9th December 2024
Freddie van Mielro, MP for Henley and Thame has secured a Westminster debate on Tuesday 10 December to call for safer, more connected cycling infrastructure in rural areas, and he will be using the proposed Greenway between Haddenham and Thame as a key local case study to highlight this.
This vital route, which has been in the planning for over 20 years, would connect the residents of Haddenham with shops, schools, and businesses in Thame, while providing Thame commuters with direct access to Haddenham and Thame Parkway station, just two miles away. However, the current A418 road, which many cyclists still attempt to use despite its dangers, is unsafe due to high-speed traffic and the lack of dedicated cycle lanes.
Cycling on rural roads in the UK remains significantly more dangerous than in urban areas, with mortality rates 2.7 times higher on rural roads. In Henley and Thame alone, there was 1 fatality, 5 serious injuries, and 9 slight casualties involving cyclists in 2023. Many cyclists feel unsafe due to the high speeds of passing traffic, and rural areas often lack proper public transport options, leading to many residents feeling isolated.
Having lived in the Netherlands, where cycling is part of daily life thanks to interconnected, safe routes between towns and villages, Freddie van Mierlo is calling for the UK to adopt a similar approach in rural areas. He is backing the creation of off-road or segregated cycle paths to improve safety, reduce car journeys, and promote better health and wellbeing for rural residents.
The debate, scheduled for Tuesday, 10 December, will be an important opportunity for Freddie to highlight the need for greater investment in rural cycling routes and push for action to protect cyclists and reduce the risks they face.
Freddie van Mierlo said:
“The need for safe, connected cycling routes in rural areas is critical. Cycling should be a viable, safe, and enjoyable option for everyone, but for too many, the lack of infrastructure and high-speed traffic makes it far too dangerous. I’m committed to pushing for the creation of off-road or segregated cycle paths to improve safety in rural areas .”
Kate Gregory, County Councillor for Thame and Chinnor added:
“After years of campaigning for a safe route between Haddenham and Thame, I am encouraged to see this issue will be discussed in Westminster. The proposed Greenway would be a vital connection for residents, providing safer access for commuters while helping to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.”
