Safe Streets Now campaign seen outside Norwich City Hall

On Saturday members from various cycling groups in Norwich stood outside City Hall joining more than 20 UK cities as part of the Safe Streets Now campaign, which calls for the government to take action and make roads safer.

Campaigners on the day were joined by Captain SloMo, an "action hero" using his powers to help reduce speed limits to 20mphs across the city. 

Captain SloMo outside City Hall for the Safe Streets Now campaign (Image: Stuart Beard)

Captain SloMo, who wanted to keep his identity secret, said: "Being a hero isn't all battling supervillains.

"It's about fighting for real change in our society which benefits everyone.

"I’m proud to stand with the Safe Streets Now campaign and call for a sustainable, people-focused transport system for Norwich as well as the whole UK."

Captain SloMo in Constitution Hill on Friday (Image: Peter Silburn)

On Friday, Captain SloMo patrolled a notorious speeding spot in Constitution Hill - equipped with his 20mph shield.

Nearby neighbour, Rich Wilson, said: "I think it's great.

"I'm not saying Norwich is Gotham City but when the police can't cope, that's when you need superheroes - or failing that - speed cameras."

Captain SloMo said being a hero isn’t all battling supervillains (Image: Peter Silburn)

Safe Streets Now recently sent an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asking the government bring forward legislation to make 20mph the default speed limit in built-up areas, implement a nationwide ban on pavement parking and allocate 10pc of highway spending to infrastructure for walking and cycling.

​READ MORE: 'Ghost bikes' put outside County Hall by Norwich campaigners

The campaign comes after it was revealed seven people in Norfolk died while riding a bike last year and in six of the seven cases, the driver was arrested for dangerous or inconsiderate driving.

Peter Silburn, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: Newsquest)

Peter Silburn, chairman of Norwich Cycling Campaign said: "Cycling is a safe activity but it often doesn't feel that way.

READ MORE: Is city junction a 'no-go' for cyclists? Council chief's comments criticised

"More needs to be done to make our roads safe for everyone."

Fern Blevins of Kidical Mass Norwich added: "Each death on our roads is an avoidable tragedy.

"No one should be killed or seriously injured as they travel around our streets and children should have the freedom to cycle around the city safely every day."

Norwich joined more than 20 other cities in the Safe Streets Now campaign on Saturday (Image: Stuart Beard)

The Wales 20mph backlash and U-turn

Some roads in Wales will be reverting back to 30mph, following backlash around its £34m project.

In September 2023 the Welsh government introduced its 20mph policy, seeing the default speed limit in built-up areas reduced from 30mph.

However the Welsh transport minister, Ken Skates, said it would "correct" the guidance after half a million people signed a petition against the plans.

The plans were brought in by Wales' first minister, Mark Drakeford, in the hope that lower speed limits would lead to fewer collisions and injuries.

Fern Blevins of Kidical Mass Norwich (Image: Fern Blevins)