Inspiration and Advocacy for Active Travel and Community – Merseyside Cycling Campaign Summit & AGM

On 22 May 2025, the Merseyside Cycling Campaign (MCC) hosted its annual Summit & AGM with a fantastic number of people coming along, including Councillors from various political parties, the Leader of Liverpool Council, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and LCR’s Cycling Commissioner. It was great to see support for our role as a ‘critical friend,’ advocating for political leaders to fulfil their strategies while supporting community engagement to inspire progress. 

There were many presentations for our audience to enjoy: 

Monika Grabias-Rodriguez shared her positive experience with Molly Coddle, a project by Peloton Liverpool Cooperative that encourages mums and caregivers to cycle together. 

Ed Gommon, Director of Zero Carbon Liverpool, highlighted the crucial period for active travel from now until 2032. Dr Kay Inckle from Wheels for Wellbeing discussed how cycling is often easier than walking for many Disabled people, advocating for mobility justice. 

Simon O’Brien, LCR’s Cycling Commissioner, addressed perceptions of empty bike lanes, comparing them to seemingly empty train tracks that are, in fact, efficient. Ian Pennington from Walk Ride GM shared the success of their active travel campaign in Greater Manchester.  

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool Council, stressed the importance of pushing for popular and safe cycling infrastructure, as highlighted in the Bike Life report. 

Andy Codd, Road Safety Coordinator at Liverpool Council, acknowledged the city’s need to catch up in linking road safety with active travel. His team is reintroducing school travel plans and campaigning on road safety issues.  

Ellis Palmer from BBC Radio Merseyside interviewed local cycling champions, including Helen Holcroft from Aigburth Community Cycling Club and Magdela Cichocka from Cycling UK. 

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the Garay Clarke Memorial Cup, this year awarded to Asylum Link Merseyside Bike Club and Repair Shop (Asylum Link Merseyside) for their work enabling refugees to benefit from cycling. The award was presented by Lord Mayor of Liverpool,

This phenomenal organisation offers a vital lifeline for asylum seekers and refugees in Liverpool and beyond. This remarkable organisation is dedicated to providing a warm welcome, essential support, and a sense of belonging to those who have fled their homes in search of safety and a better life. 

This great organisation provides a range of services, including advice, food, clothing, and much more. These services are crucial for individuals who often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs and face numerous challenges as they navigate their new environment.  The groups impact extends beyond providing immediate assistance. The organisation actively raises public awareness around refugee issues, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.  

Through various community engagement activities bringing together people from different backgrounds, promoting mutual respect and solidarity.  The groups vision is to build a society where asylum seekers are accepted, understood, and welcomed for the benefit of the whole community and are always looking for passionate individuals to join their cause. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, everyone can play a part in supporting asylum seekers and refugees.  

Don Thompson
Merseyside Cycle Campaign

Date: 30th May, 2025