Having cycled around Bridgwater quite a lot, some of us thought it would be a good idea to try and improve the local network for cycling. So in early 2019, Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign was born, with the aim of encouraging people onto their bikes. We are a voluntary organisation run by cycling enthusiasts and local residents. Our main aims are to promote safer cycling and to campaign for new cycle infrastructure within Bridgwater and the surrounding areas. We also support the interests of pedestrians and all means of active travel.
Our Mission
Our main aims are to promote safer cycling and to seek the provision of new cycle infrastructure within Bridgwater and the surrounding areas. We also support safer walking, the interests of pedestrians and all means of sustainable transport. See our BACC constitution.
The group has four main focus areas. These are:
- Infrastructure — influencing changes to both existing and new paths and local route mapping;
- Communications — raising awareness through our website, social media, the local press and via our group’s correspondence;
- Safety — new cyclists, vulnerable road users, reduction in speed limits and assessing local areas for personal safety risk); and
- Behavioural change — raising awareness of the benefits of cycling and increased physical activity.
Infrastructure
It’s sometimes hard to imagine being able to get around Bridgwater easily by bike right now, isn’t it? Many of its roads are noisy and congested, and unsuitable for cycling. We’re working with Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council to help guide them to better decisions about the future shape of the town. Read more here.
Communications
We’re doing this work for the benefit of Bridgwater residents today and for future generations, and we want you to know about it. More importantly, we can’t do this work in isolation. We’re reaching out to people every day to highlight why Bridgwater will be a better place when bikes are given a higher priority – not just for cyclists, but for everyone. The better people understand this vision, the more momentum we can gain.
Safety
It may seem like an obvious one, but the age-old saying of ‘Safety First’ really says it all. Our work looks at all the various ways we can make the roads safer for cyclists – and usually these things help other vulnerable people too, like pedestrians, the elderly, disabled people and children.
Behavioural change
As we said on the home page, this isn’t a group for cyclists. The people we want to engage are those who ride infrequently, or don’t use their bikes at all. You don’t need special clothes, you won’t get all sweaty, and you might even find you enjoy your daily journeys! By showing you how easy it can be, we can start to shift things in the right direction – together, as a community.
Our mission is to achieve a safer cycling and walking environment in our local area, and to inspire people to use all means of active travel.
The Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign has a vision:
A vision in which a transformation of cycling is realised where anyone, from seven to seventy years old, can choose to cycle on paths and streets which are safe, convenient and networked across town.
A vision where cycling is integrated for the benefit of all into the fabric of Bridgwater via comprehensive, convenient and connected cycle infrastructure, making cycling the safe and a natural choice for a significant proportion of commuters and the local public.
