READERS may have seen the name Bike Worcester appear in various news articles in recent months, and it’s perhaps a good time for a more formal introduction.

We came together a couple of years ago, when we noticed changes happening in other cities around the UK, where forward-thinking councils were proactively changing the transport infrastructure to enable and encourage an increase in active travel.

In addition a common feature in these cities was a cycling and walking group, where people could discuss local cycling issues, and then engage in a more organised fashion with decision makers, businesses, schools and the police.

No such group existed in our city, and so Bike Worcester was formed. A collection of people living and working in and around Worcester, providing voices for all ages, with representatives from local businesses, school governors, councillors, parents, and representatives from St John's Cycling Club, Sustrans, Women on Wheels and Cycling UK.

The aim of the group is simple: increase the number journeys made by bicycle, and as a result decrease the number of journeys made by motor vehicles.

The vast majority of members own and regularly use a car, and are therefore drivers. We also use our legs to get around, and so at times are pedestrians. Most will use public transport. Some of us have dogs.

In short, this is not about dividing, labelling and pigeon holing. We are just people using different forms of transport, all constantly interacting with other people also moving around.

So what’s the point? In short, cycling is amazing. We’ll try not to bang on about it in every article, but I’m definitely going to mention it here.

It’s an incredibly efficient mode of transport, and is relatively quick, particularly when crossing a city in rush hour.

It’s accessible to the vast majority of the population, from children as young as two to folk approaching three figures, including people struggling with mobility and health issues.

Benefits of cycling compared to travelling by car impact on individuals and wider society, improving physical and mental health and air quality, reducing congestion, CO2 emissions, noise, and reducing the risk of serious injuries, death and damage caused by road traffic collisions.

Bike Worcester’s aims are in agreement with recent guidance from central Government, and with county and city Council policies. We are here to ensure the voices of people using bicycles as a mode of transport are heard, as they have the best perspective of the needs of cyclists, and to insist that this information is used when making decisions about the future of Worcester.

More information can be found on our website, bikeworcester.org.uk, where you can become a member, and contribute your ideas and actions.

There is an area to upload suggested improvements to local infrastructure, which also provides visibility on other’s suggestions.

We openly welcome your input, and your help in improving Worcester, for everyone.