Clearing the air together on Guildford’s Cleaner Air Day

We’ve recently had the UN’s International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies and the UK has its own Clean Air Day, but Guildford want more. On Sunday 29 September they will be hosting their first-ever Cleaner Air Day.

Hosted in the town centre, it is being framed around a family fun day which will incorporate educational messages to educate people in ways in which they can help improve air quality.

Motorists will be encouraged to leave the car at home and try walking, cycling or public transport as and alternative. People are also being warned about the dangers of wood burning and are being asked to use their stoves sparingly and to use smokeless fuel or dry, seasoned wood.

Working with Guildford Borough Council’s Environmental Services team, and partners such as Surrey County Council, University of Surrey, Zero Carbon Guildford, and health providers, the free event will showcase what is happening locally to make a ‘Greener Guildford’.

The event is also a timely event through which the new Beryl’s bike share scheme can be promoted. The scheme will see a pilot phase launching on 18 September, linking the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill and Manor Park campuses with Guildford town centre, aimed at students as the new academic year begins.

The pilot phase will accelerate over the following weeks, and by the end of October there should be 200 bikes with 46 bays across a wider part of the town. A full complement of 300 bikes will  be available across 56 bays in spring 2025, those final bays being in the outer areas of the town, completing a comprehensive network.

The e-bikes will be available to try on Cleaner Air Day and children will also be able to make their own smoothie on a smoothie bike and get a bike health check with Dr. Bike

Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services, Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith said: ‘We’re committed to making Guildford’s air cleaner and empowering our residents to be part of that transformation.

‘Cleaner Air Day is a great opportunity for everyone to learn how we can make a difference and the role we play in making our air safer for all. I hope as many people as possible come along, enjoy the activities on offer and find out more about the part we all play in tackling the climate emergency.”

Lead Councillor for Commercial Services, Cllr Catherine Houston added: ‘In Guildford we’re committed to becoming net zero by 2030 and it’s important we all work together to make that happen.

‘Cleaner Air Day is going to be a fun and informative event that will help us all to understand the ways we can make Guildford greener. So leave the car at home, walk, cycle or hop on the bus and enjoy a great day out with all the family!’