Wide tarmacked Cycle loop around the Downs – Safe, fun, healthy, together
This idea comes from Sydney, Australia & is amazingly popular. In one of their main parks (Centennial Park) they have a wide cycle lane which goes in a big loop around the park. This enables cyclists of all ability to safely cycle laps of the park for fitness, leisure & fun, increasing the amount of cyclists.
Club & fitness cyclists meet in the morning before work, leisure cyclists & families cycle during the day, school groups use it for PE lessons. Roller bladers also get their fair share of use out of it. The lane has a tarmacked walking path beside it which encourages people of all levels to walk around the park for leisure & fitness purposes, including buggies & wheelchairs, & a jogging path runs alongside this (there’s also a path for horses, but this may be one step too far this time around!).
After work, on weekend mornings, etc. there is an amazing buzz around the park as people go out & enjoy some fun exercise and socialise, all in the same space, enabling families & friends to take part in different activities but still be close & be able to meet up for coffee after!!
The loop needs to be a fairly big one, one-way (it’s a loop!) & not just an A to B like our usual cycle paths., The Sydney one is 3.5k. The Downs would be a good option & would encourage really good use of our largest green space.
This website shows you how popular it is:
http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/activities/cycling
This cycle loop could change cycling & other leisure activities in the city for ever, opening up a safe & enjoyable activity to all residents, improving quality of life, health & social cohesion.
Why the contribution is important
An investment in Bristol’s future
Bring revenue to the city,
Bring communities together
Give cyclists an opportunity to increase their fitness without fighting traffic,
Encourage children to cycle in a safe environment,
Encourage healthier lifestyles & improved wellbeing.
Better quality of life
Increased use of parks.
Great venue for families to take part safely in various activities simultaneously.
The list goes on….
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