Dear Editor

Thanks for picking up my challenge to highlight the urgent need for more sustainable forms of transport. In particular, active travel such as walking and cycling is beneficial both for our health and the environment.

We need to make it easy for people to get around without relying on fossil fuels, and while this is more challenging in a hilly, rural county, there are ways we can be healthier while reducing our carbon footprint. We have our fair share of steep hills around Ross, but having trialled an electric bike, I can confirm these make the hills a doddle for those of us not at the peak of fitness.

Cycling in only takes a few minutes longer than by car, but is a much more pleasant way to enjoy the beautiful countryside around us.

There is still a perception that cycling is dangerous, but I’m pleased to say my experience is that motorists have been very courteous in waiting for a safe place to overtake. Ironically, the only place cars have passed close is the supposed ‘cyclepath’ on Ledbury Road, which is nothing more than a white line, with no protection from vehicles. No wonder so few children cycle to school.

I wouldn’t want to cycle on the A49 or A40 though, and we need dedicated cycle networks and better cycle parking in town if we are to encourage people to leave their cars at home. Many journeys are less than two miles, and Beryl bikes in Hereford have been a success by making it feasible to travel around the city by bike.

Herefordshire Council is exploring options for an improved rural bus service, which would reduce the need for many car journeys. This is a better use of funds than the environmentally damaging proposed bypass, when instead we could be doing much more to reduce unnecessary journeys. The evidence shows that new roads actually increase congestion and worsen air quality, so here is our chance to explore more innovative solutions to help us get around while protecting our climate and our health.

Dr Simon Lennane

Ross-on-Wye