Dear Sir
I think you wasted your time printing the article regarding Ron Hogg’s comments on cyclists using public footpaths. Not for the first time, I felt intimidated enough to step off the public footpath in West Park to let a snaking convoy of 20+ adults on bicycles go past.
I believe this is an activity arranged from the PCP Centre. I emailed them some months ago to make them aware of the law regarding cyclists on footpaths but like your article, I think it’s just been ignored. I have video footage showing this blatant organised law breaking.
Jeremy Crawforth
Reply on behalf of Cyclists
“County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s Get Active team has been delivering the cycling project in Newton Aycliffe for over four years.
The project has encouraged over 300 members of the public to take part in and enjoy the health benefits of cycling. We have successful links with healthcare professionals who refer directly into the programme, in order to support the rehabilitation of patients with a wide variety of medical conditions.
Our local partner, the Pioneering Care Partnership, has trained ten qualified marshals to support the delivery of the group, which has allowed the group to become independent and deliver three sessions each week.
All routes that the group cycle have been risk assessed prior to use, with 80% of the rides taking place on the Aycliffe Way, which has dual cycling and walking use.
We have a communication policy in all the groups to ensure all cyclists and other network users are aware of each other’s presence, and will remind cyclists of their obligation to use roadways.”
Trust Spokesperson
