Help Shape the Future of Transport in the West of England!

Nov 19

Written By Communications ReclaimOurBusesWOE

Residents of Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire are invited to an exciting event this Saturday, 23rd November, to reimagine how we travel. Whether you’re passionate about reducing traffic, improving public transport, or creating safer routes for walking and cycling, this is your chance to share your ideas and learn from leading voices.

The event will take place at Sparks, Broadmead, Bristol, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and features keynotes, workshops, and discussions designed to inspire change and creativity.

Event Details:

Location: Sparks, Broadmead, Bristol
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tickets: Sliding scale pricing to ensure accessibility (Headfirst Bristol).

Keynote Speakers

Two expert-led sessions will kick off the day with fresh perspectives:

Jeyda Heselton (Fettle): Discussing the transformative potential of replacing commercial vehicles with cargo bikes in urban areas.
Professor Graham Parkhurst (UWE): Sharing insights into clean air zone policies, parking levies, and the future of transport systems in the region.

Panel Discussion

Key regional leaders will come together to discuss current transport challenges and opportunities, including:

Transport Action Network
Somerset Bus Partnership
Bristol City Council
Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership
Fettle
UWE

This session will provide a broad view of regional and local efforts to create an integrated, sustainable transport network.

Workshops

Interactive, hands-on workshops in the afternoon will give attendees the opportunity to contribute to real-world solutions:

The Road & the River Workshop: Exploring the relationship between two critical transport routes—the M32 and the River Frome—and how they can be reimagined to better serve communities.
People’s Passenger Transport Executive: A mock community-led forum where participants will brainstorm ways to improve public transport across the region, providing input into potential future governance models.

Community Stalls and Activities

Throughout the day, attendees can engage with local organisations showcasing projects and campaigns such as:

Frome Bike Project: Advocating for active travel solutions.
Bristol Rail Campaign: Working to improve local train services.
Bath and Bristol Tram Association: Exploring the potential for modern tram networks.
Reclaim Our Buses: Campaigning for better bus services across the West of England.
First Bus, the Older People's Forum, Cycle Sprog, Mobility Hub and many more! Forum, Cycle Sprog, Mobility Hub and many more!

The event will also feature kids’ activities, community info stalls, and lunch catered by Coexist Community Kitchen.

Why Attend?
This event is an opportunity to share your voice, connect with others, and directly shape the region’s transport future ahead of the 2025 West of England Mayoral election. Whether you’re a commuter, parent, student, or advocate, your input will help drive meaningful change.

We're expecting mayoral candidates and local councillors to be in attendance, so it's a good opportunity to share your feedback and visions for the Future of Transport!

Agenda Highlights: