A new initiative has been launched in Plymouth to combat the climate emergency by increasing sustainable, safe and secure cycling in the city.
The Sustainable Cycling Symposium, which is the brainchild of Plymouth man Darren Peck, was placed second in Plymouth City Council’s #backthefuture Crowdfunder aimed at local businesses which are making a difference in relation to climate change.
By being placed in second spot the project secured funding of £12,500 and is now targeting a total of £20,000 by December 8.
The project will roll out 12 cycle events next year between the Spring and early Autumn with the prize money being used to fund this.
The Sustainable Cycling Symposium will link up multiple cycle services which are provided by a wide range of existing local organisations.
It will target the three core themes of safety, security and sustainability aimed at combating climate change by increasing cycling in Plymouth.
Some of the benefits include ensuring a second life for disused bicycles which will be donated to people in lower socio-economic groups, improving air quality by encouraging greater use of cycling and improving social connectivity, allowing people to travel locally without cost.
Bicycle security is another key aim which will help to drive down crime and free up emergency services. There were over 77,000 bike thefts in England and Wales in 20/21.
Safer travel for all is another objective helping to reduce the the number of serious or significant traffic incidents involving cyclists.
The Crowdfunder is still live and the project is looking for sponsors, partnerships and donations to reach the target total and make a real difference to climate change in Plymouth. The Crowdfunder can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-sustainable-cycling-symposium)
