Patchy roads slowing health and transport cycling goal claims former Calderdale councillor

A former councillor has again urged a West Yorkshire authority to keep roads in a good repair – a must if it is to achieve a goal of encouraging more people to get on their bikies.
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Andrew Tagg, who used to represent Skircoat ward on Calderdale Council, says since taking up cycling he has lost weight and feels the health benefits switching to two wheels has brought using cleaner and healthier transport.

But he says there are serious issues relating to the poor state of some roads and has complained several times about the issue through the last year.

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Mr Tagg says his frustrations remain that the condition of some roads will put people off cycling, a patch of road on the steep Mill Lane, Mixenden, Halifax, being his latest case in point.

Andrew Tagg has complained about the state of and other roadsAndrew Tagg has complained about the state of and other roads
Andrew Tagg has complained about the state of and other roads

“I can honestly say the state of our roads does not encourage cycling.

“I, as other cyclists while using the roads, spend most of the time avoiding the hundreds of pot holes, most poorly repaired, ruts, complete loss of road surfaces, and numerous deep sunken grates and manhole covers, to avoid damaging your bike, being jolted around or even worse being thrown off,” he said.

He urges councillors to take action to address a “terrible situation.”

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In response, Calderdale Council insisted funding for repairs had more than doubled and a series of projects aimed at cyclists and cycle routes are starting to come on line.

Cabinet member for Regeneration and Strategy, Coun Jane Scullion, said the council did all it could to tackle potholes and maintain good quality roads.

“We carry out regular road inspections and are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures to ensure that we deliver value for money.

“Our overall capital spend on proactive road maintenance, which includes measures delivered through the Pothole Fund, has more than doubled from £3.4 million in 2019-20 to £7.7 million this year.

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“We also rely on residents reporting road defects to enable us to attend to them as soon as possible; this can be done at www.calderdale.gov.uk

“This is especially important during winter months as the freezing temperatures and often wet weather makes roads more susceptible to damage.”

Coun Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot) said the council understood road defects can be especially dangerous for cyclists and that people must feel safe when choosing this method of travel.

“In addition to our agreed surface dressing and road resurfacing programme, we are introducing a number of additional cycling measures on roads across the borough.

“To further encourage a growth in cycling, many of our major improvement schemes as part of Calderdale’s Next Chapter also include designated cycling facilities,” she said.