A Worcester cycling campaign group has welcomed council plans to help improve cycling routes and make them safer around the city centre.

Bike Worcester spoke at Worcester City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Committee on June 12.

Councillors approved the first Active Travel Plan for the city for 2023 - 2025.

This plan was prompted by the Government target for shifting 50 per cent of urban journeys from cars to cycling and walking by 2030.

Chair of Bike Worcester, Danny Brothwell said: “Bike Worcester is pleased that as a city, we now have an Active Travel Plan.

“It’s fantastic news that the city council are demonstrating political leadership and taking a forward-thinking approach.

“Their dedication to promoting active travel is encouraging, and the fact the plan is a live document, that will continue to develop with input from the steering group and local stakeholders.

“We are keen to help the Active Travel plan address some of the key priority improvements city residents need, such as, providing a safe route for cycling through the city centre and identifying common short journeys where shifts to cycling and walking could be made, for example, around schools.

“It’s essential that road modifications provide improvements for cycling and walking, not as an after-thought or not at all. We invite councillors to lead by example and be visible championing Active Travel, as it has so many benefits for anyone who lives, works and visits Worcester.”

Chantal Pottage is an active member of Bike Worcester, who cycles to work and helps on two of the school Bike Bus routes, set up by Bike Worcester.

She said: “I'm delighted to hear that the city council is taking such a positive approach - it's really sensible.

“Bike Worcester is in a perfect position to lend a hand in improving the Active Travel Plan and working together with the city council.

“We have grassroots experience of what’s working and not, for helping people get active with their travel - that's mainly cycling but there are lots of walkers, runners, scooters and skaters involved too.

“It’s a very inclusive approach, making active travel safer and easier for everyone, whether it's for commuting, going to school, or just for fun.

“The more partnerships that are built in Worcester to make this a reality, the better it is for everyone.”

Bike Worcester’s current initiatives include School Bike Buses, a monthly Kidical Mass organised family bike ride, a Bike Recycling project (with old bikes refurbished and going to people in need) and the SHIFT scheme.

This is where businesses are encouraged to make a small donation for every kilometre cycled by employees to a charity of your choice.

More volunteers are always welcome to help with active travel initiatives, and can get in touch via their website.

You can find Bike Worcester’s blog with further detail of Worcester City’s Active Travel Plan on their website at: bikeworcester.org.uk/blog

Further information is available on Bike Worcester’s website www.bikeworcester.org.uk or by searching @BikeWorcester on Twitter.