Harrogate Borough Council

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17 June 2008 -  North Yorkshire's Community Cycle Development Officer, Martyn Bolt, has challenged two of Harrogate Borough Council's Cabinet Members to see who can commute into the town the fastest.

 

Councillor Don Mackenzie (Transport and Planning) and Councillor Andrew Jones (Resources) have accepted the challenge to promote National Bike Week 2008.

 

The travelling trio will meet in Ripley on Tuesday morning 24 June at 8.00 am for the trial.

 

Hoping to demonstrate that bike is best, Martyn will cycle from Ripley into Harrogate, whilst Cllr Mackenzie will travel by car journey and Cllr Jones will be catching the number 36 bus.  All three will finish at Cafe Nero on Station Parade in Harrogate town centre.

 

Each of the participants is upbeat about their chances,

 

Cllr Jones said:  "I have the easier journey, the 36 bus is a comfortable and frequent service and I will be able to chat to fellow commuters along the way."

 

Whilst Cllr Mackenzie says: " I will be driving myself and experiencing the journey that many residents make each day.  It will be a very useful experience but also with a serious message.  I know I am likely to be last.  Andrew will get off the bus at the bus station and simply cross the road to Caffé Nero.  Martyn will park his bike in one of the town centre cycle racks whilst I will have to park my car possibly in the nearby station car park which is now run by the council but I will have to buy my ticket and display it."

 

Martyn Bolt thinks he has the best chance of winning.  "I know I will have to work hard, the road is hilly in places and I will expend most energy.  But I am in serious training and I have been watching buses stop to pick people up and watching cars in traffic jams."

 

As well as comparing travel modes the challenge also highlights the future development of a cycle link between Ripley and Bilton and may serve to encourage commuters to try and catch the bus occasionally.

 

On the same day people who work in Harrogate are encouraged to join the trio at Caffe Nero on Station Parade for a bicycling breakfast before going to work.