Better Transport

I campaign around roads schemes in Northamptonshire. If the proposed new roads are to go ahead they must be to the benefit rather than the disadvantage of cyclists.

Planned roads include the Isham Bypass A509 (4km, £14 million) and the Corby Link Road A43 (7km, £26 million). Plans for the Isham Bypass have gaps in provision for cyclists and walkers, while the Corby Link Road got planning consent with no provision for cyclists at all. Also it does not recognise the importance of Rights of Way for recreation by the population of the growth area that it serves.

TravelWatch East Midlands is an alliance of groups representing consumer interest across all modes of public transport. We aim to represent the interests and concerns of passengers and to assist local and regional authorities' work towards an integrated and seamless public transport network for the East Midlands region.

TravelWatch East Midlands' mission is to champion public transport so that it becomes:

• Accessible to everyone – including the mobility impaired
• Affordable and socially inclusive
• Available when and where needed
• Attractive – with high-quality services and reliable information

By bringing together for the first time within a single body representative groups of bus, rail, light rail, air and other passengers, TravelWatch East Midlands offers passengers a new opportunity for strong consumer representation and offers regional policymakers a route to engage with transport consumers.

The group meets two or three times a year at venues around the region.