Commuters 'Start Cycling' events in Burnley, Preston and Blackburn
- free energy busting breakfast
- cycle servicing
- local cycle maps
- Between 8am - 10am
The Start Cycling rides in Burnley, Preston and Blackburn in association with British Cycling and Lancashire County Council, will take place during three days in September. The event, aimed at car-driving commuters, will take place as follows:
- Burnley, Thursday 15 September, St. James's Street, bandstand area
- Preston, Wednesday 21 September, Winckley Square Gardens
- Blackburn, Friday 30 September, in front of the Town Hall.
The event is being organised by Start,an initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales to inspire people with simple steps for sustainable living, and British Cycling.
Start Cycling aims to show the many benefits of cycling - it's healthy to get the heart going with exercise and fresh air in the lungs improves alertness at work. Cycling is low cost, much cheaper than paying petrol or public transport, and of course it's better for the environment being pollution free. Currently 13 million Britons are cycling and the trend is growing, with the aim to get a million more cycling by 2013. For every cyclist that means one healthier person and one less car on the road.
From 8am to 10am cyclists in Burnley, Preston and Blackburn will be greeted with an energy busting breakfast of cereal bars, bananas, croissants and coffee. Cyclists can have their bicycles serviced by staff from local bike shops. Lancashire County Council will be also distributing maps showing cycle routes in the Burnley and Preston areas. Representatives from British Cycling will be on hand to support cycle commuters, and share their expertise.
Joey Tabone, Chief Executive of Start and long-term cycling enthusiast said: "Start is absolutely delighted to be working with British Cycling on activities that get more people cycling. Getting out of a car and onto a bicycle - especially for shorter trips - is by far the easiest way to get fit, improve your heart and reduce stress. Cycling also helps decrease city pollution, reduce traffic noise and improve safety. It is a simple step, that creates a better place for everyone to live, work and play."
Stewart Kellett, British Cycling Director, Recreation and Partnerships said: 'We're delighted to be the cycling partner to Start. Supporting and encouraging cyclists is what we do, because cycling is great for you, your family, the economy and the environment. Encouraging more regular and frequent cyclists can save the UK economy a projected £2bn over the next decade through reduced absenteeism[1]. A 20% increase in cycling levels by 2015 could save £207mn in reduced traffic congestion. And cycling is for everyone; we look forward to meeting more cycle commuters at the Start Cycling events.'
So saddle up and Start Cycling!
[1] LSE report The British Cycling Economy, August 2011