Thousands of cyclists take to Bristol streets calling for safer cycling routes across the city

A new petition is calling for safer cycling routes across Bristol after thousands attended a demo last weekend.

Bristol needs a connected cycling network which is “inclusive, accessible and safe for use”, according to the petition, and secure cycle storage hangers to clamp down on bike thieves.

Around 2,000 people reportedly took part in the Big Ride for Safer Cycling on Sunday (October 2), cycling around Bristol’s city centre to call for safer bike lanes and routes.

The petition, organised by the Bristol Cycling Campaign, is urging Bristol City Council to publish an updated cycling delivery plan for the city. This would set out how to create a network of safe, protected cycling lanes, and prevent existing lanes from being removed.

Ian Pond, who started the petition, said: “The delivery plan should include the creation of a comprehensive network of protected cycle lanes connecting all parts of the city. It should state that existing cycle lanes must not be removed—as has recently occurred on Cheltenham Road and is threatened on Whiteladies Road—but that they are upgraded to current national standards and are made continuous.

“The delivery plan should include a strategic city-wide approach to secure cycle parking, both in residential areas and at transport hubs, to contain rampant bike theft. It should also include schemes like cycle training, safe cycle routes to schools, and a cycle loan programme.”

In August, a cycling lane was removed on Cheltenham Road, leading to more drivers parking cars on the pavement. In May, the council proposed removing another cycling lane on Whiteladies Road, as that particular stretch of the street often floods.

So far 656 people had signed the petition, at the time of writing.

But if the petition receives more than 3,500 signatures, councillors will debate the issue in a full council meeting. Back in 2019, the council approved a new transport strategy, which promised that an upgraded cycling strategy would be published “in the near future”, although this does not appear to have happened yet.

To sign the petition, visit https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=255