Bishop’s Stortford cyclists ‘Beat the Boundaries’ as East Herts ponders sustainable transport plans

Bishop’s Stortford cyclists revived an ancient tradition when they saddled up for a ‘Beating the Boundaries’ ride.

Around 40 people took part in the event on Saturday, which was described by Cycle Stortford’s Graham Oxborrow as “a modern-day take on the Anglo-Saxon tradition of town elders touring the parish boundary to show younger members of the community key landmarks around the edge of town”.

The participants enjoyed a 12-mile circular ride from Bishop’s Stortford Town Council’s offices in Windhill, largely on quiet residential roads and cycle routes.

The tour included a “Beating the Bounds” ceremony near the parish boundary at Birchanger Woods.

Graham said: “It was a lovely ride that really showcased the town – even experienced cyclists enjoyed locations they hadn’t discovered before.”

The event was instigated by town council chief executive Huw Jones, who joined the ride. In his pre-ride briefing, he stressed that it was intended to be an enjoyable way to highlight the advantages of cycling as a sustainable transport mode with the potential to reduce congestion and pollution around the town.

Town and East Herts district councillors from all parties took part or waved off the riders. The mayor, Cllr Richard Townsend, was one of the cyclists and acted as master of ceremonies when the bounds were beaten.

At the finish, Mr Jones said: “We were delighted by the range of cyclists who explored our lovely town with us. There was widespread support for making the ride an annual fixture in the town council calendar.”

The event was supported by Cycle Positive, Highway Cycles, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Bishop’s Stortford BID and volunteer stewards from the town council and developer Countryside.

It followed the launch last Friday (July 12) of an informal consultation to help improve the East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) draft network route map. Residents are being asked for their views on the most effective way to connect communities sustainably.

Cllr Vicky Glover-Ward, East Herts Council’s executive member for planning and growth, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for residents to directly influence the future of walking and cycling in their communities.

“By offering feedback and encouraging further engagement among local friends and family, residents will be helping to forge a desirable and effective network route map for active travel within and between our district’s destination towns, as well as other, more rural areas.

“Enabling greater access to safe travel by sustainable means will greatly benefit the physical and mental health of our residents, while also contributing to a more sustainable future for East Herts.”

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who registered an interest in the East Herts LCWIP since May.

“This next stage of engagement is to provide us with feedback on potential routes, which will in turn help to shape what the local walking and cycling network could look like in the future.

“Our aim is to offer all residents a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. By increasing access to cycling and walking initiatives, we’ll help to improve health and air quality, as well as reducing traffic congestion.”

The two authorities are inviting residents to give feedback using an online platform – Esri Hub. See www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/EasthertsLCWIP for more details. A formal consultation will follow later this year.

All pictures by Vikki Lince.