Falmouth Cyclovia: Plans being put forward to close off streets for community exercise

By Joseph Macey

16th Sep 2021 | Local News

A small group of Falmouth bike enthusiasts are putting together plans for a dedicated route in the town exclusively for residents to exercise on.

The "Falmouth Cyclovia" would be where a street would be closed and turned over to people to cycle, run, walk, skateboard and rollerblade.

Paul Abram had the idea after a family holiday to Colombia, every weekend in Bogata the roads are shut for residents and there are food vans and entertainment.

The idea is in the very early stages but a number of options are being considered:

- Cliff Road, shutting the road completely or just one lane from Gylly Beach all the way up to Castle Beach.

- Shutting Castle Drive, with the entrance to Ships and Castles leisure centre and around Pendennis Point.

Paul told Nub News:

"Being from the NHS we are always talking about improving peoples activity levels so it would be great to get more people out.

"It would also help the local businesses because it would bring more people to the area, local food vans, local produce. Tourists will love it as well.

"We have got two young children and it is a little bit scary for families to come out and practice riding because of the cars on the road, it would help improve confidence on a bike if you have more space to practice.

"It is really early doors but we are hoping to get more people interested with a Facebook page and our survey."

Click here to take the survey.

The group met at Cliff Road on Sunday on their bikes to show just how congested the route can get.

One of the people attending this meeting was keen supporter Jayne Kirkham, Cornwall Councillor for Falmouth Smithick.

Jayne told Nub News:

"I live quite close by and when I came down the first month or two of lockdown there were really no cars and there were so many people out cycling, skateboarding, roller skating and it just felt open, welcoming and very safe but gradually the cars have come back.

"Speed seems to have gone up a little bit, it doesn't feel quite as safe anymore, it would be nice just once every so often to have a big safe space for kids to get out skateboarding and cycling."

So what are the next steps?

Jayne added:

"The government has earmarked some money for active travel, and we are hoping we can use some of that.

"People have got used to being out and about so it would be a real shame if it couldn't carry on and continue being active."

You can follow the progress of the campaign here.

     

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