DOZENS of cyclists lobbied Chippenham MP Michele Donelan, demanding action not words on safer cycling and the environment.

They met the MP at her New Road office, presenting her with a letter.

The cyclists want to keep up momentum created during the Covid pandemic when large numbers of people cycled while the roads were quiet.

They say this provided benefits in reducing pollution, and improving fitness.

But now the roads are busy again, cyclists say they do not feel safe without proper segregated cycling lanes and road layouts planned for riders as well as motorists.

They say now people are returning to their cars, they fear the opportunity to build back greener is being lost.

Chippenham cyclist James Bradbury said: “We are delighted to see that the government has at last recognised the importance of cycling and the improvement of cycle facilities, which are so important for both health and the climate.

“Our family friendly bike ride highlighted support for this and the scope to do much more to encourage cycling in the Chippenham area.

“The cycling budget is still dwarfed by the amount of spending on roads. This is a good start, but it needs to go further.”

Alongside the cyclists, the environmental groups want to see action on the climate and ecological emergency. Government progress on the environment has been dismal.

An Extinction Rebellion spokesperson said there was ‘nothing out of the ordinary’ from Michelle though he said putting her on the spot did win a couple of concessions during the Q&A.

“One person queried the minimal number of electric vehicle charging points on the motorway network and she undertook to look into this,” he said.

“She was also pressed on the huge damage to woodlands by the HS2 project, and when the questioner asked if she had seen this for herself she conceded not, and agreed to visit.

“Other than that they were all politician’s answers which seem to say a lot but afterwards you realise it was just words and promises!”

Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan said: “I confirmed the support I had given to the creation of the cycle lanes but stressed the importance of working through ramification and that I have contacted the council to resolve parking for the Chippenham Town Football Club.

“I joined the group in Monkton Park for a further Q&A on climate change and government action and look forward to answering further questions from the group which I have welcomed via email.

“I must make it clear I do not support disruptive protests that block access for emergency vehicles and infringe of the freedom of the press but this was a peaceful and managed event.”