Transport Minister at BSCS on Cycling City visit

Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, was in Bradley Stoke last week as part of a visit to see the the results of Bristol and South Gloucestershire’s Cycle City project.

At Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) the Minister saw how schools in South Gloucestershire are encouraging their pupils to cycle to school and witnessed pupils receiving Bikeability training. The school has high levels of cycling among pupils and is part of the Concorde Project – a pilot scheme to encourage cycling between school sites by 14-19 year olds.

The Minister also visited Parkway Station, where he was shown new and improved cycle routes to the station, improved cycling information and a new, secure cycle parking stand in front of the station entrance.

He also met staff at Hewlett Packard who showed him how the Cycling City project has been helping them and other local firms.

Cllr Brian Allinson, South Gloucestershire Council’s Executive Member for planning, transportation and strategic environment said:

“The investment of Cycling City funding has made a real difference to cycling in South Gloucestershire. This visit demonstrated to the Minister the diversity of projects which have helped encourage cycling to school, businesses and transport hubs such as Parkway Station. The Council is proud of its record in promoting sustainable transport and will continue to offer residents alternatives to the private car.”

Councillor Dr Jon Rogers, Bristol City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Cycling City, said:

“Cycling in Bristol has rocketed since the start of the scheme in 2008. The initiative has been particularly successful in schools, with rates trebling in primary schools. This is a win-win situation. For the school run congestion is reduced, and young people are discovering a fun and healthy way to travel to school supported by appropriate training and safer routes.”