Local Lib Dems want Medway residents to get on their bikes during UK Bike Week 30 May – 5th June 2021

Medway Liberal Democrats are supporting UK Bike Week from 30 May - 5^th June, which gives an opportunity to promote the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling around our towns. Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual celebration to showcase cycling, and this years theme is health and wellbeing.

As the UK and the Medway economy recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 'lock-down' cycling has an even more important role as a healthy and green method of transport. Around Medway's urban and rural areas, it provides an attractive alternative to car and public transport, enabling social distancing to be fully observed.

Locally, we have called on the Council to have a clear pro-cycling policy by adopting planning policies in locations where there is scope to provide cycling connections. We have also successfully campaigned via questions to council to demarcate safe cycle routes rather than blocking off streets for cycling as in London and Brighton producing complaints from the local residents.

Graham Colley, local Liberal Democrat campaigner added "I have written to the council asking them to support Cycling UK's campaign to provide temporary cycling. This would not only help people get their daily exercise safely, but would allow essential workers to cycle to work. However temporary arrangements for cyclists should become permanent. If people thought it was safe, more people would cycle."

We are strongly in favour cycling as a pollution-free way ahead for the towns and have called for the provision of more secure cycle parking and cycle paths. Better facilities would help more people to reap the benefits - both health and economic - of integrating cycling into their daily routine such as journeys to work, education and shopping.

Congestion and pollution from vehicle emissions is a huge issue on Medway's main roads such as the A2. Giving people a viable and convenient alternative to the private car will help ease congestion and improve air quality.

Cycling remains a great way to get around Kent and Medway, and an amazing way to explore our region's countryside, and be inspired by local cycling routes. Liberal Democrats are calling on Medway Council to deliver a Local Plan which improves the quality of cycle infrastructure. Doing this will aid health and well-being, reduce congestion and pollution.

Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual celebration to showcase cycling and how brilliant it is. Join thousands of people all across the UK and enjoy the simple pleasure of riding a bike. Let's make the world better by bike. The theme of Bike Week 2021 is health and wellbeing.

Cycling remains a great way to keep fit and active and is a good way to boost immunity, it's also fantastic for your well-being. This year we'll be launching with the World's Biggest Bike Ride.

You can also take part in our virtual #7daysofcycling challenge, giving you an amazing way to reunite with your friends and family in the outdoors. Be inspired by some exciting challenges and routes. The most important thing is to take part, record your ride and have fun.

For more information about UK Bike Week please visit:https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek