SO.. WHAT NOW?

As COP26 opens in Glasgow, and the rhetoric starts to flow, let's look at how our little local campaign for safer active travel between our two villages fits into the big picture. Encouraging people to CHOOSE to walk and cycle instead of using a car for short local trips is at the heart of our DLWTRAIL campaign. We know from our Dossier of Demand, and the results of the recent Neighbourhood Plan Survey, that more people would choose to walk or cycle between our two villages if they felt safe to do so. It's about that ONE MILE stretch of road between our two villages. Yes, just ONE MILE of road which has become increasingly used as a rat-run for vehicles and has no safe refuge from traffic for pedestrians, and has resulted in reports from cyclists and horse riders that vehicles are passing them too close, at unsafe speeds. The 60mph speed limit along that stretch (which your DLWTRAIL action group continues to lobby to get reduced) is seen by some drivers as a target, instead of a limit. They see pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders as an impediment to them 'hitting' the speed limit. Of course, this does apply to a MINORITY of drivers. Most drivers show courtesy and consideration towards other road users. But the behaviour of that minority sticks in people's minds, doesn't it? . So, let's re-state the benefits of encouraging people to choose active travel methods instead of driving for short trips (typically, under 5 miles), but particularly along The Green / Salter Road between Long Whatton & Diseworth:

• It's healthier. It tackles avoidable diseases caused by inactivity; a healthier population reduces pressure on the NHS.

• It reduces congestion, emissions and pollution by taking cars off the road. This, in turn, makes life EASIER for those who NEED to drive.

• It reduces emissions, not just from fuel, but also from things like particulates from vehicle tyre dust. Quite simply, it's better for our health and for the planet.

• It's a more sociable way to travel. The Parish of Long Whatton & Diseworth has become DIVIDED by a road which should be UNITING it.
  

But what about the 'big picture' I alluded to? I think this article explains better than I can about how our DLWTRAIL campaign fits in with addressing climate catastrophe. https://www.cyclinguk.org/.../government-still-isnt... Global action can only come from millions of pieces of individual action. DLWTRAIL is one of those millions of little pieces. It matters locally. It matters globally. We continue to campaign. Thank you for supporting us.