Bridgwater's First Active Travel Day a Success!

Active Travel Day was opened by Bridgwater Mayor Cllr Liz Leavy

Bridgwater held its first Active Travel Day on Saturday 21^st May, from 10am -3pm, in Bridgwater Town Hall. The event was sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council and Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign. Active Travel is about health and well-being, as well as the need to cut dangerous traffic emissions. A variety of organisations came along to share ideas, resources and support. The event was opened by the newly-elected Mayor of Bridgwater, Councillor Liz Leavy, who pledged the Town Council’s commitment to the campaign for healthy and sustainable travel.

Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council showed how local authorities are promoting active travel, in particular promotion of cycle tracks and infrastructure.

Bridgwater On Your Bike carried out bike inspections and repairs, with Life Cycle UK offering free cycling lessons and explaining benefits and barriers.

Somerset Road Safety Partnership explained the recent changes to the Highway Code and offered advice about road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Town Councillors Morgan, Pearce and Leavy at the event

Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign provided details of existing and planned cycle routes across and around Bridgwater

Severnside Community Rail Partnership and Somerset Bus Partnership explained the benefits of sustainable accessible public transport.

The Hub (Angel Place) offered useful advice for helping to make all forms of travel more accessible and friendly to disabled people.

Bridgwater Town Council provided a wide range of leaflets describing walks in Somerset – all available from the Town Hall.

Somerset Film showed films and visitors completed a quiz about active travel (winners to be announced).

Last, but not least, Bridgwater Brownies did a splendid job serving delicious home-made cakes (including brownies!) and drinks.

Town Transport Portfolio Holder Cllr Tim Mander (Labour, Westover) said “Thanks to everyone for making this such an interesting and useful day. The first of many Active Travel events in Bridgwater. It was inspiring to witness the passion of the participating groups so committed to active travel whether that’s cycling or walking. Anyone who would like to join our Town Transport Forum and help to shape transport policy in the town is very welcome and should contact us on office@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk. “