Cyclists will be able to use new parking in town which has been opened in time for a national event which encourages people to leave their car at home for the day.
Councillor Anne Chebsey, Mayor of Shrewsbury and Atcham, officially opened the cycle parking which has been installed at the top of Wyle Cop.
‘Town Without My Car Day’ takes place on Monday, September 22, and is aimed at encouraging workers and shoppers to leave their cars at home and travel into the town centre on foot, by bicycle or on the bus.
Anyone who cycles into town on that day can have their bicycle checked for free by Dr Bike, who will be in the Square from 8.30am onwards. As an extra incentive Starbucks coffee shop will give a complimentary coffee to cyclists who arrive between 8.30am and 10am.
Also on that day all travel on the Park and Ride buses from Oxon, Harlescott and Meole Brace will be free.
As part of the recent town centre improvements Shropshire County Council has installed new cycle stands at Dogpole, Marks and Spencer, and Castle Street.
Mrs Chebsey said: “I am very pleased to see more journeys being made by bicycle in Shrewsbury, and the growing demand for cycle parking. Cycling is convenient and healthy and I look forward to seeing more and more people out on their bikes, using the extra paths and facilities that will be provided now that Shrewsbury has been chosen as a cycling town.
“More people walking and cycling has also helped to achieve a significant improvement in Shrewsbury’s air quality over the past three years.”
Phil Crossland, SCC’s assistant director, for highways and transport, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to support ‘Town Without My Car Day’ by offering free travel on all the Park and Ride services.
“The recent improvements we have carried out in the town centre have made it a better environment for pedestrians and we have had very positive feedback. This initiative also comes at a good time for cyclists, as we start work on the cycling town programme.”
