Guildford MP, Anne Milton, has met up with Surrey County Council Officers and town centre County Councillor Mark Brett-Warburton to highlight some of the challenges faced by cyclists in Guildford. It was also a chance to highlight some of the issues that deter people from taking up cycling. Officers from the County gave a good run down of the cycling plans in the pipeline and took away some suggested improvements that could be made in the shorter term.
Anne said: "The state of some of the cycle lanes is pretty poor and so it was a chance to highlight to Surrey County Council how reporting mechanisms could be improved for cyclists, in particular when there has been deterioration of the road surface. This can have a serious impact not just on the comfort of the ride on a bike, but it can also cause serious safety issues. I was pleased to get the chance to talk this through and also show some examples of specific problems that cyclists face.
"It was also good to hear about the big plans for improving cycling in Guildford. However as these can take some time, I am very pleased that Surrey are willing to consider suggestions for smaller, cost effective solutions that can be brought in sooner. For example a relatively cheap and safe route from North Street to the station without going round the gyratory system could be looked at."
Cllr Mark Brett-Warburton added: "It was very helpful to discuss the issues faced by cyclists in Guildford with Anne. As a regular cyclist, she provides a good insight into the day-to-day needs of cyclists and the improvements that can help them, as well as seeing the benefit of the more strategic work being undertaken to improve cycling in Guildford."
Anne finished: "I was very grateful to everyone for their time and I look forward to seeing some of the changes. What we want is more people feeling safe to get on their bikes!"