2 June 2006 - GETTING about by bike in Harrogate and Knaresborough has never been easier with more than 20km of dedicated shared or upgraded cycle routes which have been connected to many other lightly trafficked routes. 

 

'Better by bike' is the message which Harrogate Borough Council is supporting for National Bike Week 17 25 June.  The council is working with local cycle clubs and businesses to spread the word that cycling to work or school is a very easy and healthy option.

 

Councillor Julian Sturdy, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, said:  "Dedicated off-road cycle routes have been delivered with funding from the Borough Council and County Council.  We have reached licence agreements with landowners, made new routes over council owned land and used redundant highway land.  Last year's completion of the £550,000 fully accessible bridge at the Dragon junction railway crossing was a key watershed.  This new bridge provides a viable cycle link between a highly developed network of cycle routes in the Bilton area and other routes linking to the shopping centre and many of the town's secondary schools."

 

Many of these projects have been delivered as part of the council's Cycle Implementation Plan, which is currently under review in order to include new routes.  The new plan will be adopted this summer.

 

In the past five year's since the plan was prepared, between 2001 and 2006 over £1.5 million has been spent on providing for cyclists and also includes provision of cycle racks and lockers at car parks and railway halts.

 

The council's cycle training scheme for primary schools has also been taken up by over 75 per cent of the 10 year old children who are eligible for the course.

 

Councillor Richard Cooper, Cabinet Member for Environment with special responsibility to look at traffic congestion, added:  "Cycling is not just good for your health it's good for everyone else's health too.  Reducing the number of cars on the road will mean less congestion, fewer traffic jams and fewer pollutants in our air.  For those that want more information on the extent of our cycling routes they can email cycling@harrogate.gov.uk or get the information from our website at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/immediacy-1206."

 

Copies of the cycle map can be found at local Tourist Information Centres or from the council's Cycling officer on 01423 556967 or cycling@harrogate.gov.uk

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:  8.45 am Tuesday, 6 June Le Deli (Deli France), Beulah Street, Harrogate.  Councillors Sturdy and Cooper will be meeting members of the Harrogate and Knaresborough cycling fraternity to discuss plans for the week which include Bike 2 Work days with free breakfasts on the 20^th at Brios (The Lenz on Hornbeam Park) and on 23 June at  Le Deli (Deli France), Beulah Street, Harrogate.  Any local employee who cycles to work on the 20^th will receive a free breakfast.

 

The council has given permission for cyclists to cycle along Beaulah Street for these special events to promote cycling.

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:  A full list of events taking place during the week is set out below:

 

 

 

 

Why not join Wheel Easy! For a leisurely 10-mile and longer rides every Sunday starting at 10am at Hornbeam Park Railway station.

For more information see www.wheel-easy.org.uk or contact Malcolm Margolis on 01423 870333 or Dave Preston on 566541, or

Email info@wheel-easy.org.uk

 

Starting from the Psychlosport shop on Coronation road at 9.00am

For further details contact Pete on 01423 545413 or see www.psychlosport.co.uk

 

PSYCHLOSPORT on Coronation Road near Nidd Vale Motors runs mountain bike rides twice weekly all year round. All levels of ability are catered for and all are welcome. Psychlosport and its riders are proud to support Bike Week and cycling activities within the Harrogate district. We also offer the full range of bike related servicing and products.

 

 

Any local employee who cycles to work on Tuesday 20^th am will receive a FREE breakfast from Brios (The Lenz).

 

 

Whilst plunging into a well-earned breakfast before work there will be an opportunity for you to gain information about:

 

-         Harrogate and Knaresborough cycle routes, plans and developments of the network

-         Safety advice, including an opportunity to get your bike post coded.

-         Cycle club advice- whether you're looking for an easy, beginners cycling ride, a competitive road race or an active mountain bike ride- club representatives will be on hand to offer advice.

-         Dr Bike- A FREE maintenance check for your bike will be available

-         Helsby cycles will be holding a display of new bikes that are available on the market. They will be available to offer you advice on what you should be looking for when buying a new bike.

-         Free entry into the Bike Week Prize Draw

 

Would you like some one to ride with to the bikers breakfast?

Perhaps you lack confidence and would like some one to plan your route.

For further information contact; cycling@harrogate.gov.uk

 

 

Starting from the Psychlosport shop on Coronation road at 6.30pm.

For further details contact Pete on 01423 545413 or see www.psychlosport.co.uk

 

Starting from St Winifreds Avenue, The Co-op at 6.30pm

Enjoy a 25-mile ride, at a good pace. For further information contact Martin Weeks on 01423 888326 or email Martin at martinweeks24@ntlworld.com

 

 

 

 

 

Any local employee who cycles to work on Friday 23^rd am will receive a FREE breakfast from Le Deli on Beulah Street.

 

 

Whilst plunging into a well-earned breakfast before work there will be an opportunity for you to gain information about:

 

-         Harrogate and Knaresborough cycle routes, plans and developments of the network

-         Safety advice, including an opportunity to get your bike post coded.

-         Cycle club advice- whether you're looking for an easy, beginners cycling ride, a competitive road race or an active mountain bike ride- club representatives will be on hand to offer advice.

-         Helsby cycles will be holding a display of new bikes that are

available on the market. They will be available to offer you advice

on what you should be looking for when buying a new  bike.

-         Free entry into the Bike Week Prize Draw

 

Would you like some one to ride with to the bikers breakfast?

Perhaps you lack confidence and would like some one to plan your route. For further information contact; cycling@harrogate.gov.uk

 

 

Why not join Wheel Easy! For a leisurely 10-mile and longer rides every Sunday starting at 10am at Hornbeam Park Railway station.

For more information see www.wheel-easy.org.uk or contact Malcolm Margolis on 01423 870333 or Dave Preston on 566541, or email info@wheel-easy.org.uk

 

Starting from the Pyschlosport shop on Coronation road at 9.00am.

For Further details contact Pete on 01423 545413 or see www.pyschlosport.co.uk