Extinction Rebellion pop-up cycle ride in PeterboroughExtinction Rebellion pop-up cycle ride in Peterborough
Extinction Rebellion pop-up cycle ride in Peterborough

Extinction Rebellion spray paint pop up cycle route across Peterborough to ‘Reclaim the Streets’

Extinction Rebellion activists spray painted a pop up cycle route across Peterborough on Sunday in order to “reclaim the streets”.

The climate campaign group wants to see the focus on cycling during the coronavirus pandemic continue amid concerns that a return to normal life will see traffic return to pre-crisis levels.

There has been a demand for pop-up cycle routes in Peterborough with metro mayor James Palmer calling for ideas from the city council.

It was also reported last week that ideas being considered include cycle lanes on dual carriageways.

Among those to take part on a bike ride on Sunday was Green Party city councillor Nicola Day, who said: “We are not just asking for the current Green Wheel to be cleared and maintained - that should already being done.

“What we’re asking for is new pop-up cycle lanes and infrastructure to be established in our city to make it safer for cyclists.”

Cllr Day said the activists spray painted a route from the station past the Queensgate roundabout to TK Maxx.

The campaign group said: “Extinction Rebellion Peterborough, Stamford and Bourne invited residents to ‘Reclaim the Streets’ during a peaceful, physically distanced action in the city centre, calling for the Government to prioritise public health and well-being as the UK lockdown is eased, and to invest in safer streets for walking and cycling.

“Extinction Rebellion groups across the UK took part in their local areas, including Cambridge, London, Cornwall, Brighton, Birmingham and Manchester.

“Inspired by activists around the globe, the group painted stencils of bikes (using temporary, non-toxic chalk paint) to create their own pop-up bicycle lane. This was followed by a physically distanced bike ride to use the newly reclaimed streets.

“The route, chosen by local cyclists, was picked to highlight the poor access routes for cyclists in central Peterborough. Road safety and social distancing regulations were adhered to at all times throughout the ride.”

It was also reported last week that ideas being considered include cycle lanes on dual carriageways.