Maddy Carr, Hove Town Centre Manager and Chair of the Local Action Team is passionate about cycling and is organising a Cycling Awareness Fun Day. The Local Action Team recently identified cycling issues as one of the top 3 concerns of Central Hove residents.

Cycling issues in Brighton and Hove have given rise to considerable negative press over recent months. Plans are now being made for Hove to host a Cycling Awareness Fun Day in June to promote safe, informed, and courteous cycling.

National bike week takes place from 18-26 June, and this brand new event will be attracting the crowds on George Street on 25th June.  Participants currently include the Red Watch from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Brighton & Hove City Council Road Safety Team, local PCSOs from Sussex Police, as well as other cycling organisations and retailers.

There will be an opportunity for cyclists to try an ‘exchanging places’ initiative, by sitting in the cab of a HGV supplied by Cemex, so that they can see the blind spots for themselves. Cemex are extremely proactive in promoting safety for cyclists and also produce their own leaflets on the subject of blind spots.

There will be freebies available on the day such as bells, safety fluorescent strips, and bike MOTs in addition to free safety leaflets, cycle maps of the city and coding stickers for bikes to help deter cycle thefts.

Maddy says “We’re lucky in Brighton and Hove to have a council that trains nearly two thousand children a year in schools on bikeability courses, but with the ever increasing number of vehicles on our roads and a limited number of cycle lanes across the city, it is imperative that we continue to offer information and support to cyclists of all ages to reduce accidents and save lives. Our Fun Day is designed to entertain as well as educate all road users”.

An exciting new design concept to improve the ‘urban cyclist’s awareness’ is currently being worked on by a second year Brighton University student, Emily Sophie Brooke.  A working prototype and exhibition material are likely to be completed in time to launch to the public at this event.

If you are a retailer selling bikes and cycling accessories, or an organisation that promotes road safety and would like to take part please contact Maddy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 01273 735442.

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