Around 30 cyclists took part in the Breaking the Boundaries Cycle Ride on Saturday (11 July), organised by Bishop's Stortford Town Council in partnership with Cycle Stortford.
Participants enjoyed glorious summer sunshine as they cycled from Bishop's Stortford to the Henry Moore Foundation, where they relaxed over coffee and refreshments, chatted with fellow riders and took time to enjoy the surroundings before returning to the town.
The event celebrated cycling as a healthy, sustainable and enjoyable way to travel while highlighting the Council's ambition to make cycling safer and more accessible for everyone.
Speaking before the ride, Chief Executive Huw Jones reflected on the findings of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which suggests that only around three per cent of journeys in Bishop's Stortford are made by bicycle.
Addressing participants, he said:
"Some people suggest that because only three per cent of journeys are made by bike, there is little reason to invest in cycling. I see it differently. Councils exist to support minority groups, not ignore them. You are the people who help reduce congestion, improve physical and mental health, and demonstrate there is another way to travel around our town. If we want more than three per cent, we have to build for more than three per cent."
The ride also highlighted the Town Council's proposed Walking and Cycle Route North project, which aims to improve connections and encourage more people to choose active travel.
The Town Council extends its thanks to Graham Oxborrow of Cycle Stortford for designing and leading the route, Phil from Cycle Positive, Dave Webber from the Walking and Footpaths Association, and Hilary Mitchell (Sustainable Transport Sub-Committee Secretary) for her hard work behind the scenes in helping to make the day a success.
Councillor Stephen Skinner, Chair of the Sustainable Transport Sub-Committee, said:
"It was wonderful to see around 30 people coming together to enjoy a ride in such beautiful weather. The conversations over coffee at the Henry Moore Foundation showed that these events are about much more than cycling – they're about bringing people together and demonstrating the benefits that active travel can bring to our community."
Graham Oxborrow of Cycle Stortford commented, "A huge thank you to the Town Council for organising this wonderful annual event. Even on such a hot day, the ride highlighted what an accessible and inclusive activity cycling can be"
The Town Council hopes the success of the event will encourage more residents to discover cycling as a practical, healthy and enjoyable way to travel around Bishop's Stortford.