On 13 July 2021 The National Cycle Network (Sustrans) held a roundtable featuring SEM’s Maxwell Ayamba.

Chaired by Steve Brine MP, the round table discussed five key questions and highlighted how the Network can make a greater contribution to local tourism and economies.

After discussions, several recommendations were made to make the network more inclusive and responsive to the needs of local communities.

Reccommendations included;

– Working with partners to increase the number of new community groups involved with the Network.

– seeking opportunities and partnerships across the UK to illustrate how different demographic groups can enjoy the Network.

– promoting that the countryside and the National Cycle Network is for and belongs to everyone.

– ensuring that Tourism providers publicity advertising for countryside holiday targets diverse audiences.

– making the National Cycle Network more accessible

The National Cycle Network is a network of signed routes spanning the UK. It is used by walkers, joggers, wheelchair users and horse riders, as well as people on cycles. Over a third of the UK population lives within 800 metres (a 10-minute walk) of the Network. A local asset with incredible reach, it connects people and places across the UK and provides traffic-free spaces for everyone to enjoy.