Hull could become the cycling capital of Britain

Reverend Canon Dominic Black cycles to work every day from his home in Victoria Dock to his place of work at Hull Minister in Trinity Square, Old Town.

The Vicar of Hull Minster leads a busy life. He says he would find it hard to fit exercise in, so cycling to and from work acts as the perfect way to get active around his demanding schedule.

Canon Dominic Black, the Vicar of Hull Minster, said - “The more people cycle, the more normal it becomes. There is no reason a flat city like Hull couldn’t become the cycling capital of Britain like those in the Netherlands.

“Cycling has meant that we can easily manage with one car. We have saved a fortune on fuel and maintenance and hopefully made some small contribution towards reducing congestion, pollution and our carbon impact.”

Last week Hull City Council launched the Walk It, Bike It, Bus It campaign. It asks residents to swap their cars for walking, cycling, or public transport for one day a week.

The move comes as Hull works towards leading the UK to a Net Zero future, as part of the Humber-wide Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign. It is encouraging local businesses and residents to drive down their emissions and take positive action on climate change.

Reverend Black said - “I enjoy the speed of cycling as it means I can get to places fairly quickly. My commute takes just 15 minutes and I never have to worry about parking and traffic levels.”

In a bid to encourage walking and cycling and the ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, Hull City Council rolled out plans to improve cycling and pedestrian facilities. They offer sustainable travel options for everyone.

Safer cycle lanes were introduced in areas including -

• Freetown Way
• Holderness Road
• Spring Bank
• Ferensway
• Anlaby Road
• Hessle Road
• Beverley Road

Reverend Black said - “The ones I have used the most are Freetown Way, Beverley Road and Spring Bank. They are a step in the right direction but, there is a need to develop better cycle infrastructure.

“My advice to new cyclists would be to just go for it, find some quiet routes and build up your confidence.”

Be part of the change and share your journey swaps with us on social media @travel_hull by using -

• #WalkItHull
• #BikeItHull
• #BusItHull

Access Oh Yes! campaign for advice and tips to help reduce your carbon footprint and sign up to be part of it.