A SUSTAINABLE travel fair organised by local voluntary group PL:21 drew hundreds to the Watermark to discover how to get about while minimising impact on the environment.

The event on Saturday was organised by Ivybridge sustainability group PL:21 and Sustrans, the national charity encouraging ’cleaner, cheaper and healthier’ travel.

Organiser Graham Wilson said the day had felt very successful, and estimated as many as 250 people had turned up to talk to the organisations and businesses that had stands.

Among these were public transport providers like Plymouth Citybus, Stagecoach and Great Western Railway alongside local groups and businesses promoting walking and cycling. Wrangaton shop Puffing Billy Cycles was in attendance to talk about electric and pedal powered bikes, as were Ivybridge Walking Club, Sustrans, Dartmoor National Park and many more.

MP Gary Streeter was in attendance and showed a particular interest in the electric bikes, Graham said. He added the machines were becoming increasingly popular for their health benefits, and as a great way for people of all ages to get around.

A key part of the event was an opportunity for people to contribute local ideas on how to improve the cycling experience, to tie in with the Government’s Cycling Delivery Plan. Those in attendance were invited to stick post it notes onto a large map of the area, marked with lots of potential cycle routes.

Graham said: ’A cycle route between Ivybridge and Deep Lane is eligible for funding, and we are part way through getting a full-on community bid together. The thing is, when you talk about building new roads you’re talking about spending millions of pounds - but you could bring cycle routes in Plymouth’s eastern corridor up to a Danish or Dutch standard for a fraction of that cost.’

Graham offered thanks to Gary Streeter, and all the exhibitors at the event. Attention now turns to PL:21’s annual general meeting on Thursday, November 17, where Devon Wildlife Trust chief executive Harry Barton will speak on climate change and wildlife.