Why a Cycle Forum?
Unlikely as it seems, the idea for a campaign to improve facilities for cyclists
in Folkestone began with Hugh Cunningham’s recently published The Invention of
Childhood. The final chapter of this interesting book considers the dangerous
circumstances in which previous generations grew up and, in this context,
suggests that in today’s over-protective environment the capabilities of our
children are consistently underestimated and their development unnecessarily
stifled by over-anxious parents. It is a fair argument except for one thing and
this concerns the hugely more dangerous situation children face on our roads
these days. To see a child cycling on a public road is now unusual and, here, a
parent’s caution is fully justified. But the cost is great as it involves
denying our children a taste of the independence that was still taken for
granted only a decade or two ago. The desire to do something to resolve this
situation helped trigger this campaign.
It was not the only motivation, however. Concerns about the environment and
health are major issues these days and better, safer cycle paths, for adults as
well as children, would help in both cases. Here a lead is being taken by our
local schools who are already promoting ‘cycling to school’ as a desirable
objective. Subsidised facilities such as cycle storage units are being installed
but until a better, more cohesive network of cycle paths is in place it is
unlikely that much progress will be made.
With a University of the Creative Arts planned for the seafront there will also
be many more young people in the town. Good cycle paths will enable them to move
around safely and cheaply and live in digs all over the town rather than just in
the immediate vicinity of the harbour. This fits well with the ethos that the
development should benefit the entire town rather than just a part of it.
Car parking is already a substantial problem in Folkestone. With major
developments under way in the town and the high-speed train due to arrive in
2009 this problem is bound to get worse. Encouraging the use of bicycles as an
alternative means of transport will go at least some way towards alleviating the
situation.
Discussing these issues with other local people the general consensus was that
there had never been a better time to improve our cycling infrastructure than
now. Consequently, a Cycle Forum has been established and the inaugural meeting
has taken place. The Forum is a ‘grass roots’ stand-alone initiative, grateful
for Go Folkestone’s support and that of other local groups. Coincidentally, Kent
Highway Services have just started work on a cycling strategy for Folkestone and
Shepway which is due to be completed in a year’s time. Their engineers are keen
to have some local input into the plans and tell us the Forum will help attract
funding to new schemes. Elsewhere in the county Cycle Forums are already
achieving results. We are confident the same can be done here.
For more information contact jnbaker @ tiscali.co.uk
Article from Go Folkestone Newsletter September 2007
More Articles
