Bolsover Boys Campaign For Cycle Lanes

A 12-year old boy’s petition containing 712 signatures to make the roads safer and install cycle lanes in and around Bolsover has received the backing of the Council Leader and his school.

Jack Barker of Bolsover was so fed up with cars, buses and lorries speeding past him as he cycled to and from school that he decided enough was enough and he started his campaign to get cycle lanes installed. Jack has been knocked off his bicycle twice, once 10 yards from his front door, when the driver didn’t even stop to see if he was ok. Jack’s headmaster of The Bolsover School Mr G Inglis, also fully backs his efforts to gain cycle paths in Bolsover.

Jack has been going round knocking on doors and into local shops to get as many signatures as possible and has received huge support from everyone he has spoken to.

Jack said, “I would just like safer roads so I can get on my bike and ride to school with my friends without being scared of being knocked off – that’s why I started this campaign. Motorists come very close and overtake at really high speeds and all I want is to see cycle lanes and paths in Bolsover before someone gets seriously hurt or dies.”

Council Leader, Councillor Eion Watts said, “Jack is exactly right, we do need safer routes and cycle lanes so not only children, but adults as well, can use them to cycle on without the fear of being knocked off by passing motorists. I am fully behind Jack and will support him in whatever way I can to make the roads and highways around Bolsover much safer for people to cycle on.”

Providing cycle lanes in Bolsover will help encourage children to cycle to school, promoting more physical activity and health and reduce carbon emissions around the town.

Jack’s mum, Andrea Barker said, “Jack loves to cycle but is too scared at times to get on his bike for the fear of being knocked off. So he decided to do something about it. We are one hundred percent behind Jack and think this idea of cycle lanes would not only benefit the children and adults of Bolsover but also show visitors to Bolsover that safety does matter on the roads. If we can promote children to cycle to school safely, this would promote more exercise and a healthier option to cars to the younger generation.”

Jack’s petition has been sent to Derbyshire County Council as the authority responsible for highways in Bolsover District.

Date issued: 1st October 2012

Last Updated on Monday, 01 October 2012 14:58