Making space for cycling and walking in response to Covid-19
Show us where you are cycling!
Truro Cycling Campaign urges Cornwall Council to implement measures
We have written to Cornwall Council asking them to implement measures to create more space for walking and cycling in Truro -to make it easier for us all to exercise social distancing. You can read our full letter here. In brief our proposals include:
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Making central Truro traffic free;
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a city-wide 20mph speed limit;
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Taking advantage of the multi lane Tregolls Road, Trefalgar roundabout and Morlaix Avenue to cordon off lanes to create safe cycling and walking to the key destinations of the city centre, Boscawen Park, and Newham
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Improving cycling access between the city centre and Hendra (which is also a key route to Coosebean cycle lane and commuter destinations on the A390, eg hospital, Truro college, Richard Lander School and Threemilestone business park)
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Making Idless Road safer for recreational cycling by introducing a 20 mph speed limit and putting in cycle parking at Idless woods
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Advertising ‘park and cycle’ from Langarth
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Transforming residential streets to make them safer and more pleasant for residents, using Daniel Street as an example
Do you agree with these? Do you have your own suggestions? Why not let us know by emailing info@trurocyclingcampaign.com or posting on our Facebook group.
The Council have responded to us saying that they are looking at a programme of measures. This is promising and we await further detail from them. We encourage you to write to the Council too so, together, we send a powerful message-seeking and supporting an ambitious package of measures. Cycling UK have produced a template letter you can use or you could write in your own words and with your own suggestions.
Latest news: Emergency funding for cycling and walking
On 9th May the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the immediate availability of £250 m to support emergency measures to make space for cycling and walking. This is part of a £5 billion package announced in February to boost bus transport and cycling. On the same day fast-tracked statutory guidance was also published telling councils to reallocate roadspace for significantly-increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.
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Three Spires Medical practice responds to covid-19 and quieter roads with an investment of four e-bikes from Clive Mitchell Cycles - reducing polluting home visits and promoting cycling. L-R are Dr Matt Bull, Dr Greg Knight , Dr Liz Fell and Dr Katy Bray .
Robin and Mard live in central Truro and regularly cycle to Malpas. With fewer cars around they feel confident cycling over Trafalgar roundabout.
A family cycle on the Newham trail and the lanes around Truro
We are witnessing many more people, especially families, out cycling in and around Truro, confident to cycle on roads with fewer cars. We would like to compile a record of this latent demand for cycling so that we can encourage our decision makers to be bold in their proposals for, and funding of safe space for cycling during lockdown and beyond. Our message must be: Provide it and we will use it!
Please email us photos, videos and/or stories of your cycling trips whether for your daily exercise, for shopping, or your commute to work. Our main focus is on Truro and surrounding area but we would welcome contributions from all parts of the County!
Jenna (4) after a practice ride from her home in Porthtowan to school in Mount Hawke ready for school re-opening. Her little brother is just checking she got there!
Tricia doing her regular shop at Archie Browns
Looking out to sea at Penhale Dunes after a picturesque ride along the NCN route 32 from Truro to Zelah and then onto the coast via Goonhavern.
Adam, Joseph and Liz on a family cycle from their home in Coosebean toThreemilestone, Hugus, Wheal Jane, Bissoe, County Hall, and into the city centre to get some shopping before heading back home
Truro's cycling deputy mayor, Jan Allen, out and about on the Bissoe Trail
Andy on his 2.6 Challenge in April. He completed 26 laps (86 miles) of St Agnes village on his trike raising over £700 for the Royal British Legion's care homes. Well done Andy!
Lucy from St Agnes on her way to the Bissoe Trail. She's looking forward to when she can ride into Truro on the St Agnes to Truro cycle highway and visit her Aunt!
Fruit and veg come in all shapes and size, and so do bikes! Jim and Tess collecting their groceries from Churchtown, St Agnes
Ben on his new bike cycling along the Idless road with his dad
Maria on a ride out to Cowlands Creek from Truro