Gateshead Council has been declared one of the most proactive local authorities in the UK for promoting cycling and has been honoured by cycling charity Sustrans in their 1st national Awards for Excellence.
Gateshead Council has been singled out by leading sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, as one of the most proactive local authorities in the UK.
Gateshead’s support for the National Cycle Network and its commitment to creating high quality cycle routes has prompted Sustrans, pioneers of the now 10,000 mile Network, to honour Gateshead Council in its 1st Biennial National Cycle Network Awards for Excellence.
The award was presented to Coun John McElroy, Gateshead Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Culture, by Bryn Dowson, Regonal Manager for Sustrans, on the most spectacular part of National Cycle Network Route 14 - the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Awards were made in five different categories - Routing, Construction and Design, Public Space, Promotion, and People - with Gateshead sharing the top award in the People category as the most pro-active local authority along with Luton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council.
Sustrans says that the National Cycle Network has flourished where local authorities have been supportive and has struggled where they have not and it was in the light of this that they decided to honour Gateshead Council for their support for cycling in Gateshead.
“Sustrans have worked closely with Gateshead Council over the last ten years and in that time have helped to greatly improve the opportunities for cycling in the Tyneside conurbation,” commented Bryn Dowson.
“Since the inception of the National Cycle Network, Gateshead Council have been increasingly proactive, creating high-quality routes and making the internationally renowned Gateshead Millennium Bridge the centrepiece of their work. Things continue to improve and major improvements to the National Cycle Network are under construction with more planned for the near future. “
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet member responsible for Culture, says:” This is a marvellous achievement for Gateshead. Our support for the National Cycle Network has not always been front-page news, but over the years we have been quietly and consistently working away to give Gateshead a cycle route network to be proud of.
“During the summer months, the Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route brings thousands of cyclists to Gateshead, as much for the thrill of riding over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge as for completing the C2C challenge.”
“At a time when our roads are continuing to clog up with traffic, local authorities need to promote alternatives means of travel. But cycling is important because it’s also great fun.”
He added: “Major tourist attractions such as the Derwent Walk and the Keelman’s Way demonstrate a side of Gateshead which many people never thought could exist. Sustrans have helped us to create them and we are grateful not only for this award but for their continued help and support.”
Gateshead Council were also highly commended in the Public Spaces category for its reclamation of the former Derwenthaugh cokeworks and its creation of the Derwenthaugh Country Park. Sustrans say that the Council’s work has revolutionised National Route 14 from Consett and has created a tranquil approach to the Tyne.
Sustrans decided to launch the Biennial award scheme to celebrate the completion of the first 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network in only 10 years of work.