She highlighted the new St. Alkmund's Bridge as an excellent example of sustainable travel in action. The bridge, completed ahead of schedule, has been enhanced for use by both pedestrians and cyclists, forming a key link in the city's cycle network. It connects the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site and the north of the city directly to Derby city centre.
The original bridge was replaced as part of a £12.5 million upgrade of the city's inner ring road, with £11.7 million provided by the Department for Transport and the remainder by Derby City Council and the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.
As the largest of six Cycling Demonstration Towns in England, Derby benefits from £1.5 million of Department for Transport funding through Cycling England which is being used to provide better and safer cycle routes to schools as well as secure cycle parking at schools. So far 38 schools have received cycle shelters, creating 1,250 cycle spaces at primary and secondary schools. By the end of this year, all schools that have expressed an interest will have received secure on-site cycle parking.
At the official bridge opening ceremony Rosie Winterton said:
"I congratulate the City of Derby for the high quality of its work in transport, not only in its designation as a Centre of Excellence but also as one of our six Cycling Demonstration Towns.
"I'm delighted to be speaking at their conference and to be opening the new St. Alkmund's Way Bridge. The bridge is a significant addition to Derby's cycling and walking network - it's an impressive structure and gives both pedestrians and cyclists a direct and safe route to the city centre from St. Mary's Church and the north of the city.
"I'm sure it will be very well used and appreciated by the local community."
Whilst in Derby Rosie Winterton also visited Markeaton Primary School to see pupils undertake Bikeability training - the new cycling proficiency for the 21st century. The training allows children to learn essential road safety skills and gain greater awareness of the dangers on the road - giving parents reassurance that their children are suitably equipped to use the roads and enjoy their bikes.
