Transport Fair

Young people are being encouraged to get on bikes, segways, tandems and buses as part of a packed transport event showcasing some of the latest and strangest travel solutions the 21^st century has to offer. Students aged 14 to 25 can make their way to the Guildhall and Piazza on Monday 22 October from midday to 5pm to try out a smoothie making bike, take a tour of a hybrid bus and get top fixing tips from Dr Bike at the Transport Fair.

The event has been organised by Plymouth City Council and is being supported by local and national transport providers including Plymouth Citybus, First Devon and Cornwall, GT Motorcycles, Vospers and British Cycling, who will have exhibitions and stands at the event. Outside in the marquee there will be segways and tandem bikes to try out and pro freestyle BMX demos with a halfpipe, which young people bringing bikes and boards are free to use. The police will also be on hand with bike security kits to mark up any young person’s bike for free on the day in an effort to reduce bike theft.

The Guildhall will be packed with information and advice stands including the latest apps and gizmos for up-to-date travel information, an eco driving simulator and the chance to share your views on the ‘Plymouth Plan sofa’. Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’ve got some fantastic things lined up for the Transport Fair. Young people can come along to try out a bike-based smoothie maker, have a go on electric and tandem bikes, see some thrilling demos on a halfpipe and have a go themselves if they bring their bikes. There are also loads of freebies and competitions with some great prizes.

“This will be a fantastic, fun, free event with a serious point to it. We want to hear the views of our young people. We want them to help us shape transport in the city. Their views will be fed directly into our plans for the city and will be heard almost immediately after the event by councillors attending an Overview and Scrutiny panel. This is a genuine attempt to find out what’s needed to improve the quality of life for young people in Plymouth.”

Later that same day, young people will get the chance to question the city’s transport gurus about the issues that bother them, ideas for travel solutions and anything else transport related at the Travel Summit from 5pm to 6pm in the Guildhall. Members of the UK Youth Parliament and Plymouth’s Youth Council will be at the Travel Summit, which will be compered by Councillor Kate Taylor, youngest councillor in the city and a former UKYP member.

The panel will include Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, Richard Stevens, MD of Plymouth Citybus, Paul Grace, Operations Manager for First Devon and Conrwall, Gavin Braithwait-Smith, Creator of Petrol Blog, Councillor Philippa Davey, Plymouth Cycling Commissioner and Andrew Seedhouse, Chairman of South West Smart Applications Ltd and representing Plymouth University.

Anyone is welcome to the event, including parents and family members of young people who may want to explore alternative options for their child’s travel to school or college. No need to book, just turn up on the day and hop aboard. Any young person attending can put their name down to be entered in to a prize draw to win a bike worth £200. For more information or queries call 668000 or visit the Transport Fair web pages.

Plymouth City Council