A SOMERSET MP has created a petition to install a cycle path between two main towns.

Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, has launched a petition to create a cycleway between Taunton and Wellington.

The news comes after it was announced there would be a mass protest about lack of cycling safety between Taunton and Wellington tomorrow (March 20).

More than 200 community leaders and members from the Citizens Somerset alliance will don their bike helmets and join The Great Big Safety Ride.

The riders will leave Wellington at 1pm to cycle along the A38 to Sheppy’s Cider Farm at Bradford-on-Tone.

Once the Wellington peloton has reached Sheppy’s at around 1.45pm the Taunton cyclists will ride along the A38 to the same destination.

Ms Pow has said it has been a 'long-held ambition' of hers to have a cycleway along this busy route.

"Crucially this would make cycling along this route safer, it would encourage more people to get out of their cars and onto bikes thereby reducing pollution from vehicles but also it will help to bring obvious health and well-being benefits to those cycling," she said.

"There could be spin offs for local businesses too as data indicates that cyclists are more likely to shop local.

"A vital link could also be made with the proposed Wellington Rail station. Plans for this station are progressing well thanks to a co-ordinated approach through the Rail group which I am delighted to co-chair, as well as significant Government support and it makes sense to develop a cycleway that will access the new station."

READ MORE: Plans for Wellington train station to be led by Network Rail

Ms Pow explains that the timing is right to push for the cycleway, as the Government is committed to improving public transport links and 'recognising the important role cycling can play in the decarbonising agenda'.

She said that the Autumn Budget included £710million of new active travel funding over the next three years.

This funding is set to deliver hundreds of miles of high-quality segregated cycle lanes, provide cycle training for every child and deliver an e-bike support programme to make cycling more accessible.

"I aim to ensure Taunton Deane gets some of this funding," added Ms Pow.

"Active Travel England has already been launched by Government as their new cycling and walking executive agency and I plan to work with them to make the case for this much needed Wellington to Taunton cycle route.

"I am therefore launching this petition to present to Government to demonstrate the real need and support for this vital cycleway.

"If you feel as passionately about the scheme as I do and can see what great benefits it would bring, whether you are a cyclist already, plan to become one or simply want to offer your support I would be grateful if you would please sign this petition.

"The more the better. Let’s set the wheels in motion!"

To sign the petition visit rebeccapow.org.uk, or email rebecca.pow.mp@parliament.uk or call 01823 443 062 for more details.