Plans for a Burpham to Guildford active travel scheme in Guildford were diluted this year despite more residents supporting it than voicing concerns.
And people of Guildford will soon take to the streets to continue the call to put people, and especially children, first when designing travel routes around town.
In the afternoon of Saturday 27 April, you’re invited to join a family-friendly mass cycle ride around Guildford.
Bring your blankets and sandwiches at 12:45 p.m. for a pre-ride picnic near the London Road entrance to Stoke Park. Then at 2:00 p.m. we’ll set off on a slow-paced, marshalled, circular ride that will be suitable for anyone, even cycling newbies, to join in with.
One of the ride organisers, local mum Chloe Sutcliffe said, “After around 300 people turned out for each ride in 2023, we are hoping to see the numbers increase this year. Everyone, no matter their age, is welcome to join the fun and help show that Guildford does want safer infrastructure so more of us can choose to leave our cars at home when travelling to school, the shops or the park”.
Fellow organiser and local parent Beth Moore said, “I didn’t take up cycling regularly until I settled down in Guildford several years ago. I hate the frustration of sitting in a car in traffic, breathing in pollution. Public transport isn’t reliable enough where I live. Walking and riding our bikes are the only options for my family when we don’t want to use the car. Riding around town has really improved my fitness and mood. This historic town wasn’t built for cars and has so much potential to be a wonderful place to cycle.”
This is the third ride organised by the Guildford arm of Kidical Mass. The first two rides both attracted hundreds of participants. We are part of the Kidical Mass movement, a global campaign which envisions a future where children and young people can safely and independently cycle and walk around the streets in their local areas.
A number of local politicians have told us they will attend, including Angela Goodwin, MP, Zoe Franklin and several councilors from Guildford Borough Council.
You can find out more by following the Kidical Mass Facebook page, and on the G-BUG event site.
