I WRITE in response to the letter of 4th August from Mr Saint of Wimborne regarding Bournemouth council’s decision to allow a charity cycle event to the Lulworth Bestival using the promenade.

Cycling on the seafront continues to divide opinion with strongly held views both for and against. The seafront by-law relevant to cycling on the promenade, applies year round but in line with the council’s sustainable transport policy and to provide a safe cycling route, the council chooses to enforce the by-law during July and August between 10am and 6pm.

The decision to allow the charitable ride, was only made after the organisers had agreed a number of safety measures. This included the provision of 22 ride marshals and agreement that all riders would dismount and walk through the congested areas around the Square and Pier Approach.

I am very pleased to report the ride went off without incident and I sincerely believe the participants, the spectators and the recipients of the charitable donation have all benefitted from a fun filled, safe experience. In excess of £12k was raised for CALM, a charity devoted to reducing the number of male suicides. For more information about CALM, https://www.thecalmzone.net.

COUNCILLOR PATRICK OAKLEY

Winton East Ward, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & The Arts

Bournemouth Town Hall