A NEW bridge in the town is to be named in honour of an inspiring and influential Redditch cycling enthusiast.
The ‘Richard Bradshaw Bridge’ and bench, at Ipsley Brook off Washford Lane, will officially be unveiled next Wednesday (April 15) at 1pm.
Richard Bradshaw, who sadly passed away in January 2014 of a heart attack, was a Sustrans ranger co-ordinator and spent two decades of his life helping others to improve their health, fitness and cycling skills.
As well as his mission to get people participating in the sport, Richard has also been a member of the Cycling Touring Club since 1999.
He has achieved many great feats such as when he rode 603 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats.
As a bikeability instructor, Richard worked with primary school children, teaching them about cycling and road safety.
He also played a key role in helping to deliver cycle route audits for the Choose How You Move in Redditch sustainable travel programme.
The new bridge is three meters wide and allows disabled people, pushchairs and bikers to get across with ease.
It will also make the area less susceptible to flooding while also not interfering with the brook’s flow.
Paul Cooper, Worcestershire County Council’s project officer, said: “We’re very pleased that we’re going to unveil this bridge and name it after Richard.
“Richard and his wife Patricia undertook a great deal of work together with Sustrans colleagues, in helping to audit the cycle routes.”
