CAMPAIGNERS for a Wellington to Taunton Cycle Path (W2T) will be promoting their efforts with a mass cycle ride this spring.

Citizens Somerset wants the new Somerset unitary authority to make the cycle path along the A38 a transport priority and for it to be started by 2025.

The Great Big Safety Ride on Sunday, March 20, will be fully escorted along the A38 between Wellington and Taunton.

Wellington Town Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, local parish councils, Bridgwater and Taunton College and Musgrove Park Hospital have backed the idea.

The ride will see cyclists protected by vehicles at the front and back of the columns and marshals on the side. Riders will be guided back to the eastern Bradford-on-Tone turning to return in small groups through the lanes. Schools will have transport to take youngsters back to town.

The ride will finish at Sheppy’s Cider where participants will meet candidates representing a range of parties contesting the upcoming elections and enjoy music and refreshments. Riders will hear testimonies about the dangers of cycling at present and the benefits to health and the environment if a safe cycle path is built.

Party candidates will be asked to pledge their support for a dedicated cycle path alongside the A38 between Wellington and Taunton.

Campaigners say a suitable and safe cycle path between the towns would encourage more active travel to promote mental health and well-being as well as physical health. It would also help to reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards the reduction of the greenhouse effect.

A 64-year-old nurse who worked full-time at Musgrove Park Hospital said: "I don’t drive as I am partially sighted, so I cycle every day in every kind of weather from Wellington to Taunton.

"I do this along the A38 in unequal competition with hundreds of cars, lorries, vans and buses, almost all of whom view me as an obstacle who is slowing down their own journey to work. I have been knocked off three times and carry the residual effects of the worst of them.

"But this path is not just for me. A cycle path is about people who want to leave their car at home and do good things for their health, for their community and fresh air that we breathe, but who won’t because they are too afraid."

County and local councillor John Thorne said: "I will be recommending the town council commits to further financial support to help progress the proposals. I am fully behind the principle of the project and will do whatever I can as both a town councillor and a county councillor to help bring it to fruition."