CYCLE activists filled Poole Quay with the sound of drums as they held a mass bike ride calling for safer travel across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Dozens of cyclists and supporters took part in Cycling Rebellion’s sixth critical mass ride on Sunday, January 28.

The event was part of the group’s monthly meet up, but many residents turned out to support sustainable travel following the controversial closure of one of the entrances to Poole Park.

The entrance and exit points at Whitecliff Road and Twemlow Avenue were closed to through traffic on January 17 as part of a trialled closure and consultation.

Bournemouth Echo: Harry and Antoine Mcauley

Harry and Antoine McAuley live opposite the park and said they feel strongly about traffic in the area.

“The park should not be for through traffic,” said Harry.

“Since the closure it has been a lot quieter but also a lot more impatient drivers, which isn’t great for people with children.

“Although it’s only a few that do that, it’s a few too many.”

Harry added that people visiting the park are more relaxed since access has been restricted and has witnessed ‘more people with smiles on their faces’.

Antoine, who is a paediatrician, said she is in favour of anything that encourages people to exercise, including making the park safer for children.

Bournemouth Echo: Lovette Saunders, Mark Saunders, Rod Harris

Mark and Lovette Saunders said it was their first time at a critical mass ride, and that they use a mix of cycling and driving.

Mark said he does not understand the disagreement of the Poole Park entrance closure and believes it should remain closed.

He added: “Cycling is for short distances and driving is for long distances.”

Lovette said she used to cycle to work every day before changing jobs and that cycling does not have to be just for the young.

Rod Harris, who is part of Extinction Rebellion, has taken part in three previous bike rides and said there should be more provision for cycling.

Bournemouth Echo: Adam Osman, founder of Cycling Rebellion

Adam Osman, founder of Cycling Rebellion, said the bike rides bring people together and that those involved ‘are not for or against anyone’.

Regarding Poole Park, he said that it remains accessible and that people can still drive through, meaning that ‘everyone wins’.

Adam set up Cycling Rebellion six months ago to promote sustainable travel, and is now readying to launch his own website to encourage other cities to host their own critical mass rides.