Eastbourne cycling activist calls for change through power of song

Felicity Goodson, from Old Town, posted a video on Twitter and YouTube which calls for East Sussex county councillors to open up a cycle lane in response to the coronavirus pandemic. She says it would be good for people’s health, finance, and the wider environment.

Felicity proposes the cycle lanes can replace the car parking spaces along the seafront.

The 60-year-old said, “I just thought ‘I’m going to sing to the councillors and hope we can get it in front of them’. All my life I have pushed this message. I will never give up.

“We want the councillors to be courageous. This is an opportunity for serious change. It will make our town a beautiful place.”

The yoga teacher said the song came about after she and her partner went on a bike ride along the seafront during lockdown and saw how ‘extremely beautiful’ it was when the road was completely closed off to traffic.

The song’s lyrics are, “Oh Mr Shapps now what you calling for? Cycle paths to separate before we hit the floor. With Covid killing thousands and economy against the wall, East Sussex County Council will you pop em’ up for all?”

The government’s transport minister Grant Shapps has provided funds for pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors across England as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund - the first stage of a £2 billion investment, according to the government.

Felicity said, “The government knows it has to deal with climate change and the Covid breakdown. The people who have shouted against it will realise it works. We try to hang on to old ideas instead of embracing change.

“We need the younger people joining us to keep the momentum. This is their way to freedom. A cleaner Eastbourne.”

For more information, visit the group cycling group Bespoke, which Felicity is a part of, at bespokecyclegroup.org.uk or sign up for their newsletter here eepurl.com/g6gGnX

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