TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow has launched a petition to create a cycleway between Wellington and Taunton.

Ms Pow said it had been a long-term ambition of hers, as well as for many others in the local community, to have a cycleway running between the towns next to the busy A38.

She said: “Crucially, this would make cycling along this route safer, it would encourage more people to get out of their cars and onto bikes, thereby reducing pollution from vehicles, but also it would help to bring obvious health and well-being benefits to those cycling.”

There could be spin-offs for local businesses too, she said, as data indicates that cyclists are more likely to shop locally.

A vital link could also be made with the proposed Wellington railway station.

Ms Pow added: “The timing is right to push for this cycleway with the Government committed to improving public transport links and recognising the important role cycling can play in the de-carbonising agenda.”

She said the autumn budget included £710 million of new active travel funding over the next three years to deliver hundreds of miles of high quality segregated cycle lanes, provide cycle training for every child and deliver an e-bike support programme to make cycling more accessible. She said she aims to ensure Taunton Deane gets some of this funding.

The Government has launcehd Active Travel England as its new cycling and walking executive agency, and Ms Pow said she planned to work with it to make the case for the Wellington-Taunton route.

Ms Pow said: “If you feel as passionately about the scheme as I do and can see what great benefits it would bring, whether you are a cyclist already, plan to become one or simply want to offer your support, I would be grateful if you would please sign this petition. The more the better. Let’s set the wheels in motion.”

To sign the petition, visit Rebecca Pow’s website www.rebeccapow.org.uk/ or email [email protected] or phone 01823 443062 for more details.