MP Urges Prioritization of Active Travel as Tees Valley Cycle Hubs Face Closure

A recent announcement regarding the closure and temporary suspension of active travel hubs in the Tees Valley has drawn sharp criticism from a Labour Member of Parliament, Chris McDonald. He firmly stated that cycling and walking initiatives should be integral to regional transport planning, rather than being treated as secondary considerations. This development unfolds against a backdrop of prior controversies concerning local cycling infrastructure, notably the dismantling of a much-debated cycle lane.

The affected facilities, managed in collaboration with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, are set to cease operations this week. While the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) describes this as a brief interruption ahead of a transition to a new outreach service provider, the implications for active travel advocacy are significant. These hubs, located in Middlesbrough, Stockton, and Hartlepool, have been instrumental in promoting active lifestyles through various services, including secure bike parking, complimentary bike maintenance checks, guided excursions, and personalized travel advice.

The Hartlepool and Stockton hubs are expected to reopen in late August under new management, continuing their role as operational bases for expanded outreach programs. However, the Middlesbrough Walking and Cycling Hub, situated in the Cleveland Shopping Centre, faces permanent closure, as do the dedicated bike parking facilities at the Stockton hub. This decision has been labeled as detrimental to Teesside by MP Chris McDonald, who highlighted the Stockton hub's established community presence. He reiterated his belief that active travel modes are fundamental to the region's transportation framework.

The TVCA has indicated that a new operator, pending final approval, will be in place by the end of next month, tasked with delivering updated outreach-based active travel services across all five local authorities in the region. This transition follows an earlier reprieve for the Middlesbrough hub and others in Redcar and Darlington, which were initially slated for closure but granted an extension until the end of July. A TVCA spokesperson acknowledged that these changes might be met with disappointment but asserted that the new model aims to optimize funding and broaden support across the boroughs. They emphasized that active travel remains a priority, with plans to establish new 24/7 secure cycle parking facilities throughout all five boroughs by year-end, expressing confidence that this fresh approach will yield greater long-term benefits for the area.

The region's commitment to sustainable transport has been a recurring subject of scrutiny. Earlier this year, a contentious cycle lane on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, which had been the focus of a prolonged dispute, was completely removed. Installed in September 2022 with £1.7 million in government funding to foster active travel, the protected lane generated significant local opposition. Businesses reported decreased parking and accessibility, with some claiming it negatively impacted foot traffic. Concerns also arose regarding its potential misuse by criminals and safety issues due to 'orca' lane dividers, which were linked to several pedestrian and cyclist injuries. Paradoxically, data from Middlesbrough Council revealed a decline in cyclist injuries on Linthorpe Road post-installation compared to previous years, alongside a 70% increase in cycling activity. Despite this, a public consultation in 2024 reportedly favored the lane's removal, a decision that became entangled in political wrangling between the mayors of Tees Valley and Middlesbrough over funding responsibilities. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen defended the removal, stating the lane caused congestion, harmed local businesses, and created problems, asserting that the decision was made in response to residents' and local firms' feedback.

The closure of active travel hubs and the prior removal of a controversial cycle lane in Tees Valley underscore a broader debate about the integration and prioritization of sustainable transport options within regional development strategies. The decisions highlight the complexities of balancing community needs, political considerations, and the overarching goal of fostering environments that encourage cycling and walking for a healthier, more sustainable future.