CYCLISTS in Ipswich are celebrating today after they gained more freedom to bike around the town.Ipswich council has made its trial scheme of cycling through the town centre permanent, and extended it so cyclists can travel in both directions.

CYCLISTS in Ipswich are celebrating today after they gained more freedom to bike around the town.

Ipswich council has made its trial scheme of cycling through the town centre permanent, and extended it so cyclists can travel in both directions.

Kevin Ablitt, from Cycle Ipswich, welcomed the move. He said: "It sounds like a very sensible change. The roads were opened to cycling in one direction last year and there haven't been any problems.

"It is good to have a new route for cyclists so they don't have to mix with all the other traffic in the Crown Street area.

"Experienced cyclists are not worried by traffic, but those who are just taking it up or who haven't been on their bikes for several years don't like to mix with other traffic and this move gives them another route through the town - especially at times when they are travelling to and from work."

The scheme allowing bikes into the town centre will be operational between 4.30pm and 10.30am and will cover Carr Street, Tavern Street, the Cornhill, Westgate Street and the pedestrianised section of Princes Street.

Cyclists can already use the pedestrianised Butter Market during these times.

Paul West, the borough's transport spokesman, said: "This is very much in keeping with our desire to extend opportunities for cyclists in Ipswich and cut congestion.

“This will be a safer route than Crown Street and will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and hop on their bikes. Hopefully, we will see fitter residents enjoying safer and shorter trips to work and around town."

What would encourage you to bike to work? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.