Draft letter to councillors

Letter

Dear Cllr [surname]

My name is [full name], I am [a member/Chair/Secretary etc] of [group name].

I am getting in touch today about [place name]’s cycle network.

Over the years, some great efforts have been made to boost cycle use in [place name] – and in places some excellent work has been done. If done properly, the effects of promoting cycling in [place name] could be really fantastic.

For example, cycling is an excellent form of exercise that can fit neatly into a daily routine. By encouraging people to cycle rather than drive we can help tackle air pollution, which is linked to around 40,000 deaths every year in the UK. In addition, evidence from Transport for London suggests that roads with high quality cycle infrastructure are five times more efficient at moving people than a standard traffic lane. 

All these benefits have a positive impact on the public purse and help to create community spaces that are accessible to all and enjoyable to be in.

Evidence from the UK and abroad has demonstrated that the most effective way of getting people cycling is to create full networks of cycle infrastructure – so that people are either separated from traffic or only expected to integrate when volumes and speeds are low enough.

To achieve this takes time, a sustained budget and political will. I attach a motion that I think would be an excellent statement of intent from the council. It commits the council to a process of planning, bidding for investment and – once the investment has been realised – building a high quality network.

I would be very grateful if you would submit this motion for debate at full council. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss its implications – and any other matters related to cycling – please let me know and I will gladly meet with you.

Best wishes

[Name]

[Full address]