Better Transport

When plans for a riverside cycle route through Kendal were scrapped, Sonny Khan and his group, South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, swung into action. Through intense lobbying and mass cycle rides, the group succeeded in getting the decision overturned. Here Sonny shares his experiences and his top campaigning tips.

The Riverside Route is a £400,000 cycle route through the heart of Kendal, passing along a beautiful stretch of mountain river. Everything looked set for the route to be built, but at the last minute a group of councillors on the South Lakes Committee blocked it because it would cause the loss of 40 car parking places.

Sonny and his group knew this just wasn't good enough. "We need to encourage people to use alternative modes of transport – ones that don't carve up the countryside, contribute to climate change and clog up our public spaces," Sonny says. So they set to work campaigning against the decision.

"We need to encourage people to use alternative modes of transport – ones that don't carve up the countryside, contribute to climate change and clog up our public spaces."

The campaign was divided into three parts. First, the group wrote to councillors to remind them of the benefits of the Riverside Route.  They also organised a mass demonstration and cycle ride along the proposed route, which got lots of supportive press coverage.

Secondly the group set about identifying three supportive councillors (the minimum number needed) and asking them to 'call in' the decision for scrutiny. The scrutiny panel was impressed when over 20 local people turned up to watch the discussion; they voted unanimously to send the Riverside Route back to the South Lakes Committee for another decision.

Finally, Sonny and his group lobbied councillors on the South Lakes Committee to get them to vote for the route when it came back for reconsideration. As well as writing themselves, they encouraged people from all over the area to write to their councillors.  "Amazingly, when the committee met to reconsider the route, not a single councillor objected to it! We were amazed as this was beyond our wildest expectations," Sonny says.

"The route will help to create a vibrant cycling 'buzz' in Kendal, boosting tourism and making it a much more attractive place for residents and visitors."

Sonny has some great advice for other cycling campaigners:

• Get involved with local cycling groups – organise a mass bike ride to celebrate the joy of cycling and invite them along.  Tell them what you plan to do and ask them to help.
• Work with the council to identify what needs to be done. This could be as simple as inviting some councillors to cycle through town with you to experience it for themselves.
• Remind everyone of the benefits of cycling (reducing congestion, improving health, tackling climate change and boosting tourism). These are usually key priorities for councils, but they often need prodding and reminding.
• Get hold of the local travel plan for your area and see how it could be improved for cyclists.
• Do street stalls during Bike2Work week or Liftshare Day and ask people for their views on how cycling could be improved. 
• Get the press on your side by organising stunts. Challenge a journalist to a ‘car vs bike race' through rush hour. 
• Most importantly, get out on your bike and inspire others!

Find out more about South Lakeland Action on Climate Change or contact the group