CYCLISTS and environmental groups are urging their MP to make cycling safer in Chippenham.

They will be riding around the town from 10am on Saturday and lobbying Michelle Donelan’s office at midday by presenting her with a letter detailing their concerns.

The cyclists argue that proper segregated cycle lanes and safer cycle routes are needed now that traffic has returned to busy pre-pandemic levels, while Extinction Rebellion are calling for the government to do more to tackle the climate emergency.

The government has promised some funding for cycling facilities.

Cyclist James Bradbury said: “We are delighted to see that the government has at last recognised the importance of cycling and the improvement of cycle facilities, which are so important for both health and the climate.

“Our family-friendly bike ride will highlight support for this and the scope to do much more to encourage cycling in the Chippenham area.

“Everyone is welcome to come and join us. The cycling budget is still dwarfed by the amount of spending on roads. This is a good start, but it needs to go further.”

People are returning to their cars, and the opportunity to build back greener is being lost.

The Committee on Climate Change states that only two milestones out of the 31 set out in the 2019 progress report have been achieved, with partial progress on 15 others in the transport and industry sectors.

John Pearce from Extinction Rebellion Bradford on Avon added: “Time is running out. The CCC has warned that the government is missing most carbon reduction targets.

“We need climate action now, not just warm words.”

Anyone wishing to join the group bike ride should meet at the railway station at 10am, wear a mask and socially distance, and can bring their own food and drink to a picnic at Monkton Park at 12.30pm.