Chesterfield Cycle Campaign

Derbyshire County Council has a statutory duty to produce a Local Transport Plan which sets out strategies for the development of local, integrated transport, supported by a programme of transport initiatives. The current plans run until March 2011 and they are now preparing for the next plans which will run from April 2011 onwards.
 
The Plan must take a long term view stretching to 2026, linked to details of how the Plan is to be implemented in the shorter term.

You have an opportunity to have your say by filling in an online form. Forms must be submitted by June 4th. The more replies they get asking for cycling measures the better! A link to the form is here.
 

Following last year's planning application by Derbyshire County Council to renovate the former Hollingwood Lock House, work has now begun on clearing the site and constructing the car park.  More photographs available in the Image Gallery.

A reminder of the May Campaign meeting on Tuesday 11th May at our usual venue. Meeting Room 1 upstairs in the Market Hall at 7.30pm.

The Campaign had another successful May Day and thanks go to everyone who volunteered to help.  Around 20 members turned up to take part in the parade, which set out from the Town Hall at 11 am and took a short circuit around the town, somehow managing to avoid the worst of the rain and hail! 

There were some new items for sale on the stall at its usual spot in New Square - Campaign-branded high vis jackets, snap bands and a new selection of novelty bells - and these went very well. 

Three new members signed up, and others returned to renew.  We had the answers to our election questions on display and the stall was also visited by prospective candidates Duncan Kerr (Green) and Ian Jerram (English Democrats).

Following a lengthy closure since October 2009, work took place in early April on the section of Trans Pennine Trail near to Grove Road, Brimington Common, and it has now reopened.

The new surface is similar to that used recently for the Bluebank Loop, and is smooth and much easier to ride on although the steepness of the hill may mean that many cyclists will still need to dismount if going up!

The Campaign stall will be in New Square facing Low Pavement. We have our new, branded snap bands and high vis jackets for sale plus some unusual bells.

Lots of cycling information available plus details and tickets (free) for the Bicycle Film Festival on June 19th.

Bring your bike and take part in the march departing from the town hall at 11.00am. Stalls, music, entertainment in New Square after the march.

Members needed to help on the stall between 10.00am and 4.00pm.

Residents are being invited to have their say about improving roads and public transport in Derbyshire as part of a 15-year plan being drawn-up by Derbyshire County Council.

Building on the success of its last local transport plan, the county council will outline key areas for improvement from 2011-2026.

Two cycle rides, organised by Bolsover and District Cycling Club, are coming up in May as part of the Historic Border Country Walking Festival.

Ride the Phoenix Greenways begins at Tibshelf Ponds Car Park at 10 am on Saturday 15th May and explores the network of former railways on the Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire border that have been upgraded to greenways - from Tibshelf to Pleasley and back.  This easy route covers 13 miles and is expected to finish around 1 pm.

The Chesterfield Round Ride starts at Poolsbrook Country Park Visitor Centre at 10 am on Saturday 22nd May.  Inspired by the Chesterfield Round Walk, this is a ride round Chesterfield for cyclists following a similar route, using quiet roads, bridleways, greenways and the Chesterfield Canal towpath.  Taking in a total of 42 miles, the ride is expected to finish around 4 pm.  Bring a packed lunch.

Both rides are free to enter but booking is essential.  Either book online at the links below or contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01246 345777/8.

Booking for Ride the Phoenix Greenways
Booking for Chesterfield Round Ride

After receiving correspondence from Paul Holmes (Lib Dem candidate) please note corrections to statements made on the 'General Election 2010' page about his support for the Brimington bypass.

Paul Holmes has never said that he supports the Brimington - Staveley bypass on its current alignment.

His original letter to Brimington residents about the bypass is available to read here. A simplified map of the route currently published on the Chesterfield Local Plan is here.

The Campaign has sent (on April 13th) a list of cycling related questions to all the Chesterfield candidates standing in the forthcoming General Election. The questions and any answers received can be seen on the 'General Election 2010' page.