Bike Week 2009: Putting York in the saddle (From York Press)

Bike Week 2009: Putting York in the saddle

10:27am Monday 15th June 2009

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There is special reason to celebrate Bike Week 2009. CHARLOTTE PERCIVAL finds out why.

WHEN the Tour of Britain descends on York later this year, the cyclists will be in good company. After all, York is now a Cycling City, and the events arranged to celebrate Bike Week, which runs until Sunday, shows how seriously the city is taking its responsibilities.

So it is only fitting that the Yorkshire leg of the race is being officially launched here on Saturday, to coincide with Bike Week and the CTC York Cycle Show at York Racecourse on the same day.

York won Cycling City status in 2008 and since then, community-led partnership Cycling City York has pledged £3.68 million to improve and develop facilities for cycling over two-and-a-half years.

Initiatives have included cycle rides with trained volunteers to show people how safe cycling can be, maintenance workshops aimed at women and events to get more teenage girls on their bikes.

Paul Ramskill, participation group leader for Cycling City York, thinks people are becoming more enthusiastic about cycling, especially with the recent Olympic success of British cyclists such as Chris Hoy.

Throughout Bike Week, he wants to harness that enthusiasm to get more people cycling in York.

In this spirit, The Press and Cycling City York have joined forces with cycling shop Cycle Heaven, in Bishopthorpe Road, York, to give away a bike every day this week.

Prizes include a woman’s bike, a family bike and bikes aimed at families at mature riders.

“I think people like Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton and their achievements have changed the way that people think about cycling themselves,” says Paul.

“They are great role models, particularly for young people and the BMX riders, who are competing at such a high level, are great for young people.”

Paul often rides through York and particular enjoys cycling with his family and through Dalby Forest. He is also dedicating time to speak to other people about what would make them more likely to cycle in York and what Cycling City York can do to improve things.

“We are very lucky to have places such as Dalby Forest on our doorstep, and Bike Week will be a great push for people to see the opportunities we have got for cycling” says Paul.

“In York, the Sustrans routes are usually the best ways to get around but you can literally set off from most places in the city centre and within 15 minutes be out of the city and cycling in lovely open countryside.”

The theme for this year’s Bike Week is “live local, get cycling” and events include cycle rides and safety workshops, while the Cycling City York team will offer advice, information and cycle route maps in Parliament Street during lunchtimes.

Today, there will be a safety event in Parliament Street, highlighting how to stay safe when cycling near heavy goods vehicles and busses and making motorists more aware of cyclists on the road.

* For more information, phone Paul Ramskill on 01904 553372 visit www.york.gov.uk/cycling

Bike Week events include:

Today
10am-4pm, Parliament Street: a bike safety event, how to stay safe when cycling near heavy goods vehicles and busses.

6.30pm: 90-minute led cycle ride from Oaklands Sports Centre.

Tomorrow
6.15pm-9pm, Cycle Heaven, a commuting bike open evening.

7pm, Goodricke College, University of York: a 30-minute led cycle ride for beginners .

Friday
8am – 9am: Bike2Work/Bike Breakfast, University of York, Wentworth College (only staff and students).

Saturday and Sunday
CTC York Cycle Show, York Racecourse. For more information, visit www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk, email yorkcycleshow@ctc.org.uk or phone 0844 736 8456.

York Cycle routes map>>

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