Councillor calls for improvements to cycling networks in Somer Valley to mark Bike Week 2021

Each year Cycling UK celebrates the joy of riding a bike across the UK, and like last year, covid-19 wasn't going to stop people of all ages from heading outside for a spin.

Local Councillor, Grant Johnson, celebrated Bike Week along with other residents in Paulton who have taken up cycling to improve their health and wellbeing. Grant said, "I've been a keen cyclist for many years, even commuting to work all year round on my bike prior to getting a car. Bike Week is great as it falls in half term for schools across the country and really helps promote cycling to a wider audience and diverse demographic.

"One of the problems for lots of residents in our area is the lack of connections from villages into networks, such as the one in Midsomer Norton without having to go on busy roads to get there. Time and time again we see the council spending large amounts of money in places like Bath, with almost £900,000 going towards the e-cargo bike scheme in Bath recently and I can't see the value in it for residents.

" We never seem to get a similar amount of money spent in the Somer Valley. Cycling needs to be safer for cyclists, for pedestrians and for motorists – so I would like to see the council promote cycling and active travel in all areas of B&NES, not just Bath, with improvements to the infrastructure across our area."

Local residents in Paulton, Anne and Paul Davis have recently taken up cycling for fitness and for fun. Anne said: "We started cycling during lockdown in August 2020. The bikes had been on the garage wall for over 15yrs! The first thought was can I still ride one? We are so lucky to have the Colliers Way, which is accessible for all.

"This is a section of National Cycle Route 24. The best place to start and so safe for all the family, you don't have to worry about the traffic. It was invaluable during the lockdowns for "exercise rides". We have now racked up just over 1000 miles since we started!"

Councillor Johnson added: "I would encourage residents of all ages to give cycling a go as North East Somerset is one of the most beautiful places to explore by bike. Who knows, you might get hooked like Anne and Paul!"