I have noticed cycling becoming more popular over the past few years and during the lockdown I heard stories of bicycle shops running low on stock due to a surge in demand as people donned a helmet and cycled for the first time, by themselves or with their families. This is something to be welcomed as cycling is a fantastic way to explore Broxtowe and the surrounding areas in an environmentally friendly way while improving physical health, mental health and having fun!
On the 28th July, I invited the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to come cycling with me here in Broxtowe. On that same day, he announced a £2 billion 'cycling and walking revolution' which included measures to improve air quality, tackle bike theft, build thousands of miles of protected cycle paths, increase access to electric bikes, create 12 'mini Hollands' and help people live healthier lives by encouraging GPs to prescribe cycling.
There are also many existing initiatives that people interested in cycling can take advantage of:
Since the Prime Minister's visit, I have met with cycle shop owners, individual cyclists and cycle groups to increase my understanding of the cycling community and what needs to be done to increase the number of people that engage in the activity. Given the significant interest in cycling, I would really appreciate it if you could fill in the short survey below to help me gauge the opinion of local people. Whether you are a professional cyclist or someone that purchased a bicycle for the first time during the COVID19 pandemic, please do let me know your thoughts and share the survey with people you know!