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This morning the Bristol Cycling Campaign launched its ‘Freedom to Ride’ manifesto, calling for targets on raising cycling levels, greater investment and the appointment of a Cycling Commissioner.
Meeting at Cascade Fountains for a press call a few hours ago, the campaigning body is calling on Bristol to be far more ambitious for cycling for a cost effective solution to congestion, health, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Cycling already benefits everyone in Bristol with thousands of people out on bikes every day, more than in any other large UK city”, said Martin Tweddell, chair of Bristol Cycling Campaign. “Tens of thousands more would like to join them, if they felt confident that it was safe and easy.”
The Freedom To Ride manifesto calls on local leaders and the Mayor of Bristol to:
1. Set a Target to quadruple cycling by 2025 to 20 per cent of all travel and 30 per cent of trips to work.
2. Fix a Plan to achieve the target and deliver a comprehensive cycling network by 2025
3. Commit Investment to deliver the plan at £16 per person each year
4. Implement the plan through a multi-skilled team for action across all areas
5. Engage an inspirational Cycling Commissioner to lead the transformation.
Campaign co-ordinatior Eric Booth added: “Our manifesto includes a strategy that will bring independence, health and mobility to everyone in Bristol through a comprehensive network of 200 miles of Cycling Freeways and Cycling Quietways. Cycling Neighbourhoods will emerge through local plans for ‘safe routes to school’, ‘safe routes to work’ and ‘safe routes to shop’. It’s also affordable and deliverable."
An online petition to support the Bristol Cycling Manifesto has been launched too, at bristolcyclingmanifesto.org.uk
