Local activists from Cycling Rebellion today launched the LOVE 20 campaign at Winton Banks in Bournemouth, calling for a 20mph speed limit on BCP roads where citizens live, work, shop and play.
Heart shaped 20 spoof speed limit signs were displayed along the road, chalk art brought the iconic LOVE 20 symbol to life and passersbys were invited to participate in a survey board with questions about road safety. The survey board asked whether respondents would be comfortable cycling along Winton High Street; if they would like to see our streets become safer for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users; some specific questions about improvements that BCP council might introduce were posed; and finally if those same improvements might encourage them to walk or cycle more.
Members of the public from families to retirees about how safe they feel walking and cycling on Winton High Street and were amazed to hear the huge support for a lower speed limit. Residents raised many concerns, including difficulty crossing the road, not feeling safe enough to cycle their children to school, congestion and air pollution.
Several parents stopped at the stand and expressed their frustration that they do not feel safe completing the school run on foot or bicycle because of the sheer amount of traffic on local streets. Some said that traffic around their schools in particular was a real problem.
Adam Osman, founder of Cycling Rebellion, the group spearheading the LOVE 20 campaign, explained “It’s often the vocal minority who are most heard when it comes to discussions around social and environmental changes. However, we know that 72% of drivers actually support a 20mph speed limit in residential areas. It makes so much sense to adopt a 20mph speed limit – there are benefits in terms of safety for pedestrians, reduced CO2 emissions and improved air quality. We have heard a lot recently about a so-called war on motorists – we are here today to promote safer, happier streets for all.”
Greg Lamb, a property manager from Bournemouth and member of the campaign had this to say: “We heard from some people who didn’t support a 20 speed limit, but they were surprised to hear the reasons why we are asking for it. Research shows that at 20mph there is a 13% reduction in pedestrian fatalities and there are 40% fewer road collisions. There is a also a fuel saving, which for cash-strapped families at the moment is a surprise bonus.”
Liz Brereton, a counsellor and support worker from Bournemouth, said “When I was a child it was absolutely normal and natural to cycle or ride to school, the roads seemed so much safer and more welcoming. It’s such a shame now that our streets are absolutely dominated by cars and cars are bigger than ever. It’s time to take back our streets and redress the balance – urban streets for people not machines.”
Love 20 is encouraging as many people as possible to fill in BCP’s upcoming consultations so that people’s voices are properly heard on 20mph speed limits. The campaign will be touring BCP encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the upcoming consultations.
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