The Phillips Memorial Park in Godalming is an award-winning local gem, bustling with activity and life year-round. It's a vibrant community hub, home to the historic Cloister in memory of Jack Phillips (of Titanic fame), the bandstand, the local bowls club, and cherished events such as the annual duck race, Staycation festival, Choir Blast, and Music in the Park.  It is also a sanctuary for local apartment-dwellers who do not have gardens.

This proposed 4-metre wide cycle path running through the park would form the end of the Guildford-Godalming cycle path. We argue that it is an unnecessary extension - the cycle path could easily end at The Burys, giving full access to the town.  This would ensure both the promotion of cycling and the preservation of one of Godalming's treasured community spaces

We are not proposing a ban on cycling in the park. However, we feel that the proposed extension to the Guildford-Godalming link would significantly increase cycle traffic, particularly at weekends, thus creating considerable safety risks.

A path built to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians in this crowded space would undoubtedly lead to accidents, especially during well-attended events or peak times when the park is teeming with visitors. There have already been several near-misses, one involving a toddler. The park is not big, and there is very limited space particularly on the main pathway between the river and the bowling green where the cycle path is proposed.

While the encouragement of cycling is important for environmentally friendly transportation and healthy lifestyle choices, the implementation must not compromise public safety. A cycle path cutting through the heart of such an active, family-oriented park disrupts its peaceful atmosphere and raises concerns about the well-being of its users.

Please sign the petition to support the re-routing of the proposed cycle path and safeguard the integrity and safety of our beloved Phillips Memorial Park.