We need to raise £800 so we can seize an historic opportunity for everyone who wants to cycle in Bristol. With this we can produce and publicise our compelling new Bristol Cycling Manifesto and Cycling Strategy. We will be able to reach out to thousands of people and to decision-makers to influence the debate and shape the future of cycling in our city. We've got an ambitious vision and if we join together to get our voices heard we can show that it's popular and possible. We are asking you to make a small contribution to a big idea: to give everyone in Bristol the Freedom to Ride.
Here's the problem. You probably already know that cycling benefits everyone in Bristol: it is quick, cheap and pollution-free. So why don't more people do it?
Shifting from cars to bikes cuts congestion and improves people's health. So why is investment so low?
More trips are by bike in Bristol than in any other major UK city and thousands of people are out on their bikes every day. Perhaps you're one of them. There are tens of thousands more who would join us, but they need to be confident that it's safe and easy. Where is the comprehensive Cycling Network for Bristol covering every road and street?
We've produced the Bristol Cycling Manifesto setting out the five steps that will change this, and our petition will call on the Mayor to adopt it.
Our Strategy is for main routes around and into the centre to be 'Cycling Freeways' high quality, continuous, direct and often segregated. The network of pleasant 'Cycling Quietways' will be expanded and linked. Every area will become a 'Cycling Neighbourhood' with 20mph limits and great access for cycling and walking.
It's going to cost a lot and it's going to take time, but it's the best value around, and it all starts with a campaign.
Your support through Crowdfunder will top up our funds, to pay for brilliant design, a petition website, leaflets, brochure and banners. If we can raise more there are further fantastic ideas to help the campaign win gold.
We will launch in May and submit the petition at a planned 'Bristol Cycling Summit' attended by the Mayor in July. If we can get 3,500 people who live, work or study in Bristol to sign then we can get a full council debate, but the more the better to show that Bristol wants to be a Cycling City.
We can only do this properly and reach out beyond the core of those who aready cycle if enough people contribute. We don't need much, and it's all run by volunteers. If we pull this off then we can look back to 2013 as the year when Bristol really got moving, by bike.
We've attached the three core elements of the campaign so you wonderful potential supporters can find out more, but they're still being finalised.
- The Manifesto - 1 page challenge to local leaders backed by the e-petition.
- The Concise Cycling Strategy for Greater Bristol - how to make Bristol into the best city for cycling in the UK, in 2 pages!
- Cycling Network Map - Outline of the main routes and corridors that will need to be transformed.
Come on, give us your support, let's get this done!
Thanks!
About the project owner
I've been involved with the Bristol Cycling Campaign from the beginning when we started calling for 20mph. I'm working with a team of enthusiastic people who are skilled, resourceful and determined to make this the most successful campaign for cycling in Bristol since the Bristol Bath Railway Path.