Cycling Citizens MK in collaboration with MK City Council and the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) are conducting a two-year project. The project aims to establish what role cycle-speed vehicles could play in a sustainable Milton Keynes of the future shaped by the people of MK and to understand how the cycling environment could be more inclusive.
To assit with the research we are looking for photos or drawings that illustrate what helps or prevents:
“Milton Keynes feels like a safe, convenient and comfortable place to cycle (or ride a scooter) for me, my family, friends, neighbours and colleagues on the journeys we want to make.”
Please send any images with a brief comment of what they illustrate to our lead researcher, Dr Jonathan Flower: jonathan.flower@uwe.ac.uk by the end of October 2025.
Cycling Citizens MK organised a symposium on ‘changing the shape of cycling in the city’ at Unity Place on 17th October. Supported by MK Community Foundation and chaired by Dame Ann Limb, the symposium attracted over 90 delegates, including local and national business and education leaders, interested to share best practice in cycle promotion.
Delegates heard from journalist Laura Laker, who recently cycled in Milton Keynes for the first time (Laura’s slides here).
In table group sessions, delegates prioritised the following ambitions:
improvements to the redway network
developing a cycle first culture for MK
securing cycle parking at workplaces, schools, retail and transport hubs,
cycling infrastructure integrated into planning
most school journeys by cycle
Delegates then heard from Council leaders Lauren Townsend and Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, and Head of Traffic & Transport Murray Woodburn (slides here).
Lee Shostak OBE, former MK town planner (1976-80) (main picture above), presented a vision of a city in which most cars, vans, and lorries are powered by electricity; taxis, buses, vans and lorries are self-driving; and more people want to cycle or scoot for daily journeys. (Lee’s presentation summary here.)
Delegates then heard reactions from a panel including Emily Darlington, MP for MK Central; Grant Gahagan of Active Travel England; Dr Jonathan Flower, Senior Research Fellow at University of West England; and Cllr Marie Bradburn, former Mayor of Milton Keynes.
In workshop carousels, speakers from businesses, schools and other organisations, gave short presentations on one of three themes:
encouraging staff to cycle to work (Santander, Network Rail, The Open University, MK University Hospital)
encouraging active travel to school (Two Mile Ash School, Cold Harbour School, Schwalbe Tyres, MK City Council)
encouraging women to cycle (Trek Bikes, Voices of Women in MK, Joy Riders, HANDS).
At the end, leaders of MK’s main political parties each pledged to work together to enable and encourage more people to cycle in the city.
Finally the Co-chairs of Cycling Citizens MK alliance invited delegates to attend a follow-up ‘Summit’ event on 26th June 2026, to ask newly appointed Cabinet members to respond to the issues discussed and a set of asks which the alliance Leadership Group will develop.
In post-event evaluation, delegates rated as follows:
8.8/10 for “How much did you enjoy the event?”
8.9/10 for “How much did the event motivate you to do something to increase cycling in MK?”.
If you would like to assist with our ‘Back to the Future’ research with University of West England, please upload your photos of your Redway likes and hates here.
Meanwhile, please join us for a community fun ride, Cycling Santas, on 13th December – register here.
Cycle any time this September and you can win prizes from Love To Ride.
Register here and you’ll collect points for every ride, every mile and every colleague you encourage to cycle too. Say which company you work for and the company can win awards too.
On 21st July, seven children from Cold Harbour Primary School went to Civic Offices for a meeting with Murray Woodburn, Head of Traffic and Transport. They received a firm commitment to reinstate their ‘School Street’ closure to unnecessary car traffic, which was piloted successfully in 2021-22 and then removed.
Accompanied by headteacher Sarah Kotulecki, teacher Grant Malloch and their Vice-Chair of Governors Paul Simmonds, the children gave testimonies about the problem of too many cars outside the school in the morning, including a younger brother being nearly knocked down recently.
“My brother was crossing and a car didn’t stop,” said Billy. “It scared me. Little children like him can’t always see properly and cars don’t always see them. We need it to be safer.”
Ms Kotulecki outlined all the school community has done to address the problem, including a listening campaign followed by letters to senior politicians and other local powerholders.
“We encourage families to walk, scoot or cycle instead of drive. That sparked a bigger shift in how we think about travel as a school. We brought in cycle training, hosted events, and built a whole-school approach to active travel.”
Mr Woodburn (who was on the screen as currently away from the city) complemented the school on “doing all you can so far” and said “we must now come in and complete the job”. He agreed to attend a Bicycle Breakfast at the school on 24th September, to look at enabling additional cycle and scooter parking on the school site, and to share best practice from his upcoming trip to the Netherlands; also, with Transport Planner Raeesa Chowdhury, to produce a Council press release about the Cold Harbour School Street campaign.
The children agreed to do some research and inform Mr Woodburn of other ‘danger points’ near their school, also locations near their homes where cars drive too fast, and Ms Kotulecki agreed to share the school’s community engagement method with other schools across the city.
After the meeting, the children scored it 8 out of 10, to be improved only by provision of drink and biscuits!
On one of MK’s hottest days this year, pupils and parents of Bushfield School in Wolverton pedalled out on a circuit of the town picking up others on the way to school.
The children were rallied by the school’s Head of PE, Ms Jade Jones (second from right below). MK Mayor James Lancaster joined the start of the ride (third from right below), as part of his mission to encourage more of the city’s children to take part in sport and outdoor recreation, as did Cycling Citizens MK Co-chair Ann Shrimpton (first from right below).
Following cakes donated by Tea & Toast on Church Street, Wolverton, the ride set off with 10 children and parents.
“It’s good to be part of this,” said the Mayor. “I’m just pleased to be supporting children taking part in physical activity outdoors.”
The school children (and adults) taking part, really enjoyed the ride – what a great start to the day.
If any more schools are interested in organising a Bike Bus – please get in touch with Cycling Citizens MK who can advise on the steps.
On Thursday 10th July, 30 people rallied at Unity Place for a community ride by redway to the Peace Pagoda at Willen Lake. Cyclists wore white to show they support peace and unity in Milton Keynes and beyond. (The ride purposely made no statement about any particular community or conflict.)
After a welcome form Cycling Citizens MK co-chair Ann Shrimpton, and to the beat of samba drums from Panacea Samba and with delicious hot snacks from Namji’, awards were presented by MK’s Bicycling Mayor Marie Bradburn to company winners of Love To Ride Bike Month May competitions (see below) and Bikeability Olympics 2025 – Glebe Farm School (Silver) and Two Mile Ash School (Gold).
Simon Rudiger, Co-Chair of the alliance, reflected on why we were riding – a chance to show that cycling is more than transport and is a movement for connection, kindness, and community.
David Lewis from The Parks Trust who organised the route, give us a quick briefing.
Then the ride departed, with thanks to Lime Bikes from free hire bike use where needed.
The route took us on redways from Unity place, then over to the MK Rose and the Light Pyramid and then down to the Peace Pagoda at the beautiful setting of Willen Lake.
Photo by Ann Shrimpton
A number of us then headed for a post ride social at the local pub.
What a beautiful evening – so lovely to see so many riders on so many different types of bikes – all coming together in peace and unity and celebrating cycling.
Our co-chair, Simon, has been in York attending the Active City 2025 conference, looking at all things Active Travel.He writes below…
For two days, over 400 people from the world of active travel, town and city planning, transport infrastructure, walking and cycling advocacy, and local & national government met to discuss and share ideas around getting people moving.
Professor Chris Witty, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, started the conference reminding the attendees that this is part of the health agenda; being active is the biggest support of health and it should be built into everyday life. The greatest health gains are to be had by those doing very little – a consistent theme throughout the conference. If children get into the habit of active travel, it helps massively in the long term. There’s work to be done by parents/carers and schools to help with this. Safety is a big challenge, but if it’s safe for an 8 year old, it’s likely to be safe for an 80 year old!
The North East’s Mayor, Kim McGuiness reinforced that active travel is and needs to remain an integral part of the bigger project; employment, public transport, child poverty, women’s safety and more, we mustn’t forget how being active can be a significant support for these areas of everyday life. She talked about her own experiences as a woman, and challenged the conference organisers, Active Travel England. In their own annual report, they had plenty of pictures of women, but only one mention in the text! More to be done here Active Travel England!
The parliamentary under secretary for Local Transport Simon Lightwood, talked about the need for active travel to be easier, safer, and more accessible. If we get it right it creates healthier communities and cleaner air; ‘Investing in active travel is like kicking into an open goal’, nobody is going to say ‘let’s not invest in the health and wellbeing of our population!’.
Other sessions I attended at the conference:
Supporting women and girls to be active (why it’s important to consider gender)
Meeting people where they are (how do we engage people who aren’t engaged?)
Make friends and influence councillors (how to connect with politicians to progress the active travel aims)
What does this all mean for Cycling Citizens MK?
Much of what was shared at this conference is not new to the challenges we have in Milton Keynes. We know how beneficial it is to get on your bike to ride to work, school, the shops, your place of worship or just to move and get some fresh air. The challenges are getting people on a bike for the first time, or for the first time in a while. We need to ensure that cycling is accessible and affordable, and crucially that cycling is safe and empowering, especially for women and girls. We’ve got many of the solutions available to us; what’s stopping us?
MK Mayors, past and present, launched a fun group ride through the city, following a similar route to last year’s ride to the MK Rose, with riders wearing flowers to celebrate the blooming Spring. 37 people attended.
Introduced by Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, five MK Mayors were welcomed: Euan Henderson (2009-10), Sam Crooks (2019-20), Mo Khan (2022-23), Marie Bradburn (2024-25) and James Lancaster (2025-26). A veritable chain gang!
A special award was presented to outgoing Mayor, Cllr Marie Bradburn, with a tribute from student Cody Jackson, Bicycling Youth Mayor, commending her ‘Year of Cycling’ during which she cycled 2,000 miles, attending hundreds of events, and saved nearly a ton of CO2 (details below).
Cllr Bradburn herself then presented three awards:
Council Projects & Development Manager, Luciana Smart, for her team’s construction of a new redway near the Blue Lagoon.
Volkswagen Financial Services, collected by Mel Welburn, for the company’s impressive cycling stats in Love To Ride’s ‘Ride Anywhere Week’ in March
Jake Saville family, for promoting cycling in the Two Mile Ash school community.
Former Mayors then took turns to say a few words about the importance of MK’s transport network and the role of cycling.
Finally new Mayor James Lancaster talked about the importance of sport for children, and cycling as a great way to exercise,
Then flowers were attached to bikes and helmets, and the ride set off for the MK Rose
with the customary stop at a famous site
…and a few times around the MK Rose.
With thanks to Dott Bikes for supplying free e-bike hire, Branch Out for the flowers, aRaeesa Chowdhury for the photos and Tom Gillespy for the video.
Cllr Bradburn’s achievements in Year of Cycling 20234-25.
Cycled 2,000 miles to attend +100 events: This saves approximately 808 kg of CO2. Additionally, cycling this distance burns around 70,000 calories, which is roughly the same as having 667 bananas.
Mayor’s Parlour Event: Over 120 children attended the Mayor’s parlour to have tea and biscuits while discussing the future of cycling in Milton Keynes and how the council can support the next generation.
Bikeability Support: In efforts to support the Transport team in reaching their Bikeability target of training 80% of pupils before they leave primary school, Marie helped build relationships with both teachers and children and handed over 50 bikes to 6 schools to encourage cycle training.
Mayor’s Festival of Cycling (March 15-30):
15 events were organised for residents over two weeks.
More than 1,000 rides were made, including those in the Love to Ride’s Ride Anywhere Week Campaign.
Over 500 people participated in various events, including 30 children from 3 primary schools cycling in the MK Dons stadium.
48 women and girls attended to free cycling sessions to learn to ride and build confidence.
The MK’s first Festival of Cycling, inspired and led by the Mayor of Milton Keynes over the last two weeks in March, has been a great success. 15 events were attended by more than 500 MK residents, including 250 who logged more than 1000 rides on MK’s Love To Ride app – see results.
Events included women’s cycle training, an easter egg hunt in Campbell Park and a children’s ride around the pitch at MK Dons’ home game vs Fleetwood (see photo story).
Mayor Marie Bradburn, who cycled every day, said: “It’s been an honour to lead the festival and meet such a wide variety of MK people on their bikes, from the youngest smiling pre-school children to others even older than me! Enjoying MK’s redways makes me so proud to be first citizen of this great city. I hope there’ll be annual festivals like this for years to come and I look forward to continuing to support cycling in MK in any way I can.”
Ann Shrimpton, Co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK alliance, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the diverse events throughout the week. It was incredible to be involved in an initiative that encourages and supports both adults and children to embrace cycling in Milton Keynes. Our Mayor has cycled in all weathers and at different times of day and night, even to and from formal engagements, showing that cycling around MK is a practical option.”
At half-time in the home fixture against Fleetwood Town on Saturday 25th March, 30 children from three schools cycled around the pitch. Led by MK Mayor Marie Bradburn on her bike, this was a celebration and reward for their achievement of Bikeability Level 2 under the guidance of MK City Council instructors.
Reel by Ann Shrimpton, Co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK
The children came from Coldharbour, Priory Rise and Two Mile Ash primary schools, and were accompanied by their teachers on bikes along with MK’s Bicycling Youth Mayor, Cody Jackson, from Lord Grey Academy and Co-Chair of Cycling Citizens MK, Ann Shrimpton. They were applauded all the way around.
Photos above by JAR Photography.
“It was a brilliant opportunity for the children to show their skills, especially around those tight corners,” said Jake Saville, Head of PE at Two Mile Ash, “and an exciting experience for us all.”
“The organisation by the Dons staff was very professional,” said Richard Allman, the Bikeability instructor who organised the operation with the schools. “The children were buzzing after their ride, lots of smiles from everyone.”
“It was wonderful to join you at the MK Dons for the halftime ride,” said Corinne Benham-Smith, Headteacher at Priory Rise School & 5 Dimensions Trust. “All our children enjoyed it as did their families watching them. We love Bikeability at Priory Rise, so important for children living in the city of Milton Keynes, as there are so many opportunities for travelling by bike.”
This event was part of a series of events in the Mayor’s Festival of Cycling 15-30th March.
Thank you to MK Dons staff for all their hard work making the day successful & giving all the children lots of great memories.
On Thursday 27th March 2025, 30 MK residents followed a cycling rabbit from Unity Place to the MK Rose for a chocolate egg fest.
After a welcome from Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew, MK City Cabinet Member for Public Realm, spoke about why cycling is important for MK City Council.
Top Cycling Company (% People Riding) Silver – Volkswagen Financial Services – collected by Mel Welburn
Top Cycling Company (% People Riding) Bronze – Red Bull Technology (0.8%) – collected by Phill Elvidge
Top Cycling Company (Trips per person) Silver – Volkswagen Financial Services (0.03), collected by Lead Rider Nathan Larkin (9)
Top Cycling Company (Trips per person) Bronze – Network Rail (0.02), collected by Lead Rider Rafal Switaj (15)
Bicycling Youth Mayor Cody Jackson presented the following awards:
Top Cycling School Student (Most trips) – Ivan Minkov, Lord Grey Academy (16)
Top Rider (most trips) – 3rd place, Anke Plummer, Camphill Centre (19)
Top New Rider (most trips) – 1st place, Phill Elvidge, Red Bull Technology (6)
After a short ride briefing, the Rabbit took off…and fortunately reached the destination safely and found chocolate eggs had been laid on each of the pillars at The MK Rose.
Thanks to Dave Lewis of The Parks Trust for the video.
Thanks to Unity Place for providing a free Dr Bike service by Cycle Saviours (pictured below).
And thanks to Neighbourhood Seargeant Tom Hughes and his team for providing the bike security stamping service (pictured with Ann Shrimpton below).
Mayor Marie Bradburn has made a special award to Luciana Smart, Major Projects & Development Manager at MK City Council, for her team’s successful delivery of a new Redway in the south of the city.
The new Redway inks Bletchley with the Blue Lagoon, a health and leisure destination hitherto hard to reach by active travel.
“Luciana is one of many Council officers who do great work with shrinking budgets and growing constraints,” said the Mayor. “It’s important we stop to recognise what they do for us all, and especially what Lucian’s team did here in making it easy for us to enjoy cycling as well as the beautiful scenery.”
Luciana and fellow officers joined the Mayor and MK’s Bicycling Youth Mayor for a ride on the new Redway.
“It was a very enjoyable afternoon, a sunny day in which we could appreciate the unique Redway infrastructure in MK,” said Luciana. “I was not expecting to be recognised for this project. It was a great joint team effort, and colleagues worked very hard to deliver these Redways to a good standard. Delivering projects and main infrastructure is our job, and we hope we deliver what the MK citizens want and need.”
See below the Mayor returning to Civic Offices with officers and supporters, including Bicycling Youth Mayor Cody Jackson and Cycling Citizens MK co-chair, Ann Shrimpton.
On Saturday 14th December 2024, 223 MK residents dressed as Santa rallied at Station Square and set off on a cycle ride through Central Milton Keynes to Campbell Park and back. This turnout beat the previous record of 135 set last year.
As well as creating fun (see Adekunle’s video), the ride drew Council attention to the lack of real ‘redway’ cycle lanes in the city centre, forcing cyclists to cycle either on the road or through busy car parking areas. The ride was reported on ITV Anglia News, including the Council’s pledge to keep listening to feedback from local people.
The ride was launched in Station Square by drum beats from Panacea Samba and MK’s own Santa Claus (actor David Lovesy)
There were speeches from the MK Mayor and MK’s Bicycling Youth Mayor. Mayor Marie Bradburn (below left) said: “We all know of the environmental benefits of cycling. Now we need to break down the barriers that prevent people from cycling in MK. That’s why I’ve made this the Mayor’s Year of Cycling.”
Cody Jackson, Bicycling Youth Mayor (above right), said: “MK is famous for its redways, but they pretty much stop in CMK, where there’s only about 500 metres of redway. This isn’t enough to encourage young people to cycle here. If the Council wants to meet its goal of getting more people cycling, there need to be more safe cycle routes in the city centre.”
The Mayor presented cycling awards and prizes for biggest groups of club riders and schools,
Broughton Cycling ClubMK BMX ClubTwo Mile Ash SchoolColdharbour School
Top Cycling Santa Club, Runner up – Broughton Cycling Club (22 registered cyclists) – £25 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison Cycles
Top Cycling Santa Club, Winner – MK BMX Club (25 registered cyclists) – £50 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison Cycles
Top Cycling Santa School, Runner up – Two Mile Ash School (13 registered cyclists)– £25 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison Cycles
Top Cycling Santa School, 1st place – Cold Harbour Primary School (16 registered cyclists) – £100 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison
Best Blinged Bike (3rd place) – Limited edition Quality Street chocolates, donated by John LewisBest
Blinged Bike (2nd place) – £10 voucher donated by John Lewis
Best Blinged Bike (1st place) – Knog 600 lumen cycle lights, donated by Madison Cycles.
The Cycling Santas then set off on their way through CMK (route).
Then it was across to the MK Rose
video from Nicky Newlands
and round a few times before returning back to the Square.
video from Anna Bulman
Then there were free mince pies and oranges for everyone from the Mayor at the end.
Thanks to Lime Bikes and Santander for providing 25 and 16 free bike hires respectively.
Cones and area marking tape were provided as usual by Ringway.
On 25th November, 34 Council and school leaders met to hear experts outline the reasons many women feel unsafe cycling in MK and discuss ways to address the injustice.
Guests were welcomed by Kellie Parsons and Dom Langan, CEO of event host Madison Cycles (below), where the issue was raised last year (photo story).
Guests heard personal testimonies from women:
Kurshida Mirza, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, who said she wants to cycle more but lacks confidence
Jane Whild, Voices of Women in MK, who quoted from her own research showing research showing 80% of female non-cyclists would like to cycle
Ann Shrimpton, trustee of Parks Trust and organiser of Breeze Rides, who told of verbal abuse she’d received from a male driver
Mariam Draaijer, CEO of JoyRiders Britain and LCC campaigner for women’s safety (see video)
The High Sheriff invited Seargent Tom Hughes of Thames Valley Police (below) to say a few words about how the police are aware of problems with bike thefts from Station Square, and the behaviour of some redway and road users that makes women feel unsafe, and pledged to help the Cycling CitizensMK alliance to address both issues.
Following an introduction from Richard Allman, MK Council Bikeability Instructor (below), who confirmed equal participation from girls and boys,
Leigh Brown, Year 6 lead teacher at Abbeys Primary School, talked about how girls get as excited as boys about Bikeability training in school,
Mayor Marie Bradburn then presented following awards:
Leading Bikeability School (% Year 6 trained) – Abbeys (98%), Oakgrove (80%),Giffard Park (55%),St. Mary’s Wavendon (53%)
Most improved Bikeability School (increase in % Year 6 trained) –Abbeys (144%), Emerson Valley (104%),Oakgrove (100%),Loughton (13%)
Special Bikeability School Award (for increase from 0 to 68% last year) – Knowles Primary School, with short reflection from Sophie Simpson. Also for St. Bernadette’s Primary School for ‘5 years continuous participation in Bikeability’
Malcolm Davies of Trek UK (below) spoke of the importance of data and the Cycling CitizensMK alliance.
He cited three major recent wins for the alliance:
Council funding for 5 years of MK cycle coaching and development from British Cycling
Council funding towards 5 years of Community Organising for the alliance
Council partnership in a research project with University of West England.
Dr. Jonathan Flower of University of West England presented an outline of the ‘Back to the Future’ research project’.
The project was formally endorsed and launched by Mayor Bradburn on behalf of MK City Council.
After an introduction from Tim Layden, teacher at Lord Grey Academy, and having read a written testimony from Executive Principal Jim Parker, the Mayor then formally appointed Year 11 student Cody Jackson (below), also a Youth Councillor of MK City Council, to the inaugural role of Bicycling Youth Mayor, part of an international network and only the second such post-holder in the UK so far.
In September 2024, Cycling Citizens MK received a written commitment from MK City Council to funding for the alliance 2024-29.
Murray Woodburn, Head of Traffic & Transportation, wrote:
“Milton Keynes City Council has agreed a funding package to support a Community Organising approach to achieving cycling behavioural change in Milton Keynes from 2024 to 2029.
£20k per annum has been allocated towards the funding of a Community Organiser, with a further £10k per annum towards related survey, event, and project work to be agreed separately and as directed by the Cycling Alliance.
In addition the Council will fund a British Cycling Community Coach (including bikes and van) for the same five year period to 2029 at the cost of £40k per annum to provide additional support to the Community Organiser in achieving a modal shift towards cycling.
This funding will be provided from the Council’s annual funding allocation from Active Travel England and will be underwritten by the Council’s own funding.
During this same period the Council will endeavour to secure further grant funding for the improvement of infrastructure and other initiatives to increase the levels of cycle use across MK.
It is hoped that by demonstrating the Council’s long-term commitment to delivering modal change towards cycling in this way, future MK Cycling Alliance partners will be emboldened to become more invested in the organisation.”
On Wednesday 11th September, school and civil society leaders attended the launch of a Mayor’s initiative to make cycles more accessible to MK residents. The event was hosted by Cycle Saviours, the city’s own cycling re-cycling centre.
The Mayor supported Cycle Saviours’ appeal to householders who have bikes which they are not using, to bring them to Cycle Saviours so they can be used by other residents who don’t have a bicycle.
“You can’t enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling if you don’t have a working bike you can ride,” Mayor Marie Bradburn said. “Cycle Saviours helps to address this by providing recycled bicycles at very affordable prices and also repairs. Together with the Council they’re doing all we can to get people on bikes at the start of Autumn.”
The event opened with a welcome from Simon Rudiger, CEO of MK Christian Foundation which runs Cycle Saviours (among other social enterprises) and Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, which supports projects to address transport emissions. Bike Mechanic Ethan Barker explained how bikes are received and recycled.
Cllr Mandy Legg spoke about why increasing cycling matters to MK City Council, and then the Mayor introduced the Year of Schools Cycling, and talked about her personal cycling during Cycle September using the Love To Ride cycling app.
Bikeability instructor Richard Allman spoke about how MK school’s can access the Council’s Bikeability Training , in which schools host Bikeability trainers for 1-3 as they train up to 48 children aged 9-11 to ride on the redways and roads, starting in the playground.
Teachers Richard Hill of Glebe Farm School and Grant Malloch of Coldharbour School spoke about their positive experiences of Bikeability Olympics, in which primary school children compete to demonstrate bikeability skills and win Gold, Silver & Bronze medals.
Then teacher Jake Saville of Two Mile Ash School explained how his school had been involved in a pilot of Bike Bus, involving parent volunteers cycling with a group of pupils, picking up pupils at different points on a route to school.
Cody Jackson, Lord Grey Academy student and MK City Council Youth Councillor, talked about ideas from Youth Council about how to increase youth cycling.
Jane Whild of Voices of Women in MK talked about how to increase the % of women cycling to 50% and gave the results of a recent survey.
Ann Shrimpton, leader of Breeze rides for women, who recently accompanied Olympian cyclist Chris Boardman on a stretch of the ride to the Paris Olympics, talked about what works in encouraging women to cycle: opportunities to cycle, promotion of images of women cycling, confidence, role models, and building a sense of community in cycling by adding coffee & cake stop offs to weekend leisure rides.
David Haggart, Disability and Inclusion Relationship Manager at LEAP With Us , talked about various ways to help people with disabilities to enjoy cycling.
Hayley Roche and Raeesa Chowdhury, MK City Council Transport officers, launched See.Sense bike lights to track cycle usage and identify redway and road issues for cyclists (register here if interested).
Finally Simon Rudiger outlined next steps for the Cycling Citizens MK alliance, and the overarching goal of achieving 7% modal share for cycling in MK, and cyclists being 50% women.
When Phil Berry, 46, locked his bicycle to the bike parking racks at Station Square, so he could get the train to work at King’s College in London, he didn’t expect to come back and find the rack cut through and his bicycle gone. And his D-lock stolen too.
Phil BerrySawn-through bike rack
“At first I felt panic, didn’t know what to do, but made my way home ok,” he said. “Then I immediately came back to take a photo (see photo) and report it to the police. Two days later I got an automated message saying sorry, there’s nothing they can do about it. Now I’ve gone back to getting lifts to the station.
Phil, who grew up in Newport Pagnell, worked 18 years at The Open University and now lives in Shenley Lodge, is not the only one who has had their bicycle stolen from the bike racking outside the Station. According to a survey in Mail Online, nearly 100 bicycles are stolen every year from that location, making Milton Keynes station the worst place to leave your bike in Britain.
“It’s really put me off,” said Phil. “I don’t feel motivated to get a new bike, even a £25 bone shaker, because it seems they’ll steal any bike.”
Kurshida Mirza, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, has pledged action to tackle the issue by organising a meeting between Thames Valley Police and Cycling Citizens MK alliance. She made the pledge before setting off with more than 80 cyclists on a Unity ride through Central Milton Keynes led by MK Mayor Marie Bradburn.
Mayor Bradburn said: “During my Year of Cycling, it’s important we tackle all the issues which are putting people off cycling in MK,” said Mayor Marie. “It’s unfair that MK residents are routinely being stolen from and nothing done to prevent it. As first citizen of MK, I’m not going to stand by. I pledge to help the High Sheriff by involving the Council as well as the police in putting a stop to the bike thefts from Station Square.”
Following research showing only one woman cycling for every three men cycling in MK, the Cycling Citizens Alliance conducted a comprehensive survey to understand the cycling habits and sentiments of residents aged 16 and above in the city. The research collected responses from 286 adults in April 2024.
With a focus on gauging the current level of cycling activity and identifying potential barriers and facilitators to cycling uptake, the survey results shed light on various factors influencing residents’ decisions regarding cycling.
Among the key findings, the survey revealed that 53% (of 286 respondents) cycle occasionally and 27% all the time. Safety concerns emerged as a prominent barrier for the 57 non-cyclists, of which 19% don’t have a bike, 39% are not confident, 32% fear collision and 21% fear stranger danger. Additionally, of 286 respondents, nearly two-thirds say cycling would be easier if redway maintenance, surface quality or lighting was better, 24% if more people cycling on the redway. Among all respondents, Health and wellbeing is ranked as no.1 benefit.
Results
54% of respondents were female, of which 45% over 50, 76% white, 14% disabled
53% (of 286) cycle sometimes, 27% all the time
Among 57 non-cyclists, 19% don’t have a bike and 39% are not confident, 32% fear collision and 21% stranger danger.
81% of female non-cyclists (of 43) would like to start cycling; 23% (10/43) don’t have a bike
Of 229 cyclists, 39% feel unsafe on the roads, 3% don’t feel safe on redways
Of 286 respondents, nearly two-thirds say cycling would be easier if redway maintenance, surface quality or lighting was better, 24% if more people cycling on the redway
Of 286 respondents, health and wellbeing is ranked as no. 1 benefit.
MK Mayor Marie Bradburn met Gold Olympian cyclist Chris Boardman CBE as he stopped off in Milton Keynes on his Pedal to Paris ride to raise environmental awareness.
Photo: Jos Dyer, Madison Cycles
“We had a great conversation,” said the Mayor. “I told Chris about what we’re trying to do here in Milton Keynes and he agreed to connect us with ATE’s regional engagement manager to talk about how we can get more people cycling.” ATE is Active Travel England, the government’s executive agency responsible for making cycling (and walking and wheeling) a preferred travel choice, which Chris leads.
Chris also met Suzanne Moss of Ringway, a member of the Cycling Citizens MK alliance (left in photo below left), and pupils of Two Mile Ash who recently won Gold in the final of MK Bikeability Olympics(with trophy in photo below right) .
Chris then led the riders off on the fourth leg of the Pedal to Paris ride to Bisham Abbey.
Mayor Bradburn rode the first seven miles before turning back to attend scheduled meetings.
15 children and five parents enjoyed the sunniest bike bus ‘FRideDay’ so far – the last ride of the term – with thanks to Brioche Pasquier UK for providing the sweet treats at the end!
This bike bus initiative is part of a national scheme set up by Sustrans and Schwalbe Tyres, and is made possible in MK by a small grant from MK Community Foundation.
The Two Mile Ash bike bus runs Fridays in term time, leaving the ‘Wind in the Willows’ Pentworth Park at 8.10am and picking up students at different points along the route. Any parent interested should contact teacher Jake Saville contact Organiser Tom Bulman at cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.
A similar scheme began at Bushfield School on 24th May (photo story), and it is hoped other MK schools will follow in September.
On Thursday 11th July, 80 cyclists joined the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Kurshida Mirza and Mayor Marie Bradburn on a celebration cycle ride through Central Milton Keynes. Mayor’s Cycling Awards were presented and the High Sheriff pledged to help tackle bicycle thefts from Station Square.
Some arrived at Station Square in group rides from the corners of MK to enjoy free Dr. Bike repairs, free hire bikes, free hot snacks and free samba beats from Panacea Samba.
Following a welcome from Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, and a poem about Peace & Unity from local blogger and cyclist of ‘heart-shaped rides’, Sarah Bayaidah, the High Sheriff spoke about the importance of peace and unity in the region.
She also pledged to help tackle bicycle theft in Station Square: “I am aware that Station Square here is a place where many bicycle thefts occur. According to one report, it happens every four days. As someone quite new to cycling, I am pledging to organise a meeting between Cycle Citizens MK, the Mayor of Milton Keynes and Thames Valley Police to discuss the problem and work towards a solution and to make Station Square a community space we can all be proud of.”
Marimba Carr, Deputy Director of Public Health, and Dr. Thao Nguyen of Parkside Medical Centre, talked about the health benefits of cycling.
MK Mayor Marie Bradburn talked about her vision for a ‘Year of Cycling’. She pledged to focus on children’s Bikeability training (80% target), getting more women cycling (50% target), and helping MK City Council achieve Active Travel England rating 2 for more cycle infrastructure funding to MK.
She presented Mayor’s Cycling Awards:
Bikeability Bronze: Caroline Haslett School
Bikeability Silver: Bushfield School (presented earlier)
Bikeability Gold (shared): Loughton School and Two Mile Ash School
Bikes On Site – Watling Academy (17.4 bikes per 100 students) – collected by Assistant Headteacher Cameron Parks
Caroline Haslett pupilsBushfield School pupilsTwo Mile Ash pupilsWatling Academy
Bikeability certificates were also awarded to two recently trained adults.
After a ride briefing from Dave Lewis of MK Parks Trust, the cyclists set off up Midsummer Boulevard towards the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park.
Then the riders reached The MK Rose.
At the Light Pyramid, cyclists gathered for a group photo
…then left for home.
Thanks to those who led the group rides from four corners of MK:
North-east MK – Councillor Tony Oyakhire and Council Travel Officer Hayley Roche
43 children aged 9-11 participated in this year’s MK Bikeability Olympics final in Middleton Hall, thecentre:mk, on 5th July. Their schools had reached the final through three heats hosted by local schools (Heat 1 on 16th April, Heat 2 on 12th June, Heat 3 on Tues 25th June).
All contestants competed in five events and there were several excellent performances.
Individual medals were awarded as follows (full results):
Bike Detectives – Bronze – Oliver, Cold Harbour; Silver – Aashan, Bushfield; Gold – Rauf, The Premier Academy.
Obstacle Course – Bronze – Alfie, Bushfield; Silver – Arjun, Two Mile Ash; Gold – Reshan, Two Mile Ash.
Slow Race – Bronze – Reshan, Two Mile Ash; Silver – Alfie, Bushfield; Gold – Ito, Two Mile Ash.
Road Ride – Bronze – Amelia, Loughton; Silver – Polina, The Premier Academy; Gold – Zuzannah, Oxley Park.
The overall school trophy winners were: Bronze, Caroline Haslett; Silver, Bushfield; Gold, Loughton and Two Mile Ash (shared following a correction to the results). These schools will collect their engraved trophies from the Mayor before the Peace & Unity Ride through CMK on 11th July.
The medals and trophies were presented by MK Mayor Marie Bradburn and Patrick Jarman of Bikeability Trust UK.
A special award was made to the overall winning student: Alfie, Bushfield School. Alfie received a £50 gift voucher from Beverley Lumsdon, Events Manager of thecenre:mk.
Thanks to all schools who took part in this year’s Bikeability Olympics, and the Bikeability Instructors who set up and adjudicated the events
On Friday 5th July, nine eager Year 4-6 pupils arrived early to the Wolverton Agora bus stop, the meeting point for the weekly Bushfield Bike Bus.
They knew that all Bike Bus riders were going to be offered free cake by the owner of Tea & Toast Cafe on Church Street, Umut Alkpan. Sure enough, there was a large slice of chocolate or cheese cake for all (photo above)!
“It was a bit wet,” said MK’s Mayor Marie Bradburn (pictured below), “but we had a lovely ride despite the weather.”
This bike bus initiative is part of a national scheme set up by Sustrans and Schwalbe Tyres, and is made possible in MK by a small grant from MK Community Foundation.
Bushfield Bike Bus seeks, which began on 24th May (photo story), seeks parent volunteers to help out on Friday mornings next term. If you are interested, contact Cycling Citizens Organiser Tom Bulman at cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.
Barleyhurst, Loughton and The Premier Academy primary schools booked their places in the MK Bikeability Olympics finals on 5th July with impressive performances in Heat 3 on a sunny afternoon at Bushfield School.
Encouraged by the Mayor of Wolverton & Greenleys, Bridget Lewis (photo below(, 26 Year 5-6 pupils from four schools, including Bushfield who already have a team in the final, each competed in five events:
The highest performing individual was Aashan from Bushfield, who scored 21 out of a possible 25 points from the five contests. The Mayor gave him a special reward – to have a go wearing her gold chain! The second highest scoring students was Polina of The Premier Academy (20 points), followed by Ivy of Loughton Primary School (19 points).
The Final on Friday 5th July will be take place at Middleton Hall hosted by thecentre:mk (see last year’s final). All parents are welcome to attend as spectators.
Two Mile Ash and Cold Harbour primary schools booked their places in the MK Bikeability Olympics finals on 5th July with impressive performances on a sunny afternoon at Two Mile Ash School.
Encouraged by MK Mayor Marie Bradburn (top corner above), 21 Year 5-6 pupils from three schools, including Bushfield who already have a team in the final, each competed in five events:
The highest performing individual was Ito from Two Mile Ash, who scored a maximum 5 points from each of the five contests. The Mayor gave him a special reward – to have a go wearing her gold chain!
The third heat will take place at Bushfield School on Tuesday 25th June. The final on Friday 5th July will be take place at Middleton Hall hosted by thecentre:mk (see last year’s final).
New Mayor Marie Bradburn led 31 children on the first ‘bike bus’ pilot to Two Mile Ash School. 7 parents joined the ride.
“I am delighted to be launching this second pilot as part of MK’s Year of Cycling,” she said. “We know that cycling is not only good for your health, research shows it also makes it more likely you’ll earn good money when you leave school.”
This bike bus initiative is part of a national scheme set up by Sustrans and Schwalbe Tyres, and is made possible in MK by a small grant from MK Community Foundation.
The Two Mile Ash bike bus will run on Fridays until mid-July, leaving the ‘Wind in the Willows’ Pentworth Park at 8.10am and picking up students at different points along the route. Any parent interested should contact teacher Jake Saville contact Organiser Tom Bulman at cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.
A similar scheme began at Bushfield School on 24th May (photo story), and it is hoped other MK schools will follow in September.
New Mayor Marie Bradburn led 8 children on a 2km circuit of Wolverton to arrive in time for lessons at Bushfield School.
“I am delighted to be launching this initiative in my first week of MK’s Year of Cycling,” she said. “We know that cycling is not only good for your health, research shows it also makes it more likely you’ll earn good money when you leave school.”
“We’re pleased to be the first school to take part in this scheme as we’ve been promoting cycling for several years,” said Richard Hill, Head of PE at Bushfield School. “Our goal is to teach every child to cycle as a life skill. We hope the bike bus will encourage them to cycle more outside school as well as to and from school.”
This bike bus initiative is part of a national scheme set up by Sustrans and Schwalbe Tyres, and is made possible in MK by a small grant from MK Community Foundation.
The Bushfield bike bus will run on Fridays until mid-July, when it will end with a bike breakfast celebration for all who have taken part.
Children and supporters, including MK Mayor and her consorts Mia and Rhianna, at end of MK’s first bike bus ride to Bushfield School, Wolverton
A similar scheme will begin at Two Mile Ash School on Friday 7th June, and it is hoped other MK schools will follow in September.
If you have a child in Bushfield or Two Mile Ash schools, and would like your child to join the bike bus ride one Friday morning, contact Organiser Tom Bulman at cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.
Following her ‘Year of Cycling in MK’ launch to Full Council earlier on Wednesday evening,
new MK Mayor Marie Bradburn led a community fun ride through Central Milton Keynes on Thursday 16th May.
Logo design by Tim LaydenPhoto by Sarah Bayaidah
Adorned in fresh flowers supplied by MK social enterprise Branch Out,
she was joined by 45 cyclists from all across the city.
After free Dr Bike repairs from Cycle Saviours from 4pm, people gathered with their bikes and were welcomed by Ian Revell of MK Community Foundation and Simon Rudiger of Cycle Saviours.
Ann Shrimpton of Breeze Women’s Cycle Group then introduced Mayor Marie Bradburn.
The Mayor outlined her vision of a ‘Year of Cycling’:
focus on children’s Bikeability training (80% target)
getting more women cycling (50% target)
helping MK City Council achieve Active Travel England rating 2.
Then she presented a special School Cycling Champion award to teacher Jake Saville of Two Mile Ash School.
In response, Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, spoke about what’s needed for MK City Council to achieve Active Travel England rating 2 & what the Council is doing to get there.
Then cycle parking campaigner Hazel Dean explained what’s needed to get bicycle parking at Sainsbury’s in CMK (details below).
After a ride briefing, the cyclists then set off up Midsummer Boulevard, with the Mayor accompanied by riders from Breeze Women’s Cycling Group, from Station Square to Campbell Park Light Pyramid.
Photo by Sarah Bayaidah,
Then a smaller group of cyclists stopped at Sainsbury’s to talk to the store manager about next steps in the campaign for better parking:
What’s currently wrong with the Sainsbury’s bike parking – underground and dangerous to get to with no infrastructure to secure bikes
What we want to see made available for bike parking at Sainsbury’s – better placed and secure racking outside the store with easy access
Why they have turned down helping us – say they have no money for such things even after another year of record profits
What we can do to change their minds – let’s go shopping and show them that cyclist are real people who buy stuff.
That’s another story.
Below: MK 2050 painting by local artist Tim Layden, below, will be hung in the Mayor’s parlour.
Thanks to MK’s outgoing Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Mick and Mandy Legg, for their support of cycling in their mayoral year. At three Mayor’s Cycling Awards events they have presented 23 awards (7 businesses, 16 schools) for achievements in the Business Cycling Challenge and Schools Cycling Challenge.
40 Year 5-6 pupils from six schools participated in Heat 1 of this year’s Bikeability Olympics. Hosted by Bushfield School in Wolverton, and attended by Deputy Mayor Marie Bradburn, who presented the certificates, the Heat ended in a close contest for three team entries in the final at thecentre:mk on 5th July. With just 19 points separating the top five teams, the winning three were: Caroline Haslett (71 points), Bushfield (68 points) and Oxley Park (55 points) – see full results.
Heat 2 will be hosted by Two Mile Ash School on Tuesday 12th June.
On an evening of high wind and rain, a group of 10 hardy cyclists met in Station Square.
After an introduction from Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, a message of cycling support from MK Mayoress Mandy Legg, and prizes for best dressed cyclist (chocolate eggs donated by John Lewis), a large cycling rabbit led the ride up Midsummer Boulevard and across The Hub to Sainsbury’s.
For several months, campaigners have been appealing to Sainsbury’s to provide a few cycle parking spaces to encourage shoppers to cycle, at a cost approximately equal to one minute of Sainsburys’ annual profit. Currently there are none, only an allocated ‘Bicycle Parking’ area in the car park with no fixings, so cycles have to be parked against a nearby road safety railing.
In a recent email response, Sainsburys has said no ‘because of the cost’.
The aim of this action was to politely ask for a reconsideration and to ask where we’re supposed to park our bikes…
The cyclists were eventually met by a duty manager, who received the latest request, along with two draft press releases – ‘Sainsburys says No to cycle parking’ and ‘Sainsburys says Yes to cycle parking’), and agreed to communicate the further appeal to senior managers.
See that funny bunny hop while warming up for the action…
…and later trying to shop.
In a post-action evaluation, the cycling campaigners said they felt energised by the action, satisfied they had progressed the relationship with Sainsburys, and willing to return soon, if necessary, to continue the campaign for a deal.
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families, said: ‘We know children learn more easily when they get enough physical exercise, so cycling or walking to school is a pro-brainer! That’s why MK City Council has set a target of 80% of Year 6 pupils receiving Bikeability training. Now we need more schools and parents to help achieve it.”
Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, said: “We know 40% of our children in MK’s most deprived neighbours are undertaking less than 30 minutes of exercise a day, which is less than medical experts say they need. Walking or cycling to school is such an easy way for children and young people to get the exercise they need. We want to do all we can to help with this.”
Cllr Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Tackling Social Inequalities, said: “One in five MK households has no access to a car, so freedom to travel around our city is in issue of social equality. For people who live in these households, we want to make walking and cycling as safe and attractive as we can.”
Jim Parker, Executive Principal of Lord Grey and Stantonbury secondary schools, will say: “There are obvious health benefits to having twice daily exercise. It could be the start of a lifetime exercise habit. I used to cycle to school every day and still do cycle to work when I can. There are big social benefits too of being with your friends as you walk, scoot or cycle to school.”
Julie Dawes, Events & Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust, a founder member of Cycling CitizensMK alliance, said: “We welcome this report. We encourage people to walk and cycle in our parks, and we’re pleased the ‘Follow the Rabbit’ ride will end at the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park so everyone can enjoy the view.”
On Thursday 14th March, primary school leaders from across Milton Keynes received Mayor’s Cycling Awards for their achievements in Bikeability training and Modeshift STARS progress. The event was hosted by Ringway Infrastructure Services and attended by 25 guests. Awards were also made to secondary schools which have excelled in the MK Secondary Schools Cycling Challenge.
After a welcome from Ringway’s Daniel Mullins, and an update on the Cycling Citizens alliance’s data monitoring from Michael Pattinson of PWC, Organiser Tom Bulman presented the summary findings of the new report on Year 7 cycling to school.
MK Mayor and Mayoress Mick and Mandy Legg presented the following awards:
Top Cycling Secondary School (most cycles on site per 100 students in March 2024) – Glebe Farm School (10.7)
Top Cycling Primary School (most progress on Modeshift STARS) – Cold Harbour (‘Very Good’), Two Mile Ash (‘Good’), Barleyhurst (‘Approved’)
Top Cycling Primary School (high % Year 5 & 6 pupils on Bikeability training in 2023-24) –Knowles (68.5%), Barleyhurst (56.9%)
Bikeability Champion Schools pledging 80% participation by March 2025 – Giffard Park, The Premier Academy, Two Mile Ash.
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families (main picture above), spoke about the importance of MK City Council’s target of 80% children receiving Bikeability training and pledged to promote the recommendations of the report (above). Bikeability instructors Richard Allman and Maria Riding spoke about the progress primary schools are making in Bikeability training and in using the Modeshift STARS platform for recording and monitoring achievements in promoting active travel.
Jane Whild, of Voices of Women in Milton Keynes, talked about the recently launched campaign to increase cycling by women and asked all attendees to complete this survey
and encourage others to do the same. Ann Shrimpton, leader of Breeze rides for women, celebrated last week’s ride to celebrate International Women’s Day, and Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, outlined the upcoming City rides planned in March, May, July, September, December) including the Follow The Rabbit ride on Thursday 28th March.
Finally attendees had a chance to see up close an e-assisted quadra-cycle (see below), similar to the one intended for next year’s MK Mayor, as outlined by Tristan Allen of Fully-charged e-bikes.
Other winners unable to attend were:
Top Cycling Secondary School (most students in Year 7 travel survey) – Watling Academy (220)
Top Cycling Secondary School (highest % students in Year 7 travel survey) – Kents Hill Park (91%)
Top Cycling Secondary School (most cycling promotion initiatives) – Walton High (7)
Initial research by the Cycling Citizens MK alliance suggests only 23% of cycle journeys in MK are by women. Volunteer researchers simply counted cyclists using redways in the last 10 days of January and found 131 male and 32 female.
“It’s a justice issue,” said Jane Whild of Voices of Women in MK, a partnership of women’s organisations to champion women’s voices to bring about change. “Women’s equal access to cycling must be designed in to City plans. Other research by Lime Bikes (‘Tackling the gender pedal gap’) shows only 19% of female cyclists feel sale riding alone at night and 91% face barriers to cycling. To make progress, we must understand the barriers.”
Hazel Dean, another member of the research group, said: “For me the barrier was my confidence. By joining the short cycle ride through CMK organised by Cycling Citizens on Thursdays, I now have the confidence to cycle around where I live.”
In partnership with MK City Council, Jane Whild has created a short online survey, https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CyclingMK/, and wants at least 1,000 MK residents, female and male, to complete it.
Kurshida Mirza, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in Nomination 2024-25, said: “I’d love to cycle more around Milton Keynes, but I don’t feel very confident on my bike yet. I’m interested to see what other women are saying about why they don’t cycle”.
Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “As a regular cyclist I know what some of the barriers to cycling are. Given the Council’s goal of reducing carbon emissions, and our principle of equal access to transport facilities, we urge as many adults as possible to fill in the short survey.”
Shoppers stopped to cheer and wave as 135 MK residents, including MK’s Deputy-Mayor and senior councillors, cycled through the city centre in Santa suits.
At 10.30am on Saturday 16th December, the Cycling Santas rallied at Station Square for a short ride to Campbell Park. Following last year’s pilot ride, this was a rehearsal for a formal world record attempt next year, which will encourage 500 people to participate. The event was reported by BBC News (online story) and ITV Anglia News (TV report).
Father Christmas (aka actor Dave Lovesy) led the proceedings with some hilarity.
As well as creating fun, the event brought together leaders from different business, education and community organisations who are members or supporters of a new broad-based alliance to get more people cycling in MK, especially children.
It was an opportunity to hear from civic and political leaders about their visions for cycling in MK and secure important pledges.
Dame Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, said: “I am totally behind MK Council’s ambition to find ways to get more children cycling to school. Walking and cycling are good for people, places, and the planet which is at the heart of my sustainability focus as High Sheriff.”
Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing & Healthy Communities, said: “Research shows active travel leads to longer, healthier lives. I pledge to do all I can to help MK City Council make walking and cycling easier and more attractive to MK residents.”
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families said: “We know cycling to school makes a big difference to children’s health and wellbeing. We want more children and young people to cycle to school. Last year MK Council delivered Bikeability Training to 35% of all 9-11-year-olds and we’re doing all we can to increase it to 60% this year. I pledged to work with our schools to find ways we can work together with the Cycling Citizens alliance to achieve this goal, and get to 80% by 2025.”
Mayor’s Cycling Awards were presented by Deputy-Mayor Cllr Marie Bradburn:
Organisation with most registered riders – MK Breeze Women’s Cycling Group (16 riders)
School with most registered riders – Two Mile Ash (20 riders)
On Thursday 23rd November, Madison Cycles’ CEO Dom Langan welcomed 34 people from 19 MK’s businesses and education organisations to celebrate the results of this term’s MK Business Cycling Challenge and MK Schools Cycling Challenge.
“It was a pleasure to host the Cycling Citizens MK awards at Madison and to be joined by the Mayor and Lady Mayoress,” said Dom afterwards. “There were some emotional speeches about how cycling has changed their lives and some inspirational speeches about how teaching children to cycle is changing their lives for the better. Milton Keynes is very lucky to have such a motivated group of people promoting cycling for our community.”
After an update on Cycling CitizensMK’s strategy from Malcolm Davies of Trek Bikes and Michael Pattinson of PWC, Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Action on Climate Change, gave her reflections on the importance of cycling to MK. She pledged to attend a meeting with the Cycling CitizensMK strategy group in the next three months.
Awards were then presented by Mayor & Mayoress Mick & Mandy Legg:
Top Cycling Secondary School (most students in Year 7 travel survey and most cycles on site per 100 students) – Watling Academy (220 Year 7 students, 12.4 bikes per 100) – collected by Assistant Headteacher Cameron Parks (first picture below).
Top Cycling Company (biggest increase in cycles on site compared with May23) – The Open University (9%) – collected by the OU’s Jodi Houghton (third picture below)
Top Cycling Company (most cycles on site per 100 employees) – Gemini Rail Services (7 bicycles)
Best new cycle parking provision – Unity Place – collected by Nathan Kennard (pictured above)
Services to Cycling – Ringway Infrastructure Services, for maintaining roads and redways through winter.
Then John Wilkinson of Volkswagen Financial Services spoke about ‘What we have done to increase cycling among our staff’ (pictured below)
and Sarah James from MK City Council spoke about ‘How cycling helps achieve Healthy Workplace Standards’.
Teachers Rich Hill of Bushfield Primary School and Jake Saville of Two Mile Ash School (pictured afterwards below) talked about ‘What we have done to increase cycling among our pupils’,
Simon Rudiger, CEO of MK Christian Foundation/Cycle Saviours, talked about ‘How we help MK access and fix bicycles’ and Mary King gave her personal testimony of e-bike benefit.
Richard Allman & Paul Hammond of MK Council Bikeability talked about routine Bikeability training in primary schools and the upcoming Bikeability Olympics 2024 competition. And Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, encouraged people to sign up for Cycling Santas 2023. As well as fun, this will be an opportunity to get pro-cycling pledges from Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families: Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing & Healthy Communities; Cllr Marie Bradburn, MK’s Deputy-Mayor; and Dr. Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire.
Finally Jane Whild of Voices of Women in MK and Ann Shrimpton of Broughton Cycling Group, talked about the importance of including women when planning for cycle promotion in MK.
Then more refreshments were served, courtesy of Madison Cycles.
A survey of MK City Councillors received 29 responses (51% response rate). The survey was designed and administered by the Cycling CitizensMK alliance in December 2023.
The survey shows that 46% of Councillors normally travel by car, 33% travel by foot and 8% travel by bicycle. 49% (13 respondents) would like to cycle more often.
Reasons for actual travel mode currently used most often:
Without a car, and still recovering from a broken hip, buses are the only way to travel in MK
I don’t have a car. I occasionally get a lift with my partner of somewhere is difficult to get to by public transport but usually walk or get a bus/train.
Disabled need mob taxi or bus
Taxi
Car for convenience, walking for exercise.
There is no bus service where I live and my bicycle was stolen a few months ago.
I use the car most often as I am doing longer distances that are not feasible by bus or I need to carry a lot of stuff with me.
No buses available from where I live. I am too old to cycle 27 miles to work. I am also disabled.
I’m 82
Convenient, healthy
Although I have a bus pass, due to the cutting of the no.1 no.2 bus service to the Tickford street area of the town, unable to use the buses, especially as my wife is disabled & would not be able to walk to town centre. I do not use the connect service, as so poor service, where even if you get to destination, it is extremely difficult to get one back.
convenience and cost
Most convenient, direct and time efficient
Commuting to work, and living in a village with few connecting footpaths/cycleways means car is the most feasible mode of transport.
I live in Lavendon so need to drive to MK
More convenient
Because MK does not have a reliable or efficient bus service and it not save to carry shopping etc. on a bicycle
environmentally friendly
Convenience
its too far to walk and there are no safe routes for cycling
Convenience & reliability
health issues prevent me cycling. Timetables prevent the reliable use of buses or MKConnect. Too far to walk.
Convenience and exercise
Travel to London from MK. Walk from car as not sure how safe cycle parking is at MK station. You hear of bikes being stolen by the minute nationwide alas. I cant see any cameras covering the cycle sheds!!
I live in a village and will walk to the places I need to go to. If I’m going to the allotment I will cycle and if I’m going further afield I use the car.
Cycling is the healthy option. Walking is my second choice of transport and for pleasure.
Distance from home and lack of cycle routes from Olney to MK
Reasons given for preferring a different travel mode for most journeys:
What reason(s) do you have for your preferred mode of transport?
It would mean i was fully fit again
It’s a quick way of getting round the city. Would be better if there were more route options/it was possible to pay a day rate for unlimited bus use so that destinations which require multiple buses to get to don’t cost quite as much. Would cycle but I have a disability which affects my balance so can’t ride a bike.
Mk connect but not reliable enough
would like to use public transport, but far to unreliable and un easy to use in Milton keynes
I enjoy walking!
I would be happy to cycle shorter distances but cannot afford to replace my stolen bike.
I would like buses to be a viable option to be more environmentally friendly
I cannot physically manage any other form of transport.
I can’t really expect to change much at my age. I wish I’d cycled more when I could.
Could help car travel but not convenient as it is
If the bus service was available where we live, we would use it.
my local bus is subject to too many cancellations (no.4)
I enjoy bike riding and it keeps me fit
If there was a cycleway connecting the village of Lavendon to the town of Olney, there would be increased opportunity to use more sustainable travel methods, like cycling.
I can’t walk to MK but I’d like to walk to Olney. There are many villages which would like safer ways to walk to a neighbouring community
I live in a remote area
Because we are never going to have a reliable and cheap bus service, Walking is to far and taxi’s are too expensive
environmentally friendly
Environment & health
I prefer to cycle or walk when I make a journeys. MK is too far to walk but cycling that distance would be fine if we could connect to the redway system
Exercise to promote better health
I approve of bus travel and would prefer it to driving at night but the buses finish too early sometimes and are too unreliable.
I would use a bike more often if electric and more bike stations around MKCC
Had a hip operation recently and building up my leg muscles again before cycling. Need more secure cycle parking around MK
To keep fit and its more environmentally friendly.
Cycling is always my first choice.
Train – kinder to environment than other power driven transport
I would like to cycle more but there is a lack of safe, segregated cycle routes from Olney to MK
I mostly walk then less so car, no other options viable.
Deputy Mayoress Marie Bradburn joined leaders from member organisations and supporters to launch the Cycling CitizensMK alliance at Campbell Park Pavilion.
“We’re pleased to be hosting this, proud to be a founder member,” said Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager for The Parks Trust.
Nudrat Hopper and Tom Bulman, both Community Organisers of Citizens UK, talked about the method of Organising which has been used to build the alliance.
Malcolm Davies of Trek Bikes and Daniel Mullins of Ringway Infrastructure Services agreed to serve as co-chairs, at least initially.
Daniel’s Ringway colleague Suzanne Moss presented a draft survey to find out more about why people don’t cycle – and also details of an electric assisted pedal vehicle which could be made into the MK Mayoress’ chariot next year. Cllr Bradburn agreed to ride in provided room for another person in the carriage.
The meeting also heard about a recent application for funding of a Cycling Transition 567 project to increase cycling among school pupils in Years 5-7, and powerful and challenging testimony from Suze Miller, author of a report on ‘How people use and value their cars‘ while a student at The Open University.
Following last year’s inaugural city status celebration ride (photo story & video), 90 cyclists from across the city rallied at The Old Bus Station to thank MK City Council for its leadership and ambition in recent efforts to promote cycling to school and work.
Business and school leaders were welcomed by the High Sheriff of Buckingham and Mayor’s Cycling Awards were presented.
Before the presentations, Cycle Saviours provided Dr. Bike services, Panacea Samba band played music and cyclists met a cycling dinosaur and automota created from bicycle parts by Festive Road.
There was also a break-dancing display from Kev Kallon and free hot food from Namji’s Restaurant.
While the awards are being presented, free hot snacks will be provided by Namji Restaurant.
After a welcome from Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation (pictured below left), there was a speech from Dame Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire (pictured below centre), who later joined the cycle ride. “Cycling plays an important role in tackling inequality and reducing inclusion,” she said. “MK’s cycling infrastructure is for everyone, not just cycling fanatics.” She pledged to join a Mayor’s Cycling Breakfast next year and promote cycling at other events across the county.
Victoria Miles MBE, CEO of The Parks Trust (pictured above right), spoke about how MK’s parks provide excellent opportunities for leisure cycling as well as routes to school and work.
Then the Mayor’s Cycling Awards were presented by Deputy-Mayor Marie Bradburn.
Top Cycling Companies (based on results here) were introduced by Grant Wildman of Schwalbe Tyres, pledging a prize set of new Green Marathon tyres to the winner:
Top Company Cycling Promotion Initiatives (per 100 employees) – 1st place, Gemini Rail Services (2.36) –collected by David Smith
Top Company Cycling Promotion Initiatives (per 100 employees)– 2nd place, ICAEW (0.80) – collected by Liz Tribe
Top Company Cycling Promotion Initiatives (per 100 employees) – 3rd place,Volkswagen Financial Services (0.43) – collected by Mel Welburn.
Bikeability Olympics 2022-23 awards for primary schools, introduced by Nicky Newlands, Bikeability Instructor, who announced that MK City Council has provided Bikeability cycle training to 20,000 local people in the past 10 years, including 2,187 in 2022-23:
Gold Award – Bushfield – collected by pupils
Silver Award – Giles Brook – collected by pupil Thomas Winepress
Bronze Award – Two Mile Ash – collected by teacher Jake Saville.
Then Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families (pictured below), talked about why and how MK City Council wants to increase cycling among Year 7 school students.
And Murray Woodburn, the Council’s new Head of Traffic & Transportation (pictured below), talked about why and how MK City Council wants to improve its national Active Travel rating.
Then Eliza Ahad, Year 8 student from Stantonbury Campus (pictured below), spoke about why she likes cycling.
“Cycling gives me freedom to explore my neighbourhood and makes me feel independent,” she said. “I like cycling around my area, but would like it even better if more other people of my age did it too.”
Then Councillor Nolan accepted a gift for Council leader Pete Marland, to say thank you for including in the Council’s new Delivery Plan a goal to increase MK’s Active Travel rating from 1 to 2 in the next one year and also a goal to support a pilot project to get more Year 7 pupils cycling to school. Both Cllr Nolan and Officer Woodburn pledged to continue their support for these initiatives.
After a safety briefing from Dave Lewis of MK Parks Trust (route map & risk assessment), the cyclists set off up Midsummer Boulevard for a ride to the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park.
Free bikes for the event
People were invited to take up the Nextbike of free Santander bicycle use for three hours. “We want to be part of the MK community,” said nextbike’s Leigh Richards, “really want to be engaged with it.”
Cyclists using the Better Points app were given an extra 250 Better Points on their account for recording a cycle ride of more than half a mile to Campbell Park between 5 and 6.30pm.
Thanks to Ringway Infrastructure Servicesfor providing cones.
On Friday 7th July, 36 Year 5-6 pupils from 9 primary schools competed in the final of Bikeability Olympics 2023 at Sports Central in Central Milton Keynes. This followed heats in March, May and June.
Events included an obstacle course (pictured above), relay race, slow race, bike detectives (organised by Cycle Saviours) and road ride. Each event tested different cycling skills taught to 2,000 pupils in Bikeability training sessions run by MK City Council over the past school year.
In a close contest, Bushfield School took team Gold (pictured above), with Giles Brook running second to take Silver (pictured below left) and Two Mile Ash taking Bronze (pictured below right).
Presenting the awards, Emily Cherry, CEO of Bikeability Trust UK, commended the pupils’ skills and attitude. She thanked the organisers and instructors for creating Bikeability Olympics. “It’s the only one of its kind in the country,” she said. “You should all be proud of what you’ve achieved.”
MK Mayor Cllr Mick Legg (pictured left below), told the children, teachers and parents: “Our Council is proud of what you’ve done. We want more children to cycle to school.”
Thanks to all teachers and parents who enabled their children to participate in Bikeability Olympics 2022-23.
Photos by Erin and Zdenka Mgbolu
Final presentations
Engraved trophies were presented to each of the winning schools by Deputy-Mayor Marie Bradburn at the CMK Carnival Cycle Ride on 13th July.
Supported by
With their European head office and Campbell Wharf store in Milton Keynes, Trek is excited to be part of this project encouraging kids and families to enjoy all the benefits that cycling brings.
in partnership with
MK Council has a goal to make Milton Keynes the UK’s leading city for cycle infrastructure.
and
with thanks too for support from Martin Swift of Cycle Saviours and Chris Barltrop of Avanti Cycling.
On Sunday 2nd July, 850 Fishermead residents took part in a celebration of the estate’s history, diversity and positivity. There was dancing, singing, a portrait photo booth, sports competition, games, an array of cultural dress and abundant world food stalls supported by donations from local businesses.
In the first screening of a new film, hosted by Fishermead Mosque, residents talked about their pride in the estate. The children of Jubilee Wood School sang a new song about Fishermead (hear song in film below).
A scale model of the original 1970s plan for the area was also exhibited at the Mosque.
Visiting dignitaries including MK’s Mayor and Mayoress, the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and the MP for MK North, said how impressed they were with the friendliness and creativity of residents.
Xtrim Hair & Beauty Salon won Gold in the Fishermead Business Olympics, with Freestyle Cosmetics running a close second for Silver, and Testimony Ghanaian Cuisine taking Bronze. The Cooperative Convenience Store won a special award for Services to the Community as did outgoing Chair of Campbell Park Parish Council, Terry Baines.
“We will do this again next year!” said MC Joey Acheampong (above).
“Everyone wanted to say something positive as they were leaving,” said Ruth Legh-Smith, one of the volunteers managing the road closure (seated in photo below). “As someone who hasn’t lived here very long, I can’t help thinking that these are all competent, sensible, lovely people, and maybe this is isn’t recognised much.”
Some residents’ comments:
“What a day for Fishermead!”
“It brought the community together”
“It was great to have the police there”
“Amazing food. The queues for food didn’t get any shorter.”
“So good for the kids. The games were good.”
“Any kid who comes to this will grow up knowing Fishermead as a good place “
“The event was spectacular in an area known for a lack of affluence.”
“All the litter was collected during the event (by volunteers from the Seventh Day Adventist Church) and removed soon afterwards.”
The Organising team thanks everyone who helped to make the event happen, including MK Community Foundation and Campbell Park Parish Council for a small grant and help with road closures, Fishermead Trinity Centre for looking after the volunteers, Return MK for delivering quality sound from the stage, Samaritans MK and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers for running advice stands, MK Police for being part of the party, New Bradwell SEN Dept for baking the Pirate Ship cake, Chinese Overseas Church Mission for running a Chinese Calligraphy stall, Pebbles Children’s Centre and Acorn Nursery for running children’s play activities, The Co-op and Fishermead Mosque for allowing use of their car parking spaces, The Seventh-day Adventist Church for hosting planning meetings and printing,
and The Living Archive for making the new film. Thanks too, to the local shops who donated food and drink: Convenience Store & Off Licence, Evergreen Foods, Sabeeh Mini Market, Testimony Ghanaian Cuisine, The Co-op and XLN Take Away.
This event, and the wider Fishermead Citizens project, was supported by funding from MK Community Foundation, Campbell Park Parish Council and donations from Councillors Donna Fuller, Sue and Val Dixon.
On Friday 30th June at Sports Central in CMK, Loughton School progressed to the Final of Bikeability Olympics 2023 on 7th July. There they will join Bushfield and Two Mile Ash, whose second teams also progressed to the final.
In drizzly weather, 26 pupils from 7 schools competed in each of five contests, including a road ride around Loughton.
“Thanks to all (Bikeability) instructors for another amazing event today,” said Jake Saville, Head of PE & Enrichment Coordinator at Two Mile Ash.
The final results were as follows (3 points for a contest win, 2 for 2nd place, 1 for 3rd place):
Schools
Two Mile Ash – 14 points
Loughton – 6 points
Bushfield – 4 points
New Bradwell – 3 points
Water Hall – 3 points
Individuals
Marshall B, Two Mile Ash – 6 points
Darragh B-A, Two Mile Ash – 4 points
Ito P, Two Mile Ash – 3 points
Natalia Hearn-Kasimi, Loughton – 3 points
Patrik Konya, New Bradwell – 3 points
Thushani Suseelan, Water Hall – 3 points
Lauren Townsend, MK City Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Realm, presented the certificates and encouraged them to continue cycling.
Supported by
With their European head office and Campbell Wharf store in Milton Keynes, Trek is excited to be part of this project encouraging kids and families to enjoy all the benefits that cycling brings.
in partnership with
MK Council has a goal to make Milton Keynes the UK’s leading city for cycle infrastructure.
On Thursday 6th July, 20 leaders from 13 business and education institutions attended the third Mayor’s Cycle Breakfast & Awards of the year, which was hosted by The Open University (photo story of last one on 16th March). The meeting was organised by Cycling CitizensMK, a project funded by grants from MK City Council’s Economic Recovery Fund and Capability Fund, using monies from Active Travel England and the Department for Transport.
Following a welcome from event Chair Deborah Cooper, of MK Cycle Forum, Professor Nick Braithwaite, VCE Sponsor for Sustainability and Executive Dean at The OU gave an opening address: “We aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. I see it as my job, stimulated by this morning, to increase the number of people cycling to The Open University. You can rely on us doing our bit as a relatively large employer in the region.”
Then Adam Sciberras, Special Projects Director of MK Development Partnership, shared some of the ideas driving MK planning for 2050. “For too long the city has been steered by a small group of people who have lived here a long while. We’re trying to listen to those people who are moving here and will be here in the future. We’re trying to introduce cycling as a more sustainable way of getting around the city.”
Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Sustainability, said: “As a city we need to not just take our cycling infrastructure for granted and think, well obviously we’re going to be an active travel city, and think more about what that network needs to look like so people can use it efficiently.
“The way I am trying to work in my role and to promote active travel and public transport is to bring it into the round, so it’s about making the conversation not just about cycling, but about the health benefits of active travel, and frame it around poverty.”
Murray Woodburn, the Council’s new Head of Traffic & Transport, will say: “There are some things we can do which are quick wins. Lighting, surfacing, priorities and removing obstructions, are relatively cheap and can be done relatively quickly.”
Then the Top Cycling Company awards were presented by MK Mayor Mick Legg and Mayoress Mandy Legg based on bike counts and the number of cycling promotion initiatives undertaken (full results here). The winners were: The Open University, Network Rail, Niftylift, MK Council and Volkswagen Financial Services. Walton High won the Top Cycling School award.
The OU’s Neville the Newt also visited.
The meeting also enjoyed presentations from Dave Lewis of The Parks Trust, Chris Brittain of Walton High and Clive Faine of Abbeygate and MK Cycle Forum, and finally heard from Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, about the upcoming CMK Carnival Cycle Ride on Thursday 13th July.
35 pupils from five MK primary schools tested their cycling skills in the second heat of MK Bikeability Olympics 2023. The event was held at Middleton Hall, thanks to thecentre:mk management, attracting parents and passing shoppers to enjoy the spectacle.
Pupils competed over five contests, including an obstacle course, slow race, relay race and a road ride in Central Milton Keynes.
After a close contest, pupils from Slated Row and The Premier Academy were edged out by pupils from Bushfield, Giles Brook and Caroline Haslett schools, who now proceed to meet Barleyhurst and Two Mile Ash schools in the final on Friday 7th July. The final heat will take place at Sports Central on Friday 30th June, for which registration is still open – click link to sign up here.
Presenting the awards, Matthew John, Development Director for MyMiltonKeynes, said: “It’s important to us all – businesses and individual citizens alike – that more people cycle, starting with our youngest citizens!”
Cycling CitizensMK recently scored an important win: inclusion of specific pro-cycling goals in the Council’s Delivery Plan 23/24 (pts 73 & 74). Setting the goal of achieving Level 2 or higher with Active Travel England opens the prospect of additional funding from central government to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in Milton Keynes.
This win came about through a meeting with Cllr Pete Marland, leader of MK City Council, on 16th May. Cycling CitizensMK was represented by three leaders: James Heslop, Director of Strategy at Network Rail; Jim Parker, Executive Principal of Tove Learning Trust (Lord Grey Academya nd Stantonbury School); and Nicky Newlands, Bikeability Trainer.
Each leader gave testimony of their different interests in promoting cycling (for employees’ health, for improved routes to school, for cycling skills development) and listened to Cllr Marland’s explanation of Council priorities and constraints. They requested that he prioritise: a) achieving ATE Level 2; b) supporting a new initiative to promote cycling to school.
A few days after the meeting, the two requests were included in the Council’s Delivery Plan for the year ahead.
This follows a successful Redways Relaunch campaign of 2017 which won a pledge from Cllr Marland as Council Leader to make 50 specific improvements to the redways around five schools. In the end, the Council made 253 improvements.
Adam Sciberras (second from left of left photo above) & Dominic H (middle of right photo)
While the awards were being presented, free hot snacks were provided by Namji’s Restaurant in Xscape.
MC Richard Allman of MK Bikeability introduced Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Sustainability, who gave a short speech about why cycling is important to the Council’s plans to promote active travel.
She talked about the health and sustainability benefits of cycling. “We must get people out of their cars,” she said. “We must make it easier for people to use cycle routes or any new infrastructure we build to allow them to get to places they need to go” (see video from Paul Lane).
Julie Dawes & Lutin Smuts of The Parks Trust talked about the launch of its new 30 Mile Cycle Challenge.
Richard Allman briefed riders on the Cycling Egg Hunt challenge through CMK to Campbell Park Light Pyramid. This involved cycling to collect mystery numbers along Midsummer Boulevard.
Six teams contested the challenge.
The challege was won by a four-person team including the winner of last year’s Cycle Egg Hunt, Miles Gray (pictured second from left below, with Elaine Wales second from right).
A large chocolate Easter egg prize was presented by Elaine Wales of John Lewis,
with additional chocolate eggs donated by Liz Tribe of ICAEW.
Finally three contestants took part in the Pyramid Leap challenge, a timed competition to cycle down the pyramid hill, around the nearest tree and back to the top.
This contest was won by Tam Sheikh of Trek Bikes, who received a £25 prize.
Free bike vouchers for the Cycle Egg Hunt were made available by nextbike “We want to be part of the MK community,” said nextbike’s Leigh Richards, “really want to be engaged with it.”
Nextbike enables a user friendly service that supports cities in creating sustainable and integrated travel solutions.
The next big ride through CMK will be on Thursday 13th July (see calendar for details). All welcome.
On a cold Friday afternoon, 13 students from Barleyhurst and Two Mile Ash primary schools competed in the first heat of Bikeability Olympics 2023 (won by Giles Brook last year – see story).
Both schools proceeded through to the finals which we be held on 7th July (see details).
The highest scoring individual winners (full results below) were:
1st place – Reshan Mohanathas, Two Mile Ash
2nd place – Sophie Christie, Barleyhurst
3rd place – Kaydi Mcmanus, Barleyhurst.
Presenting the certificates, Cllr Emily Darlington, MK City Council Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, said: “It’s good for Milton Keynes to have young people cycling and these contestants show a good example to us all.”
Joe Passmore, Deputy Headteacher of Barleyhurst Primary School, ,said: “Despite the wind and rain, pupils completed the various cycling challenges with enthusiasm and enjoyment. It was fantastic to see their team spirit as they cheered each other on to be the best that they could be. A lovely afternoon.”
Jake Saville, Head of PE & Enrichment Coordinator at Two Mile Ash School, said: “The children had a great time taking on the five challenges which tested their cycling skills and knowledge. The Bikeability instructors provided the children with lots of support, encouragement and most importantly made sure they enjoyed themselves! It was a wonderful event and we look forward to being involved again in the future.”
Richard Allman, Bikeability Instructor who organised the Obstacle Course event, said: “It was great to see how the children had developed & improved their riding skills since completing the Level 2 course.”
Leaders from MK business, Council and voluntary organisations reacted positively to the findings of a large-scale survey of students’ travel behaviours and attitudes.
The survey of 2500 secondary school students showed 12% of Year 7 students cycle to school while 50% are driven. And of those living within a 15-minute cycle ride, nearly 40% are driven.
The report recommends action from schools and MK City Council to promote cycling to school in order to achieve personal health & wellbeing and net-zero carbon goals.
Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, said: “If we could get more people cycling for leisure, exercise and transport, we could transform the mental health of people in this city.”
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families, said: “Imagine the difference we could make if we could get 1000 more Year 7 students cycling to school rather than being driven. Promoting cycling from the earliest age is so important. Talking to parents about how their children can cycle safely to school is vital. I am certain we can increase the 12% who are currently cycling.”
Top Cycling Company (most cycles on site one day) – Niftylift
Top Cycling Company (biggest increase in cycles on site since December) – Volkswagen Financial Services
Top Cycling School (most students in travel survey) – Walton High
Top Cycling School (most bicycles at school one day), 3rd Place – Lord Grey Academy
Walton HighLord Grey SchoolVolkswagen Financial ServicesDenzel Onyango and Daniel Molnar collect Niftylift’s award for Top Cycling Company (most cycles on site) in March
Bikeability Instructor Dave Lewis outlined plans for the launch of Bikeability Olympics 2023 (to video of Bikeability Olympics 2022).
Jacqueline Fairclough of MK City Council’s Transport Planning team announced the launch of Better Points 2023, the app which enables MK residents to accumulate points for goods and services or charity donations simply by walking, cycling or using public transport.
Finally Clive Faine of MK Cycle Forum and Malcolm Davies of Trek Bikes talked about the need to follow up the report, and the MK Cycle City Vision meeting at Trek Bikes on 2.2.23, and plan next steps towards building a sustainable alliance of business and voluntary organisations to help the Council increase cycling.
Michael Pattinson, Director of Mobility at PWC, explained there would be a follow-on meeting for potential alliance members across the road at PWC. At this meeting, it was agreed that a prospectus would be drawn up for potential members to consider and respond to within the next month.
20 Fishermead leaders, residents and former residents met to plan activities for the 50th birthday celebration on Sunday 2nd July – updated details here.
22 leaders attended a one-day training on the 5 steps to social change at Water Eaton Church Centre, south Milton Keynes. Participants came from as near as the immediate vicinity and as far as Hong Kong.
Participants practised 121s and learned about the process of building relational power for action to achieve social change.
At the end, they shared actions they were now planning to take in their communities.
In post-training evaluation, participants scored it 8 out of 10.
