to connections to the east (the excellent Riverside path) and south (canal path and railway path to Melbourne) and currently cyclists between Derby and Matlock have to use the, generally unsuitable, A6 road which discourages new or inexperienced riders.

Previous investment in cycling in Derbyshire has concentrated on areas other than Derby (e.g. Chesterfield and the White Peak Loop) and it is time the focus moved to connecting Derby to the rest of Derbyshire north of the city.

We believe the Derwent Valley Cycleway will score highly on the Council’s prioritisation criteria as the route, once built, will provide benefits including:

• Filling in obvious gaps in the National Cycle Network. The network is good to the east and south of Derby but non existent to the north.
• A positive impact on traffic congestion, particularly on the A6 north of the city, and air quality issues in Derby as more people are encouraged to consider safe cycling as an alternative to using cars.
• Health benefits as people become more active. In addition, fewer serious cycle accidents are expected as riders make use of a well constructed traffic free route greatly reducing the chances of collisions between cyclists and motor traffic.
• The ability to link with railway lines in the Derwent Valley to provide for combined cycle / rail commuting.
• Attracting more local, national and international visitors to the area to experience the cycle touring possibilities and to visit the attractions of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. This will lead to the growth of related businesses (e.g. cafes, B&Bs, holiday companies) needed to meet the demand.

Please find the time to review the possible projects and to make your comments well before the deadline of the 24th January 2018. We’ll also be contacting the Council to provide more detailed arguments but it is important that they realise the strength of support for the Derwent Valley Cycleway.