Banbury Extinction Rebellion cyclists hit town centre streets in campaign for more cycling routes

A dozen cyclists from the Banbury Extinction Rebellion group hit the streets of the town centre on Sunday May 17 as part of a campaign to increase cycling infrastructure across the town.
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The group of cyclists joined a national XR campaign and met at the Banbury Market Place where they cycled round the town centre with flags, banners, placards, branches, and even a bee costume. Social distancing was observed at all times.

Jane Rogers, who organised the Banbury XR event, said: "Here in Banbury we want dedicated cycle routes through the centre of Banbury, and to local schools so that children can cycle safely to school.

"As we come out of lockdown, the city of London is planning to close its central streets to cars, to allow more people to safely walk and cycle to work, while maintaining social distancing.

"It’s an example Banbury could follow. If the the roads were safer for cyclists, fewer people would need to use cars.

"Cycling in Banbury can be horrible, because there are a number of cycle lanes which end abruptly, with no-where for the cyclist to go.

"The worst is at the Bridge Street traffic lights, on the station corner of the road. There’s a cycle lane painted on the pavement then it suddenly ends, just as the pavement narrows and the road narrows. Is the cyclist supposed to suddenly grow wings?

"If we don’t take action to reduce the use of diesel and petrol on our roads, in the long run it will kill us just as surely as the current pandemic is doing.

Members of the Banbury Extinction Rebellion cycling groupMembers of the Banbury Extinction Rebellion cycling group
Members of the Banbury Extinction Rebellion cycling group

"Fewer cars means less air pollution, which in turn means fewer deaths. And the bonus is, cycling keeps you fit. Not only that, it’s fun."

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A cyclist with the Banbury Extinction Rebellion groupA cyclist with the Banbury Extinction Rebellion group
A cyclist with the Banbury Extinction Rebellion group

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