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City leaders agree action to close gender pedal gap and strengthen Redway network
City leaders, police officers and transport chiefs in Milton Keynes agreed a series of practical commitments to active travel at the MK Cycling Summit 2026, hosted last week by The Open University.
143 people representing 53 local schools, businesses, civic institutions, charities and cycling groups took part, sharing real evidence and personal testimony of what's needed to make cycling in Milton Keynes work better for everyone, particularly women and girls, who currently make up less than a quarter of the city's regular cyclists. The event was chaired by Baroness Ann Limb, DBE, and opened with a video address from the Leader of MK City Council, Cllr Jane Carr.
20 commitments were agreed during the summit's afternoon session, including:
‘School Streets’ at Cold Harbour, Loughton and Two Mile Ash schools
Factoring gender differences into the planning of Redways
‘Healthy Streets’ and gender-perspective training for Councillors and officers
Publication of Redway Design Manual
Redway-prioritised road crossings pilot
Annual report to Council on Walking & Cycling in the city
Meeting to discuss secure cycle parking hub at MK Central Station
One-day closure of Midsummer Boulevard for 60th birthday celebration
Redway maintenance at specific locations
Meeting to discuss planning for new MK BMX Hub.
Cllr Kerrie Bradburn, Cabinet Member of Highways & Transport, said: “It was good to see so many different groups represented in the room and the song from the schoolchildren was a treat! I was pleased to make various pledges of action over the coming year and look forward to working with the Cycling Citizens MK alliance going forward.”
Cllr Shazna Muzzamil, Conservative Group leader, said: “I was very happy to attend and show support on behalf of my group. In Milton Keynes, we’re so lucky to have a fantastic network of Redways that allow people to cycle safely away from traffic. But some of our Redways need a lot of love and care. Maintenance really needs to be a priority.”
The day began with a commuter "Bike Bus" ride from Station Square,
Dave Lewis of MK Parks Trust and other 'Bike Bus' riders arrive at The Open University.
and included a keynote address from Susannah Walker, founder of In Her Place, research presentations from The Open University and University of the West of England, advice from Cycling UK. Mayor's Cycling Awards were presented to MK-based companies including Network Rail, Red Bull Technology, Camphill MK, Sustainable MK, Volkswagen Financial Services and MK University Hospital.
Dr. Miguel Valdez, Dr Jitka Vseteckova & Dr Linda Plowright-Pepper share research findings.
A highlight of the day was the performance of Cold Harbour School choir, which sang a celebration song after the awards were presented. Some of the visiting schoolchildren were welcomed personally in the morning by Professor Ian Pickup, Pro-Vice Chancellor of The Open University.
Professor Ian Pickup, Pro Vice Chancellor, welcomes children and staff from Cold Harbour, Loughton and Two Mile Ash schools to The Open University.
“I was glad to contribute,” said Sgt Simon Norman of Thames Valley Police, “and I look forward to meeting with Cycling Citizens before Christmas to discuss the issues relating to cycle theft in CMK and discuss a campaign to address the issues.”
"Today showed what's possible when residents, schools, businesses and city leaders sit down together,” said Ann Shrimpton, Co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK. “We've heard clear commitments, and we're looking forward to working with the council and our partners to see them through."
“I was happy and honoured to help,” said Baroness Ann Limb, DBE. “I’m so pleased Cycling Citizens MK made so much progress.”
