Green councillor to give cycling lessons to MPs

A Green councillor is to give evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee on Monday (10 February).

Ian Davey, the deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council and the Greens’ transport spokesman, will share lessons about cycling and safety with MPs.

The cross-party Transport Committee started an inquiry into cycling safety in December.

It wants to examine whether cycling is safe, particularly in towns and cities.

It is also asking witness what the government and councils could do to improve cycling safety.

The committee said: “Ideas could include better training and advice for drivers and cyclists, better enforcement of the law applying to drivers and cyclists and better vehicle and road infrastructure.”

Councillor Ian Davey

The committee is also looking at whether it would be desirable and feasible to segregate cyclists from other road users.

One possibility could be to ban lorries from city centres at peak times.

Councillor Davey, who used to run a cycling training charity, said: “It’s an honour to be asked to give evidence on this key issue that affects most cities across the UK.

“Brighton and Hove has made huge strides in cycling safety under this administration, including the introduction of state-of-the-art segregated cycling facilities on the Old Shoreham Road and Lewes Road, where we saw 30 per cent and 14 per cent increases shortly after they opened.

“Safer junctions such as at Seven Dials and slower speeds have helped enormously in improving our streets for everyone, no matter how they choose to travel.

“There is of course a long way still to go. I hope that by giving evidence at this committee we can share our experiences, learn from others, and stress the importance of a clear national commitment to improving road safety for all.”

Other witnesses scheduled to appear on Monday afternoon include Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman, from British Cycling, AA president Edmund King, national cycling charity CTC and representatives from other councils.