Bristol's Lib Dem Council Closes Ladies Mile to Promote Cycling City

9.38.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Sep 2009

For more than 30 years the fear of being knocked over by a car has kept Bristol Lib Dem councillor Neil Harrison off the roads.

But now - thanks to an initiative by the city council's Lib Dem leadership - Neil, who represents Cotham ward, is plucking up the courage to learn to ride a bike.

This Sunday Ladies Mile, on the Downs, is being closed for the day to all but pedestrians and cyclists - and Neil will be there to join in the fun.

Neil, who is assistant executive member for sustainability and former chair of the sustainable travel select committee, said: "At 36, I am petrified about the prospect of learning to ride.

"I never learned as a child. My parents were too worried about my safety on the busy roads around where we lived.

"As I got older, I started walking everywhere I could, but I got dependent on my parents' car and then my own car for longer journeys.

"Councillors are encouraging Bristolians to stop using their cars where possible, so I'm putting my money where my mouth is, too.

"I have already halved my car usage over the last two years by walking and using public transport more. Being able to ride a bike will give me another tool in my personal travel toolkit, helping me to leave my car at home a little bit more often."

The road closure is part of the Cycling City project. Between 11am and 4pm a long stretch of Ladies Mile will be closed to motor traffic, allowing cyclists - particularly those who are less confident - to give cycling a try in a safe and supported environment.

There will be a free Wacky Cycles activity where all ages can have a go on fun bikes and trikes.

Life Cycle UK, a Bristol-based cycling charity, will be offering free cycle training taster sessions.

Owners of unusual bicycles or tricycles are also being encouraged to come along with their machines to show them off.

Councillor Jon Rogers, executive member for transport and

sustainability, said: "Ladies Mile was designed as a leisure route for walking and riding and I'd like to see leisure and relaxation re-introduced into the mix.

"No-one wants to banish the car, but most people would agree that in some places, on some days, it's nice to get away from it.

"This is the first time that Ladies Mile has been closed to motor vehicles. If the day is a success, and I am confident it will be, then we should certainly consider holding similar events on the Downs or elsewhere in the city, in future."