Local Community Networks, or LCNs, have been set up across the county by Somerset Council with the aim of engaging local residents, groups, businesses and voluntary organisations, and helping foster closer working relationships with our local authority. In essence, they’re a public forum where groups like BACC can have a direct voice to the ear of decision-makers.
Of course, as many of you will know, we already liaise directly with people like the Active Travel Team at Somerset Council, but this channel is different: it includes the views of local residents, business people and stakeholders as well. At these meetings, we are open to hearing their input — and that’s vital!
We attended the most recent meeting of the Bridgwater LCN on Monday 22nd January, at Bridgwater Cricket Club, where our chairman Gary gave a presentation to the group about what the Active Travel priorities should be going forward into 2024 and beyond. Everyone then took part in group discussions to brainstorm what they think should be the priorities — and why.
Here are some of the ideas that came up…
Better parking
When people get to their destination, it’s often difficult for them to find a suitable place to lock up their bike. Bike thefts in Bridgwater are sadly all too common, so proper security is a must.
Visible prosecutions of bike thefts
Leading on from the last point, it was suggested that if the public were aware of criminals being prosecuted for stealing bikes, it could lead to a real reduction in the number of thefts.
(For more on bike security, you can find our advice here.)
Dangerous roads
No-one likes cycling in spaces where they feel vulnerable, unsafe or intimidated. Championing proper segregated bike routes is one of the most fundamental aspects of our campaign.
(That’s why we work with local decision-makers and organise Kidical Mass rides.)
Joining up the existing infrastructure
The bike lanes around Bridgwater have often historically appeared in little segments that don’t really lead anywhere — they terminate in odd places and restart equally awkwardly. The aim is to get all these little bits to work together more seamlessly. In fact, this is one of the five core design principles of Gear Change, published by the government (adopted from the Dutch Cycling Embassy).
Better street lighting
Personal safety was highlighted as a real concern at the LCN meeting — and in our recent cycling survey — and it’s something that puts many people off cycling and walking more around Bridgwater, especially women.
Better street lighting and CCTV can go a long way to helping everyone feel safer when they’re out and about.
Helping an ageing population
Many older people are housebound, perhaps because they no longer drive, or perhaps because they simply have much more limited mobility. While cycling can’t improve someone’s own mobility if they’re already finding things difficult, it’s worth remembering that encouraging the rest of us to walk and cycle more has huge implications for our health and care services.
Walking and cycling have been shown unequivocally to improve mental and physical health. By staying active, we can all play our part in reducing the burden on our overstretched health and social care services. And by cutting down on car use, we improve our town’s air quality and noise levels, both of which are important for everyone of any age.
