We delivered our 20 hearts to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) on April 14 2024, to call for an all-at-once rollout of a 20mph speed limit.
BCP council is proposing some limited extensions to 20mph areas, like the one currently out for consultation in the Boscombe area. We’re in an environmental emergency and a 20mph limit could be rolled out instantly and affordably to make it safe for people to walk and cycle.
We say, where people live, work and play, 20 is plenty!
On Old Christchurch Road, protesters closed off a section of the street and made it ‘for people first’ – a vision of what could be. Children drew in chalk on the road, we played games and danced.
Founder of Cycling Rebellion, Adam Osman, said
“A crash is four times more likely to be fatal at 30 than 20, and it goes a long way to prevent accidents and make it safe for children to cross the street and cycle. Cllrs Dove and Broadhead would try to cast doubt, while pro-20 councillors are only proposing a piece-by-piece rollout. Everyone who is reasonable knows the science is solid. Default 20mph limits make our towns nicer places to be!”
At the civic centre, dozens of ‘20 hearts’ were laid out calling for action from the council.
Members of the public were asked to say why they support a 20mph speed limit.
Jack from Bournemouth said, “I think 20 is plenty in BCP because it will make it safer for cycling.”
Liz from Winton: “I think 20 is plenty in most of the streets, because we don’t need to be in a rush. We’re in a climate emergency, so we need to be looking at different ways of transport. At the moment, I don’t feel safe cycling in Bournemouth.”
Becky from Poole: “I think 20 is plenty in BCP because it’s safer for kids.”
Aaron from Poole: “20 is plenty in BCP because it encourages active travel, keeping people fit, healthy and outdoors.”
Phillipa from Poole: “I think 20 is plenty in BCP for cyclists, for the elderly, for young children getting to school. It gives everybody more time to cross the road and for traffic to react.”
Cycling Rebellion’s message to the council reads:
“BCP council, take decisive action to secure our children’s future, a slow rollout will not secure that. It only serves to confuse and delay progress. We need you to be brave and bold to secure a liveable future, in light of climate change. Open your hearts, Love 20.”
