DATE: Tuesday 20 March

TIME: 8:30-9am

LOCATION: Outside Shire Hall, Market Pl, Warwick CV34 4RL

CONTACT: Cycling UK Press Office on 01483 238 315 or 07786 320 713

Interview and photography opportunities available.

This coming Tuesday, 20 March, Warwickshire County Council will debate a motion to develop a strategic network of safe, accessible and direct cycle routes. Local residents and cyclists are set to gather outside the meeting to show their support for the plans and encourage councillors to vote in favour.

The motion has been developed as part of Space for Cycling, a campaign for better cycling infrastructure co-ordinated by the national charity Cycling UK.

Tom Guha, Cycling UK Infrastructure Campaigns Officer said: “Cycling is such an obvious first choice of transport for so many, particularly children. But many people continue to be held back by the perception of danger on our roads. It is imperative that this motion passes so that all in Warwickshire can enjoy the freedom of getting around by bike.”

Warwickshire is the latest in a series of local authorities to table a motion like this, following Portsmouth and Cheshire East, which both approved motions in 2017.

The Warwickshire motion was proposed by Cllr Jenny Fradgley and seconded by Cllr Jonathan Chilvers.

Cllr Chilvers said: “Building cycle infrastructure is a no-brainer. It is low cost, helps reduce pollution and congestion and makes a highly efficient form of transport accessible to all. I hope my colleagues in the council will support this motion so that Warwickshire can realise the benefits of cycling that so many other local authorities are tapping into.”

Bob Bearman, Chair of the Stratford Cycle Forum said: “Anything that can get more people on to bikes is good for everyone, especially for short urban trips – it keeps you fit, of course, but less pollution and less congestion benefits the whole community. But to encourage more people to use bicycles to get around, there’s a need for a network of safer and more convenient cycle routes - and this can only happen with some realistic funding.”