Home   Bury St Edmunds   News   Article

Subscribe Now

New cycle parking bays installed in Stowmarket and Sudbury




New cycle parking bays have been installed in two Suffolk towns.

Suffolk County Council has installed the bays in Stowmarket and Sudbury using funds from the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund, made available to councils to promote cycling during the pandemic.

The council says 'one of the positives to come out of the COVID-19 crisis' is an increase in people cycling, whether commuting to work to avoid overcrowding the transport network, or for leisure or as part of their daily exercise.

Stowmarket, Stricklands Road junction with Ipswich Road: Cllr Michael Marriott, Cllr Andrew Reid, Cllr Nick Gowrley and Cllr Gerard Brewster
Stowmarket, Stricklands Road junction with Ipswich Road: Cllr Michael Marriott, Cllr Andrew Reid, Cllr Nick Gowrley and Cllr Gerard Brewster

It says this has also resulted in reduced congestion and improvements in air quality as well as supporting people’s health and wellbeing.

In Stowmarket the parking bays have been installed outside the John Peel Centre, at the Stricklands Road junction with Ipswich Road and on Wilkes Way.

In Sudbury the parking bays have been installed on North Street near the Masonic Hall, King Street near to Rees Café and by the Belle Vue art work.

Sudbury, North Street: Cllr Ellen Murphy, Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Cllr Andrew Reid, Cllr Colin Spence and Cllr Michael Holt
Sudbury, North Street: Cllr Ellen Murphy, Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Cllr Andrew Reid, Cllr Colin Spence and Cllr Michael Holt

The locations of the cycle parking were selected in partnership with Sudbury Town Council and Stowmarket Town Council.

Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: “Many residents in Suffolk have embraced cycling during the pandemic, so we have a real opportunity here to make cycling safer and easier not just for this unprecedented period, but for the future as well to reap the associated health and pollution benefits

“To get more people cycling long term we need to ensure there are enough places for them to safely store their bikes, so I am really pleased it is now easier to access Stowmarket and Sudbury town centres on two wheels."

Cllr Michael Holt, cabinet member for economic growth at Babergh District Council, said: “Ensuring our residents can easily choose to cycle and walk is a priority for us, especially in our towns. Sustainable travel is also at the heart of Sudbury’s vision for the future.

We all have a part to play in reducing our own and Suffolk’s carbon footprint, while supporting our local high streets.

I’d encourage anyone who can to use Sudbury’s new cycle parking facilities next time you shop local.”

Cllr Gerard Brewster, cabinet member for economic growth at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Helping our residents to remain active and encouraging them to play their part in reducing Suffolk’s carbon emissions, is a key part of our vision for Stowmarket.

“I hope that these new cycle parking facilities in the town will encourage more people to grab their helmet and give it a go. All while taking the time to shop safely and helping to support the viability of our local businesses.”

The county council is delivering a raft of measures across the county to encourage active travel, in line with Department for Transport guideline.

This includes alterations to road layouts and providing temporary footpaths and cycle lanes as well as offering free family cycling sessions and bike maintenance vouchers.

For more information visit visit suffolk.gov.uk/walkingandcycling

Read more: All the latest news from Stowmarket

Read more: All the latest news from Sudbury

Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk