Environmental group North Wales Extinction Rebellion are planning to hold cycle protest in Bangor on Saturday, in a bid to make the city more bike-friendly.

The protest will be starting at 11am on Beach Road and will last for up to two hours, with possible delays to traffic in the area.

The purpose of the ride will be to draw attention to the climate emergency and specifically to draw attention to the car centred infrastructure of the county and emphasise the importance of enabling safe cycling as part of the response to the climate emergency.

Cyclists and non-cyclists of all ages have been invited to take part in ‘direct action’ to save the planet. Supporters have also been invited to cheer on the cyclists and to ‘apologise’ to motorists for any inconvenience during the protest and to help spread the message about the climate emergency.

A spokesperson for the group said: “In the light of Gwynedd declaring a climate emergency, we are calling for them to invest into making Bangor, and the whole of Gwynedd more bike friendly.

“The current facilities seem to be a ‘box ticking exercise’ to please the Welsh Government’s active travel plan, and while the routes like Lôn Eifion etc. are wonderful as leisure facilities, what is needed are better commuter facilities, to draw people out of their cars.

“This would ease traffic congestion on the Menai crossings and other heavily used routes. It would also reduce emissions with fewer cars on the roads. Shared paths alongside roads would encourage cyclists to use them and keep out of the way of cars.”

Extinction Rebellion North Wales will also be writing to Gwynedd County Council calling on them to:

Create transport infrastructure that prioritises pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
Actively include citizens in consultation on improvement for non-car infrastructure including reaching out to groups such as Beicio Bangor and Sustrans.
Take control of public transport contracts imposing tougher conditions to improve the experience of passengers.

While the protest will not involve high speeds, the group have asked that all riders come wearing helmets and HiViz gear for their safety and to make the protest visible to as many people as possible. Protestors have also been asked to make banners which can attach to their bikes.

For more information about the protest here: https://www.facebook.com/events/386618785289556/?active_tab=about